Emirates Stadium

Emirates Stadium, nestled in the heart of North London, stands as a titan of modern sporting and entertainment architecture. While primarily renowned as the hallowed ground of Arsenal Football Club, its immense capacity and state-of-the-art facilities have cemented its status as a premier destination for large-scale live music events. More than just a stadium, Emirates Stadium is a coliseum for the modern age, capable of transforming its hallowed turf into a vibrant stage for global music superstars, offering an unparalleled experience for tens of thousands of fans. Its sheer scale, coupled with a commitment to delivering world-class audio-visual production, ensures that every concert held within its imposing structure is an event of significant magnitude, resonating with the grandeur befitting its reputation.

The story of Emirates Stadium is inextricably linked to the evolution of Arsenal Football Club. The decision to move from their historic Highbury home was born out of a need for greater capacity and modern facilities to keep pace with the burgeoning popularity of the Premier League and the increasing demands of global football. Construction began in 2002, with the stadium officially opening its doors in July 2006. Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), the stadium was conceived as a multi-purpose venue from its inception, built with the potential for hosting concerts and other major events.

Architecturally, Emirates Stadium is a testament to contemporary stadium design. It features a distinctive cantilevered roof that provides excellent cover for a vast majority of spectators, enhancing the acoustics for both sporting events and concerts. The seating bowl is designed to be steep, bringing fans closer to the action, a feature that also contributes to an intense atmosphere during music performances. The external façade is clad in a striking combination of glass and aluminium, giving it a modern, clean aesthetic that stands out against the urban landscape of Holloway. The stadium was a significant engineering feat, built on a site that previously housed a large industrial facility, requiring extensive redevelopment and innovative construction techniques to deliver a venue capable of holding over 60,000 people.

While its primary role is football, Emirates Stadium has consistently sought to broaden its appeal and solidify its position as a major entertainment hub. Its ability to host concerts of colossal scale has seen it become a sought-after venue for artists looking to play to massive audiences in London. The transition from the intimacy of Highbury to the expansive scale of Emirates Stadium for non-footballing events represents a significant shift in the types of music experiences available to Londoners. It signifies the stadium's ambition to be more than just a sports venue, but a landmark destination for entertainment, capable of attracting global tours that might otherwise bypass the city or be limited by smaller venue capacities.

The introduction of music to Emirates Stadium has undeniably expanded the city's live music landscape. It offers an experience that differs significantly from smaller, more intimate venues, providing a sense of occasion and spectacle that only a stadium of this magnitude can deliver. This has allowed for a different kind of fan engagement, where the sheer collective energy of tens of thousands of people amplifies the impact of the performance, creating a truly immersive and memorable experience.

Emirates Stadium's foray into live music has been marked by some truly unforgettable performances, showcasing its capability to host the world's biggest artists. The USP of Emirates Stadium as a concert venue lies in its unmatched capacity for delivering large-scale, electrifying stadium spectacles in a central London location, offering an immersive and powerful audio-visual experience for vast audiences. This allows for shows of a scale and ambition rarely seen elsewhere in the capital.

Over the years, Emirates Stadium has played host to legendary artists, leaving an indelible mark on its history:

• Coldplay (2012, 2016, 2022, 2023): The British superstars have repeatedly filled the stadium, often with multiple dates, transforming the pitch into a vibrant canvas of light and sound, a testament to their global appeal and the stadium's capacity to host them. Their shows are known for their spectacular visual production, which the stadium's infrastructure perfectly complements.
• Muse (2013): The rock titans delivered a typically high-octane performance, showcasing their signature blend of stadium anthems and theatrical stagecraft, proving the venue's prowess in handling complex rock productions.
• Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (2012, 2016): "The Boss" brought his legendary marathon sets to the Emirates, captivating huge crowds with his enduring charisma and powerful live performance, demonstrating the stadium's ability to hold an audience spellbound for hours.
• Green Day (2017): The punk rock veterans brought their infectious energy to North London, proving the stadium's versatility in hosting high-energy rock shows with a massive, enthusiastic turnout.
• Guns N' Roses (2017, 2018): The iconic rock band reunited and delivered thunderous sets, their raw power resonating through the expansive stadium, attracting a diverse and passionate fanbase.
• Ed Sheeran (2015): While not filling the entire stadium to its maximum concert capacity, Sheeran's early shows here were a significant step in his ascent, demonstrating the venue's ability to host burgeoning global talent.

These events, among many others, highlight Emirates Stadium's capacity to create memorable music experiences on a grand scale, drawing in global artists and their legions of fans.

Emirates Stadium is committed to providing a positive and accessible experience for all visitors.

• Wheelchair Access: The stadium offers a significant number of wheelchair-accessible viewing positions, strategically located throughout all tiers, providing excellent sightlines. These positions are accompanied by companion seats.
• Assistance: Accessible stewards are available to assist with navigation, information, and any specific needs. Lifts are available to access different seating areas and concourses.
• Sensory Rooms: Dedicated sensory rooms are available for individuals who may find the noise and crowds overwhelming. Advance booking is essential.
• Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets are located throughout the stadium, including within the concourses and near accessible seating areas.
• Hearing Loops: Induction loops are available for those with hearing impairments.
• Accessible Parking: A limited number of accessible parking bays are available on a first-come, first-served basis for blue badge holders. These must be booked in advance.

For specific accessibility requirements, it is highly recommended to contact the stadium's accessibility team directly well in advance of your visit to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Emirates Stadium, familiarise yourself with the following policies:

• Door Times: Door opening times can vary for concerts, but typically open 1.5 to 2 hours before the advertised start time. Always check your ticket and official venue communications for the most accurate times.
• Age Restrictions: Most concerts at Emirates Stadium are suitable for all ages, but specific age restrictions may apply depending on the artist. For example, children under 16 may need to be accompanied by an adult. It is crucial to check the individual event's terms and conditions.
• Bag Policy: To expedite security checks, it is recommended to bring only essential items. Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are generally prohibited. Small bags (e.g., A4 size or smaller) are usually permitted. All bags will be searched.
• Security: Enhanced security measures are in place. Be prepared for thorough searches of your person and belongings. Prohibited items include weapons, flares, pyrotechnics, and outside food and drink.
• Photography Rules: Professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually not permitted. Small, personal cameras and mobile phones for personal use are generally allowed, but recording or broadcasting the event is strictly forbidden. Check specific event guidelines.