Arsenal FC is introducing safe standing at Emirates Stadium. Starting next season, sections of the lower tiers will be converted into rail-seating areas without increasing the stadium’s overall capacity. The club aims to improve atmosphere and fan experience, while simultaneously raising ticket prices.

Safe standings: Emirates Stadium capacity remains unchanged

The Emirates Stadium upgrade will introduce rail seating in the lower Clock End level starting next season. Fans who traditionally stand during matches will now do so safely and in a licensed format. In the following season, the lower North Bank will also be converted into a similar standing zone, increasing the number of supporters enjoying safe standing to around 13,500, including away fans.

The introduction of standing zones will not affect the overall stadium capacity, which remains around 60,000. The club emphasizes that operational issues related to crowd flow and allocation of season tickets have been carefully analyzed and can be managed effectively through security and stewarding, without the need for physical barriers restricting access.

Previous tests pave the way for full implementation

Rail seating trials were conducted during Arsenal Women’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup matches, providing valuable insights into the practical aspects of safe standing. The club confirms that these experiences informed the final decision to implement the system fully in the lower Clock End and North Bank.

© jpellgen (cc: by-nc-nd) | English clubs are returning to standing areas in stadiums, implementing the solution in the safest possible way, remembering the tragedies at these facilities in the last century.

Consultation with fans and the community

The decision to modernize Emirates Stadium followed extensive consultations with supporters, who have long requested standing zones. Surveys conducted by the club and fan organizations showed strong support for the initiative, which is expected to enhance the matchday experience. The club stresses that the reorganization of zones will not restrict access to season tickets or negatively affect overall stadium operations.

Safe standing zones aim to boost stadium atmosphere, allowing fans to actively engage in matches. The rail seating system enables supporters to stand safely while retaining the option to sit if needed. The upgrade aligns with the club’s strategy to improve fan comfort and safety, while also integrating the stadium into local community and commercial events.

Implementation timeline for 2026/27 and 2027/28

Safe standing in the Clock End will be ready for the 2026/27 season, with the North Bank following in 2027/28. All necessary work—including rail seat installation, entrance adaptations, security adjustments, and steward training—is expected to be completed on schedule, with total stadium capacity unchanged.

© Ronnie McDonald (cc: by) | The capacity of Emirates Stadium will remain unchanged, although the club is considering expanding the facility to up to 80,000 seats.

Ticket prices rise amid stadium upgrade

Alongside stadium improvements, Arsenal announced an average 3.9% increase in season ticket prices compared to the previous season. This applies to both 23-match packages including Champions League games and 19-match packages for Premier League fixtures only. The club cites rising matchday operational costs and investment in the squad—which cost roughly £250 million last season—as reasons for the price hike.