Arsenal Women to make Emirates Stadium main home after smashing WSL attendance records

Arsenal have announced that the Emirates Stadium will become the main home of their women’s team from next season.

The Gunners are planning to play 11 matches at the Emirates next term after staging six games there this season, with an average crowd of 52,029.

Eight of Arsenal’s 11 Women’s Super League (WSL) home games in 2024/25 will take place at the Emirates and, should they qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, those matches will be staged there too.

If Arsenal fail to reach the group stage of the Champions League, then they will look to host all 11 of their WSL home matches at the Emirates.

Their remaining games, including FA Cup and League Cup matches, will take place at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium in Borehamwood - which is the long-standing home of the women’s side.

Arsenal have sold out all their games at that ground, which has a capacity of around 3,000, this season and the club has always had a long-term aim of playing more matches at the Emirates.

The Gunners had two sell-outs at the Emirates this season and set three WSL attendance records.

“For almost four decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the women’s game,” said Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham.

“We’ve recently seen extraordinary growth in supporters coming to Emirates Stadium for games held here, which include two complete sell-outs this season.

“The next step in our journey is to make Emirates Stadium our main home for Arsenal Women. We’re looking forward to giving more supporters the chance to watch our women’s team play.

“This is part of a collective drive across the club to take the women's game forward and support sustainable growth of the game so it can thrive in the long term.”

Across the Emirates and Mangata Pay UK Stadium, Arsenal have had an average crowd of 32,618 this season.

Head coach Jonas Eidevall is excited to beat that number next season and believes the size of the support can be a huge boost to the team.

“We have a special connection with our supporters, who have shown up in huge numbers and pushed us forward every step of the way,” he said.

“To everyone who has followed us so far, thank you. You have played a key part in our progress and growth, helping us write this story.

“Next season, Emirates Stadium becomes our main home and we're all excited to play in front of bigger crowds every week. We can’t wait to see you all there.”

Arsenal have increased the cost of tickets for the upcoming season as part of a new two-tier pricing system at Emirates Stadium.

“This season we’ve seen the women’s game continue to thrive and we’re committed to more of the same for the 2024/25 season and beyond,” the club said.

“In line with our goal to drive sustainable growth and following engagement with supporters, from next season, ticket prices will be increasing.”

For games at the Emirates, adult fans can purchase a Home Advantage pack that will give them tickets to five WSL games at a cost of £70 or £60 - which is an increase from last year’s price of £50.

The Home Advantage + Pack has also been introduced, which gives fans access to all eight WSL games at the Emirates. For adults this will cost between £80 to £100.

It means fans could see eight WSL games at the Emirates for a price of just £10 per match. Concessions are also available for juniors, young adults, seniors and those with a disability.

Season ticket holders, who also attend games at Borehamwood, have seen a rise in prices - with those seating in club level for matches at the Emirates hit by a rise of over 50 per cent. Their ticket also no longer includes the first two cup matches.

Arsenal said: “Previously, the 13-game season ticket included all 11 WSL games as well as the first two Meadow Park cup fixtures.

“To provide more certainty on the games that are included, and to give season ticket holders more flexibility on the games they wish to attend, 2024/25 season tickets will no longer include the two cup games.”