Liam Duckstein
Arsenal’s Push to Elevate Emirates Atmosphere
Arsenal are off to a flying start this season, sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League after nine games.
Yet, despite their strong form, concerns linger about the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.
Opposition fans have often mocked the Emirates as a “library,” pointing to what some perceive as a lack of noise. This isn’t unique to Arsenal—supporters from other “big six” clubs frequently express disappointment over the muted atmosphere at home matches.
For Arsenal, several factors contribute to this perception. Rising expectations from fans play a role, as does the club’s trophy drought—they haven’t won the Premier League since 2004 and last lifted a trophy in 2020, claiming the FA Cup.
Arteta’s Vision for a Roaring Emirates
Mikel Arteta has repeatedly emphasized the importance of fan engagement. He’s been vocal in his pre-match press conferences, urging supporters to arrive early and “play the game with us.” Before the clash with Crystal Palace, he encouraged fans to adopt a certain “behaviour” and “body language” to boost the atmosphere.
One noticeable change this season was the removal of the cover from the players’ tunnel. This allows players—and opponents—to hear the crowd’s noise before kick-off, fostering a stronger connection between fans and players. Arteta explained, “We need to ignite the atmosphere so they can play every single ball with us because it makes such a difference.”
Marginal Gains and Fan Engagement
Arteta’s attention to detail extends to even the smallest aspects of matchday experience. Roman Kemp, an Arsenal fan and broadcaster, shared an insightful conversation he had with Arteta about the stadium announcer’s call after a goal. Arteta had asked Kemp if the pause for fans to chant the scorer’s name made a difference—it was, in fact, Arteta’s idea to implement this change.
Light shows have also been introduced at key matches, with fans encouraged to participate via QR codes. Additionally, the club has taken steps to prevent fans from watching the second half on concourse screens, ensuring their focus remains on the pitch.
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These initiatives are part of a broader collaboration across the club to enhance the fan experience. While changes are ongoing, Arsenal are actively working with fan groups to further elevate the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.