Emirates Stadium Ticket Guide: How to Buy, What to Know, and How to Get the Best Seat

So you’ve decided it’s time to finally see the boys in red and white at the Emirates. Maybe you’ve been following the tactics breakdowns on our site, or you’re finally cashing in that promise to yourself after years of watching from a pub. Either way, getting a ticket to an Arsenal home match isn’t quite as simple as clicking “buy” and walking in. The system has layers—memberships, ballot draws, exchange windows, and a secondary market that requires caution. But don’t worry. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing your match to walking through the turnstiles.

Step 1: Know Your Match Category and Competition

Before you even think about payment, you need to understand that not all matches are created equal in the ticketing world. Arsenal divides fixtures into categories based on the opponent and the competition. A Premier League match against a top rival is typically a high-demand game—limited availability, and usually only accessible through a ballot. A midweek Carabao Cup tie against a lower-league side? That’s often a lower-demand game, where tickets might still be available on general sale if you’re quick.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

The key takeaway: if you want a Premier League match against a big rival, plan months ahead. If you just want to experience the Emirates atmosphere, a Carabao Cup tie or a preseason friendly is your easiest entry point.

Step 2: Choose Your Membership Level

Arsenal operates a membership system that functions as a ticket priority ladder. You cannot simply walk up to the box office on matchday and buy a ticket for a league game. You need a membership first.

• Red Membership (Standard): This is the entry-level option. It gives you access to the ballot for most Premier League matches, plus the chance to buy tickets for lower-demand games (FA Cup early rounds, Carabao Cup, preseason). You’re not guaranteed a ticket, but you’re in the pool.
• Silver Membership: This is the step up. Silver members get higher priority in the ballot and earlier access to the Ticket Exchange (more on that below). It’s worth it if you attend multiple matches a year.
• Gold Membership: This is for season ticket holders. You get a guaranteed seat for every home league match. The waiting list can be long, but if you inherit one or get lucky, it’s the holy grail.
• Junior Gunner: For fans under 18. You get discounted tickets and priority access to family-friendly sections.

If you’re an international fan, check the official Arsenal website for international membership options. These sometimes include ticket access for overseas supporters, but availability is limited and often tied to specific match packages.

Step 3: The Ballot Process – How It Actually Works

For most Premier League matches, especially the popular ones, tickets are allocated via a ballot. You don’t “buy” a ticket directly—you enter a random draw. Here’s the flow:

1. Ballot Opens: Arsenal announces the ballot window before the match. You apply online through your membership account.
2. You Choose Your Preference: You can select matches in the same ballot window, but you can only win one. You also choose your price band (lower tier, upper tier, family enclosure, etc.).
3. Draw Takes Place: The system randomly selects winners from the pool of applicants. It’s not first-come, first-served—it’s pure luck.
4. You Get Notified: If you win, you’re charged automatically (make sure your payment details are correct). If you lose, you get nothing.
5. Ticket Exchange Opens: After the ballot, members who can’t attend can list their tickets on the official Ticket Exchange. This is your second chance.

Pro tip: Don’t enter the ballot if you’re not sure you can attend. You’re charged immediately upon winning, and refunds are generally rare unless the match is rescheduled.

Step 4: The Ticket Exchange – Your Best Backup Plan

The Ticket Exchange is Arsenal’s official resale platform. Season ticket holders and Silver/Gold members can list their seats if they can’t make a match. You, as a Red member, can then buy those tickets at face value. No scalping, no inflated prices.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Check frequently: Tickets appear and disappear in minutes, especially for big matches. Refresh the page multiple times a day.
• Be flexible: You might not get a seat in your preferred block. The Exchange shows available seats across the stadium—take what you can get.
• Buy as soon as you see one: Don’t hesitate. If you see a ticket in the North Bank lower tier for a reasonable price, grab it. It’ll be gone in seconds.
• Understand the price: Ticket Exchange prices are generally the same as the original face value, but they can vary slightly depending on the seat location and match category.

