World-renowned stadium designer ‘interested’ in Arsenal’s Emirates expansion plans

Arsenal are reportedly gearing up to expand the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 20th anniversary of their move from Highbury, with several leading architects already showing keen interest in the project. 

According to TBR Football, renowned American architect Dan Meis, the creative mind behind Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, has expressed interest in working with the Gunners on the redevelopment.

Meis told the outlet he would “love to talk” to Arsenal about the Emirates masterplan, adding that it is always valuable for club owners to hear different design perspectives.

The architect’s work on Everton’s 52,769-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium has drawn widespread praise for its modern bowl design, and the ground will also host matches at Euro 2028 and the 2025 Rugby League Ashes.

Dan Meis commends Stan Kroenke’s ambitious vision

One reason Meis is eager to lead Arsenal’s Emirates expansion is his admiration for owner Stan Kroenke, whose ambitious projects he has long respected.

Meis recalled his experience in Los Angeles when SoFi Stadium – home of Kroenke’s LA Rams in the NFL – was first conceived, while he was working on a competing development nearby.

The architect said Kroenke’s determination to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles showed his intent to create something extraordinary and forward-thinking on a global scale.

Meis described SoFi Stadium as one of the world’s most striking sports venues, praising Kroenke’s bold vision and commitment to redefining modern stadium design.

Arsenal ‘leaning towards’ 70,000+ Emirates expansion instead of 80,000 dream

Earlier reports claimed Arsenal were exploring an ambitious plan to add nearly 20,000 seats to their current 60,704-capacity Emirates Stadium.

However, fresh updates suggest the club will instead opt for a more modest expansion to just over 70,000 seats, which would still make the Emirates the Premier League’s second-largest ground.

The project is expected to cost around £500m, with reports indicating Wembley could serve as Arsenal’s temporary home during the redevelopment period.

FGG Says

Meis’s interest in Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium project adds real weight to the club’s redevelopment ambitions, as his global experience and track record of delivering modern, fan-focused venues make him an ideal candidate to elevate the Emirates to a new level.