Arsenal is planning to increase the capacity of Emirates Stadium beyond 70,000, with a potential temporary move to Wembley Stadium on the cards.
As Arsenal approaches the 20th anniversary of their move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium, the club is exploring options to increase the capacity of their home ground.
The current 60,700-capacity stadium is no longer sufficient to meet the demand for season tickets, with over 100,000 fans on the waiting list. To address this issue, Arsenal is considering expanding the stadium to above 70,000 seats, which would make it the biggest ground in London.
The potential expansion would not only help to accommodate more fans but also boost Arsenal’s finances. Increasing the capacity of the stadium would add tens of millions in annual revenue, which would help the club to compete with the biggest clubs in Europe.
Real Madrid’s recent upgrade to the Santiago Bernabeu is a prime example of how stadium expansion can lead to significant financial gains.
Arsenal’s plans to expand Emirates Stadium involve increasing the capacity while maintaining the outer bowl of the stadium. The club is exploring options to change the gradient of the stands or adapt the seating plan to fit in more spectators. This would allow Arsenal to increase the capacity without altering the iconic design of the stadium.
While the expansion plans are underway, Arsenal is also considering a temporary move to Wembley Stadium. The 90,000-seat capacity stadium would provide a perfect temporary home for the club while the Emirates Stadium is being renovated.
Wembley’s state-of-the-art facilities and massive capacity would ensure that Arsenal’s fans are still able to attend matches while the stadium is being expanded.
If Arsenal is able to increase the capacity of Emirates Stadium to above 70,000, it would move them up the Premier League stadium capacity rankings. The club would potentially overtake Manchester United’s Old Trafford, which has a capacity of 74,879, and establish itself as one of the biggest clubs in the league.
