Opening of exclusive restaurants next
phase of stadium enhancement programme
Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Emirates Stadium is undergoing dramatic improvements during the close season.
As part of the overall enhancement programme to the stadium, the Arsenal Board of Directors has approved an investment into a major redevelopment of Club Level - the premium tier of 7,000 seats - to ensure that Emirates Stadium remains a leading world sporting venue.
By the start of the 2010/2011 season, Arsenal supporters and corporate visitors to Club Level will be able to enjoy three luxurious restaurants, together with a stylish new lounge and sports bar which will redefine hospitality standards in world football.
The development is part of the process currently taking place at Emirates Stadium called ‘Arsenalisation’, in which the Club’s rich history is being celebrated through illustrating key players and moments through many initiatives, which are turning Emirates Stadium into a very visible stronghold of all things Arsenal.
The designs of the high quality developments in Club Level will be based around the two most successful managers in the history of Arsenal Football Club - Herbert Chapman and Arsène Wenger, and will celebrate the Club’s past and present, focussing on the achievements of these two revolutionary football figures.
The developments will see the Woolwich suite in Club Level being divided into four distinct spaces - a buffet dining restaurant, a stylish bar area, a high quality lounge, and an exclusive à la carte restaurant for 252 members - named the WM Club, after Chapman’s revolutionary 3-2-2-3 WM formation - which will provide an unrivalled fine dining experience in sports stadia.
The developments in Club Level also see the introduction of a luxurious new restaurant called The Foundry, which will offer a buffet dining experience across two intimate spaces for 142 members.
Named as a celebration of Arsenal Football Club’s beginnings from the foundry within an armament factory in south London in 1886, The Foundry will continue the theme of combining past and present – contemporary lighting, furniture and finishes contrasted by the hand crafted traditions of yesteryear, represented by rich timber panelling and deep buttoned leather upholstered booths, all complete with dedicated TV screens.
This summer will also see the refurbishment of the Legends Bar, which will offer Club Level members the ultimate sports bar experience. The Legends Bar will be transformed into a stylish sports bar inspired by some of Arsenal’s all time greats and decorated with portraits of these sporting legends. The area will house 40 TV screens, increased seating and a new grill offering a wide range of food options.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “One of the Club’s first unwritten mottos was ‘Forward’ and this remains a driving principle for the Club today in our on and off pitch activities. When Emirates Stadium opened in 2006 it was the world’s most advanced sports stadium, and while it remains undoubtedly among the very best, we want to ensure that we continue to push forward and redefine bold new standards for our supporters and corporate visitors.
“The initial step in this process was to invest in the ‘Arsenalisation’ of the stadium cores and general admission levels. While we are continuing to develop these areas, we have also researched how we can improve our premium levels to better meet needs and expectations of the supporters and companies who use these facilities on a matchday. This has resulted in the redevelopment of The Legends Bar to provide a first-class sports bar experience and the introduction of two new members’ restaurants that provide unrivalled dining.
“As we review the other areas in Club Level, we will be consulting our supporters and key stakeholders in order to develop propositions aimed to create an environment which provides a diverse matchday experience within one premium area.”
As well as enjoying a fine dining experience delivered by Emirates Stadium’s award-winning chefs, the new members to the WM Club and The Foundry will receive fantastic exclusive benefits on a matchday, which will include a personalised table concierge service; an individual account manager for any day-to-day enquiries, occasional Arsenal current player and legend appearances and an invitation to attend a cocktail party with Arsène Wenger.
For further information and images of the redevelopment please visit Arsenal.com
