Long-time JustArsenal contributor Ken1945 shares his day out at Club Level for the Emirates Cup – and has provided a fantastic set of photos so you can experience it with him. From pre-match hospitality to the roar of the crowd, Ken captures the atmosphere for those who may never get to the Emirates themselves, or haven’t experience the Emirates Club Level hospitality.
The atmosphere inside the Emirates was amazing, with so many younger fans able to attend with their mums and dads. They all seemed to know the words to North London Forever and, of course, What do you think of Tottenham?
I managed to get two tickets at Club Level and took my eldest daughter, a lifelong Gooner herself, but our seats were initially behind each other. As soon as this was realised by three fellow Gooners, they swapped one of their seats so we could sit together.
We arrived around thirty minutes before the doors opened and, when the staff realised I was using a walking stick, they brought out a chair and ensured we were first through the doors and up the escalator to the fantastic eating areas. We went into the first area we came to – Dial Square – where the photos of our meal were taken. As we walked along to our seats, we passed the next section, the 49 Club, which was also packed out with families enjoying their afternoon.
The difference at Club Level
I do not know the official attendance figure, but there was not a spare seat where we were. My regular seat is at the Clock End, but for this match we were in the North Bank, one tier higher. The view was different, as were the surroundings.
At my usual level there are bars and eating facilities, but they are always packed with long queues, no seating, and only areas to stand with a drink and some above average food at above average prices. Club Level was completely different – booths for families to sit, tables for groups of four, six or even eight, and very short queues to be served.
I cannot comment on the ladies’ facilities, but the difference in the men’s was remarkable. To put it plainly, Club Level was equal to any top hotel, while my usual facilities would compare to a good pub.
A day to remember for young Gooners
When the match finished, the crowd was as vocal as if it was a Premier League game, and 80% stayed back to watch the penalty shootout. Watching the next generation of Gooners live every penalty as if their lives depended on it brought back memories of when I first became a supporter of this incredible family club.
I had said it was a little embarrassing regarding the presentation, but on reflection, watching the children standing on their seats and waving their scarves is something they will remember for a very long time.
Plenty of shirts with Gyökeres on the back were spotted, worn by both adults and children, and to see so many youngsters in full new kits – shirt, shorts, socks, scarves and caps – was brilliant. How they survived the heat, I will never know.
My aim was to paint a picture for those who may never get to the Emirates themselves. For me, it was a wonderful day, and one I am sure many of the families there will treasure.
Scroll down to enjoy Ken’s photo gallery from the day – from the hospitality areas to the pitch, and all the little moments that made it special.
Ken1945
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Lovely article Ken1945, I’ve been in club level along the halfway line and it’s a brilliant view. I’m off to the original Dial Square in Woolwich (where The Arsenal originated) again in a couple of weeks, to show a fellow Gooner around and then up to Highbury (where he was born) into what was the old stadium and around the Emirates to hunt for a plaque naming my late dad, which was arranged by my son. Thanks Ken1945, GB (1952)😊
Great article.
I am Ken’s daughter and it was indeed a fantastic day!! COYG 🔴⚪️
I do hope your not trying to take my place in JA Sam!!
The fish and chips were superb and it’s the first time I have seen you beaten by a pickled onion 😂😂
Looking forward to the Leeds game with you and Kieren and, perhaps, Phil!!
Don’t be jealous old man 😂🤣
Never a truer word chronicle!!
Thank you ken1945 for putting this piece together for your fellow Gooners to enjoy on JA. The stuff dreams are made of.
I concur with the thoughts from above and club level looks the bizz. What a lovely thing to share and how good to know that the staff went out of their way to make it special
I was at the Villarreal game which was thoroughly marred by ticketing issues. My son had booked 9 seats just above club level for me, his two Mexican in-laws and wife, his two 7 & 9 year sons plus their equally young Mexican cousins.
He spent 15 minutes trying to activate the turnstile sensor before a jobsworth in blue refused him entry. His phone provided evidence of the e-tickets, a confirmation email etc but was told to go to the box office. Queued for 15 minutes and were eventually given paper tickets, arriving in their seats (with me on my Jack Jones surrounded by the empty seats) 5 minutes before half time.
Correspondence with the club has so far failed to resolve the matter for compensation. Not a good look for 3 of the boys going to an Arsenal game for the first time – all of whom were wearing the latest club shirts. My son seemed to think that there were plenty of others that had glitches as well. Happy to take the money but not willing to make amends for a problem with their ticketing system
SueP,
Spot on, there only to happy to take your money. That’s it in a nutshell. 🤷♂️
SueP, sorry to hear about the bad experience your son and members of his family had trying to get into the ground on Saturday. The club really should do something to make it up to them.
Ken1945,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us all. When I saw the Menu picture, my tummy started to rumble. 😂👍
But where’s the pizza? Just not cut out for club level, lol.
Bruised Banana,
Looking at the menu, it didn’t show any Pizza dishes. Maybe it’s two common for their menu. 😂👍
Ken, my mate has had 2 Club Level Season Tickets since the opening of the Emirates for him and his son. I’ve sat with him a few times when his son is away, and quite like it, especially since above the away fans.
Agree with you about the staff, they are very helpful.
Will you be trying the Diamond Club next ? 😉
It’s pretty impressive
– only been as part of the Emirates tour – naturally
Herr Drier,
Why do you like the fact it’s above the away fans. The mischievous side of me wonders if you do anything naughty regards away fans below. 😂
Derek, because of the banter between the fans. It’s lovely to see their faces when we score the winning goal 😁
Long story that’s boring, but my wife’s boss has a box at the old spud ground and I was invited there a few times.
Would like to try out the service given at our boxes for a comparison HD.
By the way, I did notice that some tables actually had pizzas, but not sure where they got it from – maybe from another area such as the 49 area?
SueP, I’m amazed at the situation you found yourself in.
I hope you get some satisfaction from the club and I wonder if it was an individual being OTT?
Might this Ken1945 be the life long Arsenal president?
Happy Birthday Anniversary
😉