View Full Version : Arsenal - Emirates Stadium
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Emirates Stadium is in its final stages of construction and work continues apace down the road from the Club's current home at Highbury.
Club photographer took these exclusive pictures recently. Scroll up the page to see all the images.
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The pitch at Emirates Stadium, the new home of Arsenal Football Club from August this year, will be one of the most technically advanced in the world.
Designed, and currently being constructed by John Hewitt of Leicester-based Hewitt Sportsturf, the pitch will include the latest technology, above and below ground, to ensure a superb playing surface all year round.
John has worked with Arsenal for 17 years, acting as consultant and contractor at Highbury as well as at the Shenley training ground.
The current pitch at Highbury, undoubtedly one of the best in the Europe, was originally laid down in 1989. One of the oldest in the Premiership, its longevity has been put down to the quality of the original construction, and the efforts of the top class grounds team — under the leadership firstly of Steve Braddock, and for the past seven years, Paul Burgess.
Grass growth at Highbury has also been helped by the open corners of the stadium which allow good circulation of air, and the fact the stands do not cast a huge amount of shadow over the pitch. This, together with a rigorous maintenance programme that pays great attention to detail, has kept the pitch going far beyond its expected lifetime.
In 2000, John was asked to design the pitch for the Club’s new stadium.
Emirates Stadium is much more enclosed, however the panelled roof is angled inwards to try to reduce shading and there are gaps between the top of the seating area and roof to allow air through.
“Emirates Stadium will create a very different environment to Highbury," John admits. “Paul Burgess, the Highbury groundsman, and I worked together with the architects in the early stages to make sure they understood what grass needs to grow well. And being a completely new build has allowed us to incorporate all the latest technology. This will help Paul and his team maintain the pitch in tip-top condition."
Construction of Emirates Stadium started in February 2004 by contractors Sir Robert McAlpine. A year later, John was able to start work on the initial pipe installation for the under soil heating and the Forced Air Ventilation and Vacuum System (FAVVS).
This system, developed over many years, is a ducted vacuum and air pressure system which can carry out two operations. Firstly, cool, fresh air can be blown into the pitch, supplying additional oxygen to the crucial area around the roots of the grass plants. This provides aerobic conditions in which the grass can thrive, and reduces the risk of a black layer forming. In the vacuum phase, any excess water can be drawn down away from the surface to reduce the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
The under soil heating is hot water gas fired, and uses flue gases from the air system, which makes the closed system 100 per cent energy efficient.
There will also be a pop-up irrigation system, a dedicated running track and fully retractable advertising boards around the playing area.
During the spring the base of the pitch and pipework will be covered with fill material and the whole pitch sealed to eliminate pressure leakage from the air system.
Layers of drainage material will then be laid, before the specially designed lower and upper root zones are constructed, using yet another John Hewitt invention, Fytozone. This incorporates synthetic loose fibres within the upper root zone material which gives added stability. The surface will then be stitched with Desso fibres, before overseeding with Advanta’s MM60 seed mixture.
"This will be the Rolls Royce of pitches," says John. "Everything will be in place to ensure Arsenal always have a top quality surface to play on all year round." says John.
"Paul is already using SGL lighting rigs at Highbury to maintain grass coverage at summer levels during the winter months, and will be taking them to the new stadium. With all this new technology in place, we are confident that Arsenal will benefit from playing on one of the best pitches in the world."
With thanks to Football and Sports Arena Magazine.
Paul Burgess comments...
"I have been totally involved in the new development from day one, and have had a great deal of input into how things are being done regarding the playing surface. The good thing is that everything has been done correctly — and that is really important if we are to produce the very high quality we set out to achieve. The Emirates pitch will be very different to Highbury and will need managing differently. We have a lot to learn. For instance how to use the new FAVVS system to optimise conditions within the root zone, and how to use this in conjunction with the lights. If you have 60,000 people sitting around the pitch, it will never be ideal growing conditions for grass. What the technology gives us is the ability to supply light, air and water artificially to mimic natural conditions. This is a really exciting time for the Club and I am really looking forward to the big move. I am confident that the playing surface at the new stadium will be even better than that at Highbury."
