Arsenal ‘exploring ways to expand Emirates Stadium’ but two key changes ruled out | Football | Sport

Arsenal are reportedly looking at ways to increase the capacity of the Emirates Stadium in a bid to boost their matchday revenue. The Gunners moved into the venue in 2006 and it was the largest stadium in London until the new Wembley was finished a year later.

An extra 780 seats were added to the Emirates in 2018 but it seems Arsenal are looking to further increase its capacity. Plans to install more seats are in the works, according to The Times, with every penny paramount in the battle for Premier League supremacy.

The report claims Arsenal generated £102.6million from games in 2022/23, with the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust expecting that figure to increase to more than £120million in the next set of accounts. This is reportedly due to the club reaching the Champions League knockout stages last season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, earned £117.6m in matchday revenue in 2022/23 with their larger capacity allowing them to rake in more money. They also enjoy earnings from hosting the NFL when it comes to town as well as concerts from some of music’s biggest names.

It is not yet clear how Arsenal plan to increase the capacity of the Emirates beyond its current limit of 60,780. The roof was designed to ensure enough sunlight reached the turf, meaning significant changes would be required to allow an extension.

Meanwhile, there is reportedly little to no hope of lowering the pitch due to the impact it will have on sight lines. As a result, there is still plenty to be decided before Arsenal can put their plans to expand the Emirates into action.

Arsenal are not the only team with an ambition to upgrade their surroundings and capitalise on the extra matchday revenue. Manchester United are exploring the idea of replacing Old Trafford with a new stadium boasting a capacity of around 100,000.

The Red Devils have set up a stadium taskforce to decide whether to build an entirely new ground or upgrade their current home. It is claimed that the project could be worth £7.3billion per year to the UK economy if it goes ahead.

Chelsea have also been tipped to move out of Stamford Bridge, which holds just over 40,000 spectators, for a number of years. Last month, it was reported that discussions were underway with real estate developers over a potential new stadium at Earl’s Court.