Emirates Stadium Tour

[Admiral Huddy]

My brother in law thought it would be hilarious and bought my son an Emirates stadium tour for Christmas which he insisted I take him. Coming from a bloodline of spurs supporters, it wasn’t something I would have chosen to do but I was quietly looking forward to it.

I booked the voucher a few months back and we went this Saturday. Football stadiums on non-match days are always very eerie places and it was so quite.

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The stadium is pretty impressive to say the least.. Although not as big as I imagined. The glass sides gives the stadium a futuristic look but it’s spoilt slightly by the prefab concrete in between.

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We proceeded to the Directors entrance “S” where we were greeted by the clubs historian.

A plaque in the reception area commemorates the opening of the stadium by HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. The queen was supposed to have done this but was too ill to attend (I know how she feels) and the special guest book dating back over a hundred years had been prepared for her. Shame that.

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Our first stop, the directors lounge. Lovely big seat and interesting to see the names of the owners and directors under their seats.

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Awesome views from here.. You’ll notice too (for anyone who hasn’t been to the Emirates), the honours surrounding the stadium in chronological order, with a big gap for their next. This has been empty for a while now..

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On to the players entrance. Plenty of pictures that even I as Spurs supporter remember. A time capsule has been placed here, which rumours have it, contains a pair Vieras socks!

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I always thought time capsules were supposed to be a secret..
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[Admiral Huddy]

The tunnel leads to the dressing rooms Arsenal to the left, visiting team to the right.

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The Arsenal team with an indoor technical area for warming up and kicking around.. Normally 45 minutes before going on to the pitch. They also have a spa treatment and the luxury bath..

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The away side doesn’t have these facilities.

Arrantly, Wenger designed the dressing room. Each player in the starting 11 has his own space, the sub having to share to give them an incentive to work harder for their place.

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Interesting fact we were told that Wenger insists that all his players speak English the minute they enter the dressing room to the minute they leave dressed after the match.

We then proceeded through to the pitch entrance.

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It looks strange seeing the pitch with no white lines and goal posts.. The grass has been re-laid quite recently and is being prepared for the new season. I was interesting to learn that Arsenal paid over 2m for a lawn system which blows warm air from under ground, and automatically adjusts to current conditions, keeping the top soil at optimal grass growing conditions. If the pitch start to get to wet, the system will suck the water out automatically. There are even sun lamps to help the grass grow over area that are otherwise in the shade.

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The home pitch side seats had been removed during the summer months. The Arsenal players have complained of being to cold whilst waiting to come on so they are installing a heating system in the dug out. Home side only!

[Admiral Huddy]

Off we go again and this time into the Press conference room. The Emirates provides excellent facilities for both the press and photographers, each having their own lounge, dinning and IT facilities.
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Our tour included a visit to the Arsenal museum..
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At the end of that day, Pete was speechless and said to me that it must have been difficult for me. “Not at all, as long as you had a good day”, I replied.
I have to say, speaking from a Spurs supporter now, that Arsenal have taken a brave step forward. A dominating presence in the Champions League has surely helped, but the stadium and their attitude has secured their future. Putting the honours aside for one minute, it shows their dedication and commitment. I’m pretty confident that we are on the way and we will get there, but are years behind Arsenal.

[Nutcase]

Interesting fact we were told that Wenger insists that all his players speak English the minute they enter the dressing room to the minute they leave dressed after the match.

Well I guess it keeps the noise down ;D

My heartiest sympathies to you...

Probably still quite an interesting day though.