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Thierry Henry:
"Obviously I will regret the team leaving Highbury, although I have not played here as long as some of my team-mates, it has a special atmosphere for me. But if you want to move forward and be a bigger team in Europe, you need this kind of great stadium. And for the fans it will be lovely. A lot of my friends and a lot of people in London can't get tickets for Highbury, so it's great that many more supporters will be able to go to matches in the new stadium."
Dennis Bergkamp:
"I've enjoyed every minute that I've played at Highbury; it's a special place. But I think everyone knows that this great old stadium isn't sufficient for a Club of Arsenal's ambitions. Certainly most games we play could be watched by thousands more who can't get tickets. Moving just down the road to a 60,000 capacity stadium seems the ideal solution to me. I don't know if I'll get to play there which is a shame, but the Club deserves it."
Ashley Cole:
"With a new 60,000 capacity stadium in the pipeline, it's a pretty exciting time to be at Arsenal. Obviously the players have got to make sure we're still right at the top by the time it comes to make the move, but the new stadium should ensure that we can compete with the very biggest clubs in the Europe. Highbury is special to the fans of course, but also to the players, I'll certainly never forget the first time I played there. We'll all be sad to see it go but moving to a new stadium will be an exciting new chapter in the Club's long and proud history."
Freddie Ljungberg:
"I think it will be good for the Club to move. We are a big Club, I think close to being one of the biggest, but if you look at most of Europe's other top sides, the capacity of their stadiums is in a different league to ours and I'm sure Arsenal have enough fans to fill a much bigger stadium for most matches."
Pat Rice:
"I personally think that if we are going to progress as a football club and continue to challenge the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan, then we need a bigger stadium. Our supporters have been terrific, there are 38,000 at every home game, but to actually compete with the big teams you need a lot more people. It's also important to stay in the borough, because Arsenal Football Club has always been associated with Islington and Highbury."
Liam Brady:
"To take the Club forward, the new stadium is absolutely necessary. Highbury is a part of my life but that is countered by the realisation that if you want to be up there with the big clubs in Europe, you need a bigger stadium. There are a lot of Arsenal fans out there who don't get the chance to watch the team at the moment. I think a new stadium would be a huge success, although it will be a wrench to leave Highbury. It's important to stay in Islington, so we are not moving home, we are just moving house."
Bob Wilson:
"If we wish to be real challengers to the best in Europe, this is the way forward, it is the only way forward. I can't imagine the Borough of Islington without Arsenal Football Club. If it's the Arsenal I know, the move will be done in style. It's about whether you want to be the best, or settle for second or third best."
Frank McLintock:
"It's heartbreaking to hear about Arsenal vacating Highbury but it is absolutely necessary. The feelings I have for the Club and the memories of those great days and nights, the atmosphere generated by our passionate supporters, the glory of winning the Inter Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 and then the 'double.' It was absolutely unbelievable. But if we are to keep up with the rest of the big clubs and remain a leading club in world football then we really have to move."
Wenger visits Emirates Stadium
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How much has the stadium project cost?
The total cost of the entire project is £390 million. This includes the construction of Emirates stadium, a new waste and recycling centre and relocation of local businesses and statutory services.
What is the capacity of Emirates Stadium?
60,000
How was the site for the stadium chosen?
The aim of the Club has always been to stay close to our current home at Highbury. The chosen site ensured that Arsenal remains in the Borough of Islington, the Club's home since 1913.
Why couldn't Highbury be extended?
Arsenal Stadium is located in a high density residential area therefore restricting the feasibility of increasing capacity.
When will Emirates Stadium be ready?
Construction started in February 2004 and is on schedule for opening in August 2006, in time for the start of the 2006/07 season.
Will the first event at Emirates Stadium be the first competitive match of that season, or will there be other events before such as a special opening ceremony match?
Although final details are still under consideration, there will be two events held before the official opening match in order to carry our safety checks on the stadium. One of these events could be a testimonial for Dennis Bergkamp. Confirmation of the events will be announced in the New Year.
