Everton head to Arsenal on Saturday, and for some Blues making the journey to north London it will be a first visit to the Emirates Stadium.
This guide isn’t really aimed at the Evertonians who spend most weekends following Everton around the country and already know the drill. Instead, it’s for those making their first trip to the Emirates, perhaps taking a youngster to an away game or simply wondering where to go, which station to use and what to expect when they arrive.
David Moyes’ side face Arsenal at 3pm on Saturday, with Everton’s allocation sold out. If you’re one of those travelling, here’s what you need to know.
Where will the Everton fans be?
Away supporters are housed in the lower tier of the south-east corner of the Emirates Stadium, with Everton fans entering through turnstiles K, L and M. Turnstiles K and L also have accessible entrances, while step-free access to podium level is available from the South Bridge and ramps on the west side of the stadium.
The away turnstiles are scheduled to open 90 minutes before kick-off and supporters have been advised to arrive early because of the security checks outside the ground. Licensed standing is also in operation in the away section.
What is the Emirates Stadium like?
The Emirates is a very different away day from some of the older Premier League grounds Everton visit. Opened in 2006, the stadium is built as one continuous bowl, with visiting supporters positioned in the lower tier towards the corner rather than directly behind a goal.
There is plenty of space around the stadium itself, but don’t mistake that for being able to turn up at the last minute. Security checks and the sheer number of supporters approaching the ground can slow down the final part of the journey, particularly as kick-off approaches.
If this is your first visit, allowing enough time to walk around the outside of the stadium is worthwhile too. It is one of the biggest club grounds in the country and feels very different from the more enclosed away ends Everton supporters will encounter elsewhere in the Premier League.
Which station should Everton fans use?
Arsenal station on the Piccadilly Line is the closest Underground station to the Emirates, although there are useful alternatives. Highbury & Islington, on the Victoria Line, is around a 15-minute walk away, while Finsbury Park is also within walking distance and offers additional Underground and rail connections.
The important station to remember is Holloway Road. It operates as exit-only before Arsenal matches and closes after the game while crowds disperse, while eastbound Piccadilly Line trains do not stop there before kick-off. Drayton Park station is also closed on matchdays.
For the journey home, don’t automatically follow everybody towards Arsenal station. Queues can build quickly after the final whistle, so walking to Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington may prove a more comfortable option, particularly if you are not in a hurry to get away.
What if you’re travelling through King’s Cross?
King’s Cross is the main London arrival point for plenty of Everton supporters travelling down by train. From King’s Cross St Pancras, the Piccadilly Line runs directly to Arsenal station, making the final leg of the journey relatively straightforward.
If you have luggage, however, deal with that before heading to the match. There are no left-luggage facilities at the Emirates, with supporters instead advised to use facilities elsewhere in London. That is particularly worth remembering if you’re staying overnight in the capital or heading elsewhere after the game.
What about Everton’s digital tickets?
Everton’s entire allocation for the game has been issued as digital tickets, so make sure your phone is charged and the ticket has already been added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before setting off. Leaving that job until you’re standing outside the turnstile is asking for unnecessary hassle.
If you have several tickets on one phone, each needs to be brought up and scanned individually. Everton have also advised supporters to remove bank cards or other contactless cards from the back of their phone case before scanning.
If there is a ticket problem on the day, the matchday Box Office is next to The Armoury Store on the west side of the stadium.
Where can Everton fans have a drink?
This is one part of an Emirates away day where a little planning helps. There isn’t a clearly designated away pub immediately beside the stadium and some pubs close to the ground operate home-supporters-only policies on matchdays, so walking into the first place you see around Holloway or Highbury isn’t necessarily the best plan.
Finsbury Park is commonly used by visiting supporters, with The Twelve Pins opposite the station regularly listed as accepting away fans. Matchday policies can change for individual fixtures, however, so checking before travelling is sensible.
Another option is simply to have a drink around King’s Cross before taking the Piccadilly Line north. It removes some of the uncertainty and leaves a straightforward Tube journey to Arsenal afterwards. Food and drink are also available once inside the Emirates.
Can you take a bag into the Emirates?
Yes, but Arsenal operate a strict bag policy. Bags must be no larger than A4 size and will be searched before entry, so Everton’s advice is to bring only essential items where possible. Supporters should also expect security checks outside the turnstiles.
The Emirates is a cashless stadium, meaning you’ll need a card or mobile payment if buying food, drink or anything else once inside. There are also no left-luggage facilities at the ground, another reason to avoid bringing anything you don’t need for the match.
What if you’re driving?
If you have another option, use it. Arsenal strongly advise supporters not to drive to the Emirates because the stadium sits in a residential area covered by an extensive event-day parking scheme, with on-street parking heavily restricted.
Everton’s official supporter coaches are due to park on Queensland Road. From there, supporters can head towards Benwell Road, where a ramp leads to podium level and the away section.
For most travelling independently, public transport remains comfortably the simplest way of reaching the ground.
Anything else first-time visitors should know?
The fixture is sold out, so don’t travel to the Emirates hoping to buy a ticket on the day. Children aged 13 and under must also be accompanied by somebody aged 18 or over, while proof of age can be requested for concessionary tickets.
Most importantly, allow more time than you think you need. A 3pm kick-off can encourage supporters to leave the pub or Tube until the last possible moment, but queues, searches and finding the correct away entrance can quickly eat into that time.
If you’re travelling for the first time, getting to the Emirates early enough to find the south-east corner, sort your ticket and get through security without rushing should make for a much easier afternoon.
For the latest team news, television information and match officials, we’ve also put together our complete Arsenal v Everton match guide. And if you want something to read on the journey down, take a look at our Everton v Arsenal history, head-to-head record and famous matches.
For all the latest Everton news ahead of Saturday’s game, visit our Everton news page.
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