The Exchange is your best bet for getting into a sold-out match without paying a fortune. Avoid unofficial resale sites—they’re risky, and Arsenal can cancel tickets bought through unauthorized channels.

Step 5: Pricing and Seating – Where to Sit for the Best Experience

The Emirates has four main stands: North Bank (home end, loudest), Clock End (family-friendly, good atmosphere), East Stand (sideline, good views), and West Stand (corporate and press area). Prices vary by stand, tier, and match category.

My recommendation: If you want atmosphere, go North Bank Lower. If you want to analyze the tactical shape (and you’re into that sort of thing—check our tactics content for how to spot formations), go East Stand Upper. If you’re bringing kids, Clock End is your safest bet.

Step 6: Matchday Logistics – What to Do Before and After

Once you have your ticket, the real fun begins. But there’s a few things you need to know:

• Arrive early: The Emirates opens before kickoff. Get there early to soak in the atmosphere, grab a pie, and find your seat without rushing.
• Use public transport: Arsenal station (tube) and Finsbury Park (tube and train) are the main stops. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from both. Driving is a nightmare—avoid it unless you pre-book a parking spot.
• Bring your membership card: Your ticket is loaded onto your membership card. You don’t print anything—just tap your card at the turnstile. If you lose it, contact the ticket office immediately.
• Know the bag policy: Bags larger than A4 size are not allowed. Leave your backpack at home. Small clutches and clear plastic bags are fine.
• Food and drink: Inside the stadium, you’ll find standard fare (pies, hot dogs, beer). Prices are typical for a London stadium. Outside, the pubs around Finsbury Park and Holloway Road are packed with fans before and after the match.

Step 7: What If You Can’t Get a Ticket?

It happens. The ballot is random, and the Ticket Exchange is competitive. Don’t panic. You have options:

• Watch at a pub near the Emirates: The Tollington, The Twelve Pins, and The Gunners are all fan-friendly pubs within walking distance. You’ll still get the atmosphere, just without the seat.
• Try a different competition: If you’re set on seeing a match, aim for a Carabao Cup tie or a preseason friendly. These are much easier to get into and often cheaper.
• Consider a hospitality package: Arsenal offers official hospitality packages that include a meal, drinks, and a seat in a corporate section. They bypass the ballot entirely, though prices vary by match and package.
• Check the official resale partners: Arsenal works with a few authorized resellers for international fans. These are legitimate, but prices are higher than face value.

Step 8: Avoid Scams and Unofficial Sellers

This is the most important rule: only buy tickets through the official Arsenal website or the Ticket Exchange. Any other source—especially social media sellers, Viagogo, or random third-party sites—carries significant risk. Arsenal has the right to cancel tickets sold through unauthorized channels, and you’ll be turned away at the turnstile with no refund.

If a deal seems too good to be true (e.g., a suspiciously low price for a high-demand match), it’s likely a scam. Stick to the official channels. Your membership is your golden ticket—literally.

Final Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Game Plan

Here’s your quick-reference checklist for getting an Emirates ticket:

• Decide which match you want (consider competition and opponent demand).
• Get a Red Membership (or higher) at least a month before the ballot opens.
• Enter the ballot when it opens (typically a few weeks before the match).
• If you win: Confirm payment and check your membership card.
• If you lose: Monitor the Ticket Exchange daily for resale tickets.
• If still no ticket: Consider a different match or a hospitality package.
• Plan your travel (public transport, arrive early, no large bags).
• Bring your membership card and enjoy the match.

Related Content

If you’re planning your matchday experience, you might also enjoy our other guides:

• Arsenal Tactics Fan Content – Understand the formations and systems you’ll see on the pitch.
• Arsenal vs Man United History – The rivalry that always delivers drama.
• Fan Polls and Predictions – See how other Gooners are feeling about the season.

Enjoy the match, and remember: once you’re through those turnstiles, you’re part of the Arsenal family. Come on you Gunners.