In the long term will Emirates Stadium be used for any other events?
The Club has planning permission for a limited number of other non-footballing events to take place at Emirates Stadium. However, first and foremost the stadium is the home of Arsenal Football Club and the Club has no definitive plans with regards to non-footballing events at the present time.
How are you funding the project?
To finance this highly complex project, Ashburton Properties, a subsidiary of Arsenal Holdings plc was formed and obtained a £260million senior loan facility from a stadium facilities banking group. This banking group comprises: the Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, Espirito Santo Investment, The Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks PLC, CIT Group Structured Finance (UK) Limited and HSH Nordbank AG. Interest on the senior debt is set at a commercial fixed rate over a 14 year term.
Arsenal is contributing the balance of the stadium project costs through funds from Granada, Nike and the sale of surplus land assets relating to the stadium site. Also once the Club relocates in 2006, Arsenal has planning permission for a residential development of Highbury. The Club is actively looking to re-finance this £260million loan early in 2006. Managing Director Keith Edelman explains:
"We believe most of the risk is behind us because most of the major engineering challenges have been met and the physical structure is there. 14 years (the term of the current loan) is a short space of time for an asset which we hope will last 50, 75 years or more. Therefore we are looking to go for 25 years at a lower interest rate. If we can do this it will reduce our debt payments on an annual basis and allow us to have more free cash."
What will happen to Highbury?
Arsenal Stadium, Highbury will be redeveloped into 711 homes, facilities such as a gym, health centre, nursery and retail unit. The East and West Stand façades, together with the Marble Halls and other key elements of the current stadium such as the art deco Sunburst glazing panels will be retained and incorporated into the new scheme, named 'The Stadium - Highbury Square'.
Highbury's Grade II-listed East Stand and opposing West Stand will be converted into high-spec apartments, many overlooking the pitch, which has seen so many glorious football moments over the last 93 years. The goalposts will be removed and the pitch will become a garden of nearly two acres. The North and South Stands will be replaced by new-build apartments designed to harmonise with the East and West Stands.
The luxury of the development continues with an underground swimming pool and fitness centre under the pitch. There will also be a 24-hour concierge service and spaces to park cars and bicycles. Perhaps best of all, The Stadium will be a walk away from Arsenal's new home, Emirates Stadium, where the world's top sides will play from August 2006.
For more information visit www.thestadium-highbury.com (http://www.thestadium-highbury.com) or call the marketing suite on T: 0845 2626000 or joint selling agents: Savills on T: 020 7472 5000 or visit www.savills.com (http://www.savills.com); Anthony Green and Spencer on T: 020 7609 1111 or visit www.anthonygreenandspencer.com (http://www.anthonygreenandspencer.com)
What will happen to the pitch area at Highbury and will the public have access to it?
The pitch which is being turned into a landscaped garden will be open to members of the local community by arrangement with the Management Company, who will look after The Stadium when the development is complete. A memorial garden will form part of the garden and will also be open to members of the public.
What will happen to artifacts from Highbury? Will you be holding an auction?
The contents of Highbury will be sold at a spectacular auction just prior to the Club's move to Emirates Stadium next summer. The auction is likely to take place over a three-day period at Highbury next summer, with the North Bank Stand earmarked to host thousands of potential buyers during the event.
Arsenal supporters and football memorabilia collectors from all around the world will have the opportunity to purchase bespoke items from the famous old stadium, by either visiting the auction in person, or by logging on to a live webcast of the event.
As the East Stand is a listed building and the West Stand retains original art deco features from the 1930s, some items will be retained at Highbury and some recreated in Emirates Stadium. Although specific lots on sale at the auction have yet to be confirmed, it is sure to contain thousands of truly historic items from the stadium. The Club expects demand to be huge and strongly urge people interested in attending the event and other auction activities throughout the course of the year to visit www.highburyauction.com (http://www.highburyauction.com) and register their details.
Will there be a museum at Emirates Stadium?
