Multi-Million Pound Refurbishment Of Arsenal’s The Emirates Planned

Despite financial constrains remaining Arsenal are considering a "multi-million pound refurbishment" of the Emirates Stadium before the start of the next season. The 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium, which replaced the ancient Highbury as the Gunners' home stadium in the summer of 2006, is now entering its 16th year of operation.

General wear and tear, including roof leaks, are inevitably beginning to show, with a planned "major investment" in the stadium over the coming months and summer. In addition to corrections and a general overhaul, it is expected that stadium technology will be enhanced, with talks continuing regarding the renovation of the big screen inside the ground, as well as upgrading turnstile readers also on the agenda. This week, the Gunners’ Chief Executive Vinai Venkatesham informed fan groups of intentions to replace club crests and banners at the stadium.

Investing in the Emirates is critical given that Tottenham constructed a new state-of-the-art stadium in 2019, Manchester City and Liverpool continue to renovate and enhance, and Chelsea has ambitions to redevelop Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Manchester United have been heavily chastised in recent months for the deterioration being witnessed at games in Old Trafford, including major roofing leaks, and general cosmetics finishes and technology falling well behind the standards set by their on-field rivals.

The Emirates announcement comes despite the fact that Arsenal is expected to incur huge financial losses in the 2020/21 season as a result of the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic and inability to return to the Champions League, which further displays how essential stadium income is to the overall scope of football clubs, as well as ensuring the overall visitor experience. Missing out on European football entirely last season will also ensure that the current financial slump continues.