From Manor Ground to Emirates: The History of Arsenal’s Stadiums
Arsenal Football Club is steeped in rich history, not just in its silverware and players but also in the grounds it has called home. The journey from a modest pitch in South East London to the ultra-modern Emirates Stadium mirrors the club’s transformation into one of the giants of English football. Let’s walk through time and explore the iconic stadiums that have defined Arsenal’s legacy.
Manor Ground, Plumstead (1888–1913)
Arsenal’s story begins in South East London, where the club was founded in 1886 as Dial Square by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. The club soon became known as Royal Arsenal and later Woolwich Arsenal. Their first proper home was the Manor Ground in Plumstead, which they occupied from 1888. Though basic and often criticized for its poor location and low attendance, Manor Ground was significant as Arsenal’s first real home.
Woolwich Arsenal became the first southern club to join the Football League in 1893, but despite their groundbreaking status, financial difficulties and low matchday revenue plagued the club. In 1910, Henry Norris, a property magnate and football entrepreneur, took over the club and decided a change of location was necessary.
Highbury (1913–2006)
In 1913, Arsenal boldly moved north of the River Thames to Highbury in North London, setting the stage for the club's evolution. Officially known as Arsenal Stadium, Highbury became synonymous with the club’s identity. The stadium was built on a site previously occupied by St John’s College of Divinity, and its early design reflected the classic English football ground—tight, atmospheric, and close to the pitch.
Highbury saw Arsenal through some of their most iconic moments. Under Herbert Chapman in the 1930s, the club rose to dominance, winning multiple league titles. Chapman’s influence also extended off the pitch—he introduced numbered shirts. He even pushed for a nearby Tube station to be renamed "Arsenal", a move that remains unique in English football.
The stadium itself evolved. The East and West Stands, completed in the 1930s, became architectural icons with their Art Deco style and were later granted listed building status. Highbury’s compact charm made it one of the most beloved grounds in English football, though its limited capacity—around 38,000—eventually became a constraint.
The Emirates Stadium (2006–Present)
By the early 2000s, Arsenal needed a new home to compete financially with the biggest clubs in Europe. After years of planning and development, the club moved just a few hundred meters away from Highbury to the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium in 2006.
With a capacity of over 60,000, the Emirates transformed Arsenal’s revenue potential and placed the club among the elite in terms of facilities. Its sleek bowl design, modern amenities, and improved hospitality offerings marked a considerable step forward. However, the move also came with financial constraints, as the stadium's cost limited transfer spending in its early years.
Despite those challenges, the Emirates has become a fortress in its own right. It has hosted countless unforgettable matches and seen the rise of stars like Cesc Fàbregas, Alexis Sánchez, and Bukayo Saka. It now echoes with the voices of a new generation of supporters.
Preserving the Past
Though Arsenal left Highbury in 2006, the club ensured its legacy wasn’t forgotten. The Highbury Square redevelopment transformed the old stadium into luxury apartments, preserving the iconic East and West Stands as part of the design. The pitch was turned into a communal garden, forever marking the site where footballing magic once unfolded.
A Legacy That Lives On
From the humble surroundings of Manor Ground to the roaring stands of the Emirates, Arsenal’s stadiums have reflected the club’s growth, ambition, and innovation. Each ground tells a story—not just of football but of the club’s deep connection to its fans and city.
As Arsenal continues to challenge for top honours domestically and in Europe, the Emirates stands tall—a symbol of a proud past and a bold future.