Yes. Plans are now afoot for a new museum, which will replace the 12 year old attraction in the North Bank at Highbury. Memorabilia and exhibits currently on display will be moved across to Emirates Stadium. Although exact plans are still under consideration, initial proposals offer a completely modern design which is sure to engage and excite supporters.
Will there by any events or a closing ceremony to bid farewell to Highbury?
A number of plans are being considered to bid the final farewell to Highbury including activities after the final game against Wigan. Confirmation of all activities will be communicated in the New Year.
What is the countdown clock counting down to?
The countdown clock serves as a reminder of how long the Club officially has left before it closes its turnstiles to football matches at Highbury. Therefore the clock is counting down to the final match against Wigan and the end of the closing ceremony which will take place following the match. The event will end 6-30pm on May 7th 2006.
How do I get a ticket for matches at Emirates Stadium?
Supporters can secure their position on one of the ticket waiting lists by joining The Arsenal, the official membership of the Club.
The Arsenal provides existing and new supporters greater affiliation with the Club. Members' benefits include a special Highbury Farewell membership pack, which includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes DVD and 'The Highbury Collection' - a fantastic hardback book featuring over 100 captivating Highbury images from 1913 to the present day as well as a voucher book that offers various discounts at both Club and sponsor venues. Members also have the opportunity to attend exclusive events and the use of an exclusive website through which match tickets can be purchased. Supporters can refer to www.arsenal.com/membership (http://www.arsenal.com/membership) or call the Membership Customer Services Help Line in 0870 343 0870.
Due to high demand it may be unlikely that many supporters on the season ticket waiting list will be able to secure a season ticket at Emirates Stadium. Supporters in this position are therefore encouraged to consider Club Level seats.
Club Level, which will form a separate tier encircling Emirates Stadium at Directors' Box level, will provide supporters with quality hospitality and some of the best sight lines of the pitch. The area will have its own dedicated entrances and will be served by an enviable range of first class bars, restaurants and lounges, providing supporters with the complete match day experience.
It is essential that all supporters who have yet to secure their seats at Club Level should visit www.arsenal.com/clublevel (http://www.arsenal.com/clublevel) or call the Club Level registration hotline on 0845 262 0001 as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Will the affordable housing to be provided at the Arsenal Stadium development be concentrated in one area or will it be spread throughout the development?
There will be a development of affordable housing along the southern boundary adjacent to Aubert Court. In addition, there will be affordable housing interspersed in other parts of the development, including within the refurbished stands and along Highbury Hill.
Is there affordable housing on the other developments related to the stadium move?
Arsenal has helped to create much needed affordable housing throughout the many developments associated with the stadium project. 40% of all accommodation will be affordable housing.
Just under 400 homes are available for sale through shared ownership on most of the sites being developed through the Arsenal Development Scheme. Newlon Housing Trust will have the following properties available:
Eden Grove - 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats
Estimated Date of Occupation - March 2006
Northern Triangle - 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats
Estimated Date of Occupation - July 2006
Caledonian Road - 1 and 2 bedroom flats
Estimated Date of Occupation - October 2006 - April 2007
Hornsey Street - 1 and 2 bedroom flats
Estimated Date of Occupation - November 2006
Highbury Square - 1 and 2 bedroom flats
Estimated Date of Occupation - September 2007
Queensland Road - 1 and 2 bedroom flats
Estimated Date of Occupation - March 2008
(To qualify for shared ownership at one of these developments you must be living or working in Islington or a keyworker working in London.)
How will public transport cope with the extra 22,000 spectators?
Public transport to Arsenal Stadium is already the best in the Premier League with research showing that 70% of supporters travel to Highbury by means other than private cars.
TfL, Islington Council and Arsenal are in the final stages of developing a transport plan, to support Emirates Stadium when it opens in August 2006, which will accommodate the increased supporter travel and will ensure the safe and reliable access to and from local Tube stations, two Underground lines (Victoria and Piccadilly lines), national rail and the many bus services that provide access to the local area.
