With an incredibly heavy heart, Arsenal left Highbury in the summer of 2006 to move to a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium where they are now based, The Emirates Stadium.
With a severe lack of space to expand, the financial progression of the club hinged on the building of a new stadium to bring The Gunners in line with their elite Premier League opponents.
At the turn of the new millennium, Arsenal acquired a waste disposal site at nearby Ashburton Grove and began the lengthy process of creating a new home, though financial issues meant construction was delayed until early 2004. They signed off at Highbury with a thrilling 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic, during which legendary striker Thierry Henry netted a hat-trick.
The stadium was opened with cult hero Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial, while Gilberto Silva scored the first competitive goal by an Arsenal player in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa soon after.
The redevelopment of Highbury Square into a 650-flat complex was completed in 2010 and with the famous art deco façade of the East Stand Grade II listed, precious memories can be preserved for Gunners fans for many years to come.
DID YOU KNOW?
When the Club moved to Emirates Stadium, the original clock changed homes too and currently sits high up on the outside of the stadium, appropriately facing the Clock End Bridge as a symbolic reminder of Arsenal's time at Highbury.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest way to reach the ground from central London is by tube or rail.
London Underground/Overground
The nearest London Underground/Overground stations are:
Many fans park at northern suburban stations before making their way in to the stations listed above. See the driving section for more information.
Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line) is EXIT ONLY after Arsenal matches, and eastbound trains WILL NOT call at the station before the match.
Arsenal station will be considerably busier than Highbury & Islington and Finsbury Park before and after the match.
A queuing system is place after the match on the side of Arsenal Station and Finsbury Park. Keep left for Arsenal, and right for Finsbury Park.
National Rail
London King's Cross station (KGX)
The station is located at Euston Road, NW1 2SA which is 3.5 miles from the stadium.
It offers the following services:
From King’s Cross St. Pancras fans can take the Piccadilly or Victoria Lines to the stations above. Selected routes into Kings Cross will also stop at Finsbury Park station, which leaves a short walk.
London Euston station [EUS]
The station is located at Euston Road, NW1 2AE which is 3.8 miles from the stadium.
It offers the following services:
From Euston fans can take the Victoria Line to Highbury & Islington or Finsbury Park underground stations.
Bus
Routes 30, 17, 91, 259 and 393 serve Holloway Road and Highbury Corner, both are close to the stadium.
Taxi
Yellow Cars: +44 (0)20 7609 4444
By Bike
Emirates Stadium is fully accessible by bicycle. There are a number of cycle routes through the area, and as Islington is a small, relatively flat borough, it’s a great way of getting to the stadium.
Routes across London are mapped out on Transport for London's London Cycle Guides, a collection of 19 maps covering the whole of London
Once you arrive at Emirates Stadium there is secure cycling parking available close to the ‘Highbury House’ retail store on Drayton Park.
The cycle parking area is clearly signposted, but Arsenal stewards will be on hand to assist. Other cycle parking facilities in the area can be located by logging on to Islington Borough Council’s official website
There is a secure (locked) cycle parking site at Finsbury Park Station which is detailed at the following link on TfL’s official website
By Car
The stadium is served by the following main roads:
Emirates Stadium is northeast of Central London, outside of the Congestion Charge zone.
Stadium Area
The stadium is located just off the A1 Holloway Road, which gets extremely congested on matchdays. Roads immediately surrounding the ground are private residential areas and as such are closed on matchdays.
Islington Council have provided a list of matchday traffic restrictions and arrangements here
Parking
Emirates Stadium is located in a busy residential area, and parking is limited. Road closures are implemented and the club does not provide parking with the exception of disabled supporters and matchday hospitality guests.
Many fans park at northern suburban stations such as Cockfosters (Piccadilly Line) and Blackhorse Road (Victoria Line), then use the stations listed in the public transport section.
STADIUM INFOMATION
The away Supporters' area is located in the South East corner of the stadium, closest to Highbury and Islington Station.
Only bags that are smaller than A4 in size (small rucksack / handbag) will be permitted into the stadium. Luggage storage facilities are available at London King's Cross station.
Away supporters are welcome to bring flags and banners to the ground, as long as they meet the club’s safety requirements. They must not exceed 1m in height or width, and be displayed on a pole no thicker than a pencil. Please note that the club reserves the right to turn banners away on the grounds of offensive content.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
There are no designated away pubs in the Islington area. Many will check tickets and accept home only supporters. Brentford fans best bet is Kings Cross/Euston or more Central London
There are various street food stalls surrounding the ground, often set up in residents’ front gardens, which can prove a welcome change to the standard pre-match nourishment. There are a number of places to eat on nearby Holloway Road, including McDonald’s, Subway and Costa Coffee.