History

The brand-spanking new ground, known as the Emirates Stadium (or to many as Ashburton Grove), opened in July 2006 with a testimonial match for Dennis Bergkamp. It cost an eye-watering £260 million.

General Ground Information

The views are generally OK, however both home and away fans have complained that the 'rake' of the lower tier is too shallow which leads to people bobbing up and down all game. It also, and this is a REAL disappointment for such a new ground, has the same old problem of all too many new grounds in Britain that the first few rows are far too low.

There is talk of putting in more lifts to the upper tier. There are currently eight to the upper tier (two in each quadrant). The alternative is eight (count them) flights of stairs. There is also some talk of putting another big screen in, in the north-east corner of the ground (there are currently two, one in the south-east corner and one in the north-west corner).

The middle or “mezzanine” level of the ground is taken up by the Club area and the executive boxes. If you want a seat there it will cost you a MINIMUM of £2,500 a season and up to £4,750 a season for the best seats on and around the half-way line. It gets better. If you wanted one of the best seats in this area you had to pay a minimum of FOUR seasons in advance.

One of the perks of the Club zone is 'free' (“free” in the sense that you don’t have to pay EVEN more money than you’ve already lashed out for your seats, which work out per match at between £96 and £183) drinks at half-time. The inhabitants of the Club zone can be seen leaving their seats up to ten minutes before the end of the first half, often not returning until fifteen minutes after play has re-commenced.

The family/kids’ area is in the lower tier of the West Stand towards the southern end in front of the press box.