Arsenal Football Club is preparing to embark on a transformative redevelopment of the Emirates Stadium, with plans to increase its capacity from 60,704 to over 70,000—and potentially as high as 80,000.
If completed, the expansion would make the Emirates the largest club football stadium in London, overtaking Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and West Ham’s London Stadium. The project is estimated to cost between £400 million and £500 million and may require the club to temporarily relocate to Wembley Stadium during construction.
The initiative, driven by club owners Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke, coincides with the Emirates Stadium’s 20-year anniversary and draws inspiration from Real Madrid’s recent overhaul of the Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal’s proposed upgrades include reshaping stand gradients, reconfiguring seating layouts, and potentially adding a new tier—all while preserving the stadium’s iconic outer shell.
The expansion aims to boost matchday revenue, accommodate the club’s season ticket waiting list of over 100,000 fans, and reassert Arsenal’s dominance in London’s stadium hierarchy.
Financially, the club is banking on increased ticketing and sponsorship income to justify the investment. Arsenal’s current naming rights deal with Emirates, valued at approximately £50 million per season is under review, and the club may seek a more lucrative partnership if negotiations stall.
Matchday revenue reached £132 million in the last financial year, and projections suggest that figure could surpass £150 million post-expansion. Plans also include upgraded VIP lounges, hospitality suites, and retail zones to attract premium clientele.
Given the scale of the redevelopment, Arsenal are considering a temporary move to Wembley Stadium for 12 to 18 months. This would mirror Tottenham’s relocation during their stadium rebuild and allow uninterrupted progress at the Emirates site. The Gunners have prior experience at Wembley, having hosted Champions League fixtures there between 1998 and 2000.
Despite the Emirates’ location in a densely populated 17-acre site bordered by major transport lines, architects remain confident that the expansion can be achieved within the existing footprint. Sustainability will be a key focus, with the club planning to integrate energy-efficient systems and improve public access to manage increased footfall and reduce environmental impact. If successful, the project could redefine Arsenal’s matchday experience and set a new benchmark for stadium innovation in English football.
Mark Wainaina (RGK).