For the football fan, there are few things as exciting as attending your team’s home stadium live on matchday and settling into front row seats amidst an electric atmosphere and chanting fellow Gooners to watch the action ahead unfold. As a lifelong Arsenal fan, it’s something I’m accustomed to, and I always relish the thrill of game day – but when I was recently invited to experience The Avenell Club at Emirates Stadium and enjoy the game from a luxurious new perspective, I had a feeling it was going to take things to a whole new level.
I was lucky enough to be attending the 9th November Carabao Cup match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion – a game I’d been looking forward to because I knew it would be packed with excitement. Arriving at 5.30pm, just as the stadium opened, I was welcomed into the private, members-only Avenell Club via the exclusive East Club and Executive Box Level entrance alongside other members with a complimentary official match programme and a signature cocktail, which I sipped as I enjoyed the pre-match live theatre.
The pre-match grazing menu was a definite highlight of the night. Beautifully presented and clearly based around high-quality fresh and seasonal ingredients, this was undoubtedly of fine dining standard, but without all the fuss. I enjoyed a series of delicious dishes including a perfectly cooked crab ravioli, melt-in-the-mouth onion and mushroom tartlet, succulent pan-fried duck and a flavourful chicken curry – all rounded off with a truly sumptuous mini chocolate gateau and a selection of cheese and biscuits. The perfect pre-match fuel for the edge-of-our-seats action that was to come, I left the table feeling thoroughly satisfied and excited for kick-off.
Next, it was time to take our luxurious padded seats right outside The Avenell Club on Box Level for the big match – where Avenell Club members can regularly watch the action from directly outside of the club at all Premier League, European, Emirates FA Cup and League Cup matches at Emirates Stadium throughout the season. But not before a unique countdown to kick-off to get everyone charged up for the game, which is a thrilling experience that brings supporters together as one.
The Avenell Club feels like a private members’ lounge/bar but with a relaxed, modern and welcoming feel, effortlessly achieving the perfect balance so that it feels luxurious without being pretentious. Surrounded by plenty of football chatter, I felt immediately at home amidst the other Arsenal fans looking for a really great stadium experience.
With capacity for around 200 supporters, it felt lively but not crowded, and although somewhat more sophisticated than the usual matchday, the traditional football banter made the experience feel genuine and ensured that we felt part of the buzzing atmosphere despite sitting away from the main throng.
On that note, the view itself was something to behold. In fact, the Avenell Club seats on Box Level offer a prime spot like no other when it comes to taking in the action that unfolds over 90 minutes. The perfect height for watching football, it allows guests to enjoy panoramic views as the game plays out and get a good understanding of player positions and team tactics, banishing the disappointment that can come with only catching a glimpse or two of your team in action when you fail to secure good enough seats down in the main stadium.
Once settled into my seat, I had all I needed to guarantee a great game – whatever was set to unfold on the pitch. Together, it all made for an electric atmosphere and the perfect recipe for a thrilling 90 minutes ahead. And of course, not having to queue for the toilet at half time was a definite bonus!
Another added bonus of The Avenell Club membership is the all-inclusive drinks package it affords you, with Champagne, house spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks all available to enjoy at your leisure throughout your time at the Emirates on matchday. They continued to flow during half time, when we filtered back into the club to snack on chicken wings and other tasty fare, refuelling for another nail-biting 45 minutes to come.
Unfortunately, a thrilling victory wasn’t to be for Arsenal on this particular day, with the match ending at a disappointing 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion – but thanks to my Avenell Club experience, it didn’t put too much of a dampener on the evening. There was plenty of time to grab a drink at the bar post-match, as while the game ended at 9.30pm, members can continue to take advantage of the complimentary drinks until the stadium closes at 11.30pm.
And despite a defeat, we did leave with some fantastic memories. As well as an incredible time at The Avenell Club and watching the match, two Arsenal legends were in attendance. Former left back Nigel Winterburn and legendary forward Charlie George were chatting and mingling with the fans – something I’d never have had the chance to experience as part of my usual matchday routine, and in my opinion, one of the highlights of – and a key selling point of – The Avenell Club.
There’s a common misconception that private members’ clubs like The Avenell Club and the superior hospitality packages and experiences they offer are designed only for an elite bunch – but my experience at Emirates Stadium couldn’t have been further from that. There was no pretentious atmosphere. Instead, there was a fun, laid-back vibe that allowed me to really immerse myself in the game day atmosphere I know and love alongside other excitable supporters just like me – just with a superior viewing spot and a luxurious hospitality experience to make it all that little bit more special.
So, if you’ve ever thought that membership to The Avenell Club isn’t for you, then think again – because it’s aimed entirely at real football enthusiasts and is perfect for those who want to upgrade their matchday experience and enjoy optimal comfort and convenience with the kind of perks that take things to another level.
Membership of The Avenell Club is highly sought-after, so it might not come as a surprise that it’s already sold out for the current season. However, the club is now taking deposits for those wishing to be added to the priority list for the 2023/24 season – and from one Gooner to another, it’s worth every penny. Membership includes access to every competitive men’s first-team home game at the Emirates, which means unlimited on-pitch action for true Gooners and an incredible experience guaranteed – whatever the final score.
Factbox: Membership of The Avenell Club at Emirates Stadium
Membership starts from £10,140 per person, inclusive of VAT, available in multiples of two. Prices may be subject to change.
Membership is sold out for season 2022/23, enquire today about the priority access list for future seasons.
Phone: 0345 262 0001 (option 2)
Email: hospitality@arsenal.co.uk
Website: hospitality.arsenal.com/avenell-club
Images © Arsenal Football Club
