Entering the Emirates.

In Memory of Theo Foley - RIP. 

Entering Arsenal’s New Home. 

As I previously said, I went with my Grandson to the Emirates for the first time to see Arsenal against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. 

Therefore, my last Highbury match was in the Champions League and my first Emirates match was also in the Champions League. 

Outside the Emirates. 

Approaching the stadium. 

I couldn’t have said it better. 

Our first look inside the Emirates. 

Me & Billy A. 

Guy & Billy’s Boy. 

Impressive!!

Arsenal & Dinamo Zagreb teams are out. 

Since Arsenal moved to the Emirates, I have never been to a Premiership match. 

I have also only been to one FA Cup and one League  Cup game. 

I have been to one Europa League game. 

The semifinal against Athletico Madrid in 2018. 

I took my grandchildren to the Emirates Cup games in 2007 - 2008 - 2009. 

I even saw Bruce Springsteen and the E street band in concert there. 

Up until Arsene Wenger leaving I only went to certain European Champions League games. 

Match Tickets vs - 

 Team from the Lane (Carling Cup semifinal) 2007. 

Emirates Cup - 2007. 

Sevilla (Champions League) 2007. 

Reading vs Arsenal ( Premiership) 2007. 

Milan (Champions League) 2008. 

Springsteen concert - 2008. 

Emirates Cup - 2008. 

Roma (Champions League) - 2009. 

Burnley (FA Cup) - 2009. 

The Roma game was memorable, as I’d got tickets for a few mates in the Upper Tier, directly in front of the Roma fans. 

One of my mates, Mickey E, a well known Arsenal supporter from the mid 70’s, loudly asked me, “why are we sitting with the Raddies?”.

A steward, promptly, offered to find him a seat in another part of the stadium. 

Also, one of our group, Franco, had Italian parents from the South of the country and he got chatting to the Roma fans in fluent Italian. 

He told them that he was going to the return game in Rome and asked if he would be safe in their stadium?

He was shocked, when they replied, no, you have the wrong accent. 

Glad I wasn’t going then!!  

vs Glasgow Rangers. 

Emirates Cup - 2009. 

FA Cup semifinal - 2009. 

I managed to get two tickets for the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea at the New Wembley stadium. 

Wembley ticket. 

Gathering of the Herd. 

Chelsea & Arsenal line up. 

Gooners End. 

Some time after this game, a new teacher arrived at Guy’s school. 

In an attempt to bond with his new pupils, this teacher asked the boys to name the football team they supported. 

When Guy said Arsenal, the teacher asked if he’d ever been to see them play?  

Guy replied, yes, at Highbury, Emirates, Old and New Wembley, Paris, Real Madrid, Cardiff & Old Trafford.

The teacher smiled and asked, are you the classroom liar?

All the kids shouted, no, his Grandad took him!!

Not a bad way to be remembered, I reckon.  

Next Post - Sunday 28/6/2020. 

2009 - My 60th Birthday. 

Comments/Questions - oldgunnersandgooners@gmail.com