The first details of the transport plan will be announced later this season, thus ensuring that everyone will know the travel arrangements that will be in place well in advance of the new stadium opening and also allowing fans to begin planning their new journeys to and from the local area.
Measures to improve the transport infrastructure around Emirates Stadium are being undertaken. As well as improvements to surrounding underground and mainline stations, there will be a comprehensive Environmental Traffic Management system; the fine-tuning of pedestrian facilities and improved cycle parking facilities.
The Club will include information in all new stadium ticketing and promotions, which will actively encourage supporters to avoid travelling to our new stadium by car. This will hopefully result in a high percentage of people travelling to Emirates Stadium by public transport.
The Club is very confident that the travel plans will ensure our supporters will be able to access and leave Emirates Stadium in a safe manner and will not severely affect the local community.
Will there be car parking at the new stadium?
There will be limited parking for disabled supporters. Emirates Stadium is situated in an area that will have an extensive Event Day Parking Scheme in operation. Only car owners with residents' permits will be able to park on-street in the designated areas.
Internal view of the proposed new stadium
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The overall project cost is £390 million.
1,800 new jobs will be created in the Borough of Islington as a result of the new stadium project.
Over 2,000 new homes will be built in Islington as part of the project.
At the project's peak, 1,000 construction workers will be working on the new stadium.
The site of the new stadium is 17 acres.
The new stadium will have a capacity for 60,000 spectators.
The height of the new stadium will be 41.9 meters from pitch level to the top of the roof.
Two of the key points in the Club's brief to the design team were for the pitch to be as good as Highbury, and to create an exhilarating stadium atmosphere through the design.
1,140,000 is the anticipated number of supporters to attend Premiership matches at the new stadium in one season (Average number at Highbury - 722,795).
There will be 150 Executive Boxes in the new stadium, compared to 48 boxes at Highbury.
The new stadium Executive Boxes will have the total capacity to serve up to 2,000 meals on a matchday.
There will be approximately 250 catering serving points around the new stadium.
Over 900 WCs will be at the new stadium, together with 370 metres of urinals and 113 Disabled toilets.
Over 2,500 legal documents have been signed in order to give the project full clearance.
There will be 41 TV camera positions throughout the stadium, as well as 215 seats for the media.
The stadium will be the site for a new 1,000m2 merchandising megastore.
Arsenal appointed Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd to carry out the construction works for the project in January 2002.
Previous projects which Sir Robert McAlpine have been responsible for are the new Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow, the Centenary Stand at West Ham United, The Millennium Dome and the Bullring Birmingham.
The new stadium is designed by HOK Sport, who are the Architects of Stadium Australia in Sydney, The English National Stadium Wembley, Royal Ascot Racecourse and Wimbledon Centre Court.
Over 25,000 cubic metres of contamination has been removed from all the sites, to make way for the project.
There will be capacity for up to 250 wheelchair users at the new stadium. These positions will be provided at all public and corporate levels throughout the building.
Size of the grass area will be 113m by 76m. Compared to 105m by 70m at Highbury.
Over 60,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used in the structure, which is sufficient to fill the team bath at Highbury over 7,500 times, or also, enough to fill the area of the pitch three stories high.
10,000 tons of steel reinforcement will be used in the stadium, which is the equivalent of the weight of over 300 team coaches.
3,000 tons of tubular steel will be in the main roof (there are 100 tons in the existing North Bank).
There will be 33,000 metres of concrete terracing.
The new stadium will house 15,000m2 of glazing, the equivalent area of two football pitches.
There will be 4,500 metres of metal hand railing.
The stadium complex will contain 2,000 doors.
There will be 100 flights of stairs, which is enough to go to the top of Canary wharf twice. Also there will be 13 elevators and 5 escalators.
The four tiers of seating will all be covered by a roof of approximately 30,000m2 (Football pitch covers approx 8,600m2).
To improve the potential quality of the pitch at the new stadium, extensive computer modelling is being carried out to study the sunlight and ventilation at pitch level.
Club photographer Stuart MacFarlane went to the Emirates Stadium earlier this week to get some night time shot of Arsenal’s new home. These were the results:
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