Arsenal make huge Emirates Stadium expansion decision as plans for future revealed
Plans to expand Emirates Stadium have been scrapped (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have ruled out a "huge scale" expansion of Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been internally discussing ways to increase the stadium's capacity for around two years, football.london understands. The stadium, which opened in 2006, has a current capacity of 60,700 but the club had been keen to try and increase that to beyond 70,000.
Moving to an alternative venue, such as Wembley Stadium, while work was carried out had been seen as an option by club chiefs. But these plans have now been scrapped and instead Arsenal have committed to a "continued evolution" of Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke and the club's chief executive officer Richard Garlick spoke at the first Arsenal Advisory Board meeting of the 2026/27 season on September 24, with Garlick outlining plans for the future.
A club statement reads: "The discussion covered investment in player talent, the longer-term plans for our men’s and women’s training ground, Sobha Realty Training Centre and developments such as the appointment of Pascal De Maesschalck as part of our ambitions for a world class Academy. Richard also pointed towards the need to balance competitiveness with financial discipline.
"We updated members on the continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, our plans for retail growth and transformation and our continued focus on partnerships. We also discussed steps we will take to deepen our connection with supporters even further, wherever they are in the world. We are currently recruiting a Chief Marketing Officer to drive this.
Capacity at Emirates Stadium will not be increased(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
"We shared a commitment to continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, rather than a huge scale masterplan, building on improvements we’ve made to date in partnership with our catering partner, Legends, the introduction of safe standing (this season in the Clock End, and next season in the North Bank), improving hospitality and retail experiences, and upgrading visitor experiences."
It's believed Arsenal explored plans to try and make Emirates Stadium the biggest Premier League ground in London. Spurs' Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has a larger capacity of nearly 63,000 and regularly hosts music concerts and NFL matches.
On the news capacity at the Emirates Stadium would not be increased, the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) said: "No capacity changes at the Emirates. Focus will be facilities behind the scenes.
"Expect more hospitality offering. Once again we secured a commitment from club that they have no current plans to move or reduce any general admission places. But all supporters must be vigilant to this and repeat the importance of custodianship."
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan warned previously that Arsenal would face many "obstacles" if they decided to expand their stadium. Speaking exclusively to football.london in October 2025, he said: "At the moment, bearing in mind Arsenal’s league position, they are walking on water. I can understand why a Premier League club would want to increase their capacity.
"We know the additional revenues it brings into the club, but also it means that ordinary fans can get to see the team they love. I think West Ham's got the biggest capacity in the London Stadium.
"Spurs aren't far behind. Arsenal have got a huge fan base. There's clearly obstacles in relation to the local council and local residents and stuff.
"But I think anybody who understands the power of football will understand why all clubs, whether you're Arsenal, whether you're Liverpool, whether you're Everton, whether you're [Manchester] United, are thinking about increasing capacity.”
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