The Emirates Stadium sits in Holloway, north London, like a gleaming testament to modern football ambition. I've walked around this imposing structure several times, and it never fails to strike me how different it feels from Arsenal's old Highbury home – bigger, brasher, undeniably impressive but somehow lacking that intimate charm older grounds possess.

Built between 2004 and 2006 at a cost of £390 million, the stadium emerged from what was once an industrial wasteland in Ashburton Grove. Arsenal had outgrown Highbury's 38,000 capacity, and despite the emotional wrench of leaving their historic home, the move made perfect business sense. The Emirates can hold over 60,000 supporters, making it one of England's largest football venues.

What strikes you first is the sheer scale of the place. Those red seats stretch endlessly upward, and on match days the atmosphere can be electric – though some longtime Arsenal fans will tell you it's never quite matched the intensity of the old North Bank at Highbury. The architecture, designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), emphasizes clean lines and modern functionality over character quirks.

Discover all the secrets of Emirates Stadium with our complete London audio guide – it really helps bring the story of this remarkable venue to life, especially the fascinating tale of how Arsenal negotiated the complex land deals and financing that made the move possible.

The stadium has been Arsenal's home since July 2006, and recently became the permanent base for Arsenal Women too. Walking the concourses, you notice how the club has tried to inject more Arsenal identity into what initially felt quite corporate – they call it "Arsenalisation," adding murals, statues, and historical displays that connect the gleaming present with the club's storied past.

Standing outside on Drayton Park before a match, watching thousands of red-shirted supporters stream toward those modern turnstiles, you witness something uniquely London: tradition adapting to contemporary realities. The Emirates represents Arsenal's determination to compete at football's highest level, even if it meant sacrificing some soul for success. Whether you're a Gunners devotee or just curious about modern stadium design, it's a remarkable example of 21st-century football architecture in action.