So you want to be in the stands when Arsenal run out at the Emirates, whether it’s a Tuesday night Champions League group stage or a cold Saturday FA Cup tie. Getting a ticket isn’t always straightforward — demand far outstrips supply for most games — but if you know the system, you’ve got a real shot. This guide walks you through the process for every competition, from Premier League to preseason friendlies, so you can plan your matchday without the stress.
Understand the Membership System First
Before you even look at a fixture list, you need a membership. Arsenal operates a tiered system where priority access goes to those with the right membership level. Without one, you’re limited to the small pool of general sale tickets that rarely reach the public.
- Red Membership – The entry-level option for general supporters. Gives you access to ticket sales before they open to non-members. Most league games sell out before general sale anyway.
- Silver Membership – A step up with better priority, but there’s a waiting list that can be lengthy. You’ll need to join the queue and wait.
- Gold Membership – Season ticket holders. They get first dibs on every home match and can transfer tickets.
- Platinum & Club Level – Premium seating with hospitality. More expensive but often easier to secure for high-demand games.
- Junior Gunner – For under-18s. Lower ticket prices but still requires membership for priority.
How the Ticket Release Schedule Works
Arsenal releases tickets in waves, and timing is everything. Here’s the typical flow for a Premier League home fixture:
| Stage | When It Happens | Who Can Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Season ticket holder priority | Weeks before match | Gold members |
| Silver member sale | Weeks before | Silver members |
| Red member sale | Weeks before | Red members |
| General sale (if any) | Closer to match date | Anyone with club account |
For cup competitions, the timeline compresses. FA Cup and League Cup tickets often go on sale closer to the match, especially if the draw comes late. Champions League group stage tickets follow a similar pattern but with higher demand and stricter limits — usually one ticket per member.

Check the official fixture list on /arsenal-fixtures-results to see exact dates and competition types. Then mark your calendar for the sale window.
Step-by-Step: Buying for a Premier League Match
Let’s say Arsenal host a Saturday 3pm kickoff at the Emirates. Here’s your playbook:
- Log into your account on the official Arsenal website before the sale opens. Have your payment details saved.
- Join the online queue — the system uses a virtual waiting room. Don’t refresh; it resets your place.
- Select your seats once through. You’ll see a stadium map with available sections. Upper tier behind the goal is usually the last to sell out.
- Add to basket and check out promptly. You have a limited time to complete the purchase before the system releases your hold.
- Download the digital ticket to your phone or print at home. Arsenal uses mobile entry for most matches now.
Special Cases: Champions League, FA Cup, and Preseason
Each competition has its own quirks. Here’s what changes:
- Champions League group stage – Tickets are allocated based on a loyalty points system. Members with more points from previous European games get priority. Newer members often only get access to less popular groups or the ballot system.
- FA Cup – Early rounds (third and fourth round) are easier to get because demand is lower. Later rounds, especially if Arsenal face a big rival, become a scramble. Tickets go on sale shortly after the draw is confirmed.
- League Cup – Usually the cheapest and easiest to secure. Home ties against lower-league opponents often have tickets available on general sale. Check /fa-cup-fixtures-arsenal for cup-specific schedules.
- Preseason friendlies – These rarely sell out. You can often buy on general sale without membership. Great for families or first-time visitors to the Emirates.
Alternative Routes When Tickets Sell Out

Missed the main sale? Don’t panic. There are legitimate ways to still get in:
- Ticket Exchange – Season ticket holders who can’t attend list their seats on the official exchange. Red members can buy these at face value. Check it regularly — seats pop up as late as close to kickoff.
- Hospitality packages – The club sells premium packages through official channels. They include a meal or drinks and guaranteed seating. Pricey, but reliable for high-demand matches.
- Away ends – If you’re an Arsenal supporter traveling to an away match, you need an away membership and a strong loyalty points history. These are the hardest tickets to get.
- Resale platforms (authorized) – Only use official club partners or authorized resellers. Unofficial scalping sites risk invalid tickets or inflated prices.
Practical Tips for Matchday Success
A few things that make the experience smoother:
- Arrive early — Emirates Stadium gates open well before kickoff. Give yourself time for security checks and finding your seat.
- Use public transport — The stadium is near Arsenal tube station (Piccadilly line) and Finsbury Park. Driving is a nightmare with limited parking.
- Check for schedule changes — TV broadcasters move matches. A Saturday 3pm can become a Sunday 4:30pm. Always verify on /how-to-watch-arsenal-matches-live closer to the date.
- Know the bag policy — Only small bags are allowed. Larger bags need to be checked in, which takes time.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
- Do you have the right membership (Red minimum for most games)?
- Have you checked the fixture date and competition type on the official schedule?
- Is your account logged in and payment saved?
- Do you know the sale window?
- For cup matches, have you checked the draw date to know when tickets go live?
- Have you set a reminder for the sale time?
- If sold out, have you checked the Ticket Exchange?

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