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Arsenal urge supporters to arrive early to see Emirates Stadium first before crucial Chelsea clash

Arsenal urge supporters to arrive early to see Emirates Stadium first before crucial Chelsea clash
Emirates Stadium - Photo via IMAGO / Every Second Media

Arsenal have told supporters to arrive in their seats early ahead of this evening's crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

With a place at Wembley on the line, the Gunners are leaving nothing to chance as they look to finish the job against their London rivals.

And club officials are keen for the stadium to be packed and at full voice right from the off.

What are Arsenal doing before kick-off vs Chelsea?

For the first-ever time at the Emirates, Arsenal have installed 100 temporary lighting units around the pitch to deliver an immersive pre-match spectacle.

The display is designed to transform the stadium red moments before kick-off, using lighting, spotlights, lasers and smoke effects to help charge up the Gunners' faithful.

Emirates Stadium before Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final vs Crystal Palace
Emirates Stadium before Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final vs Crystal Palace – Photo via IMAGO / IPS

To deliver this exciting experience, the club have enlisted the help of award-winning lighting designer Ed Warren, who is also a long-term season ticket holder. His involvement adds an extra personal touch to the show ahead of one of the biggest games of the season.

As a result, Arsenal have released an official statement calling for supporters to be in their seats by 7:45pm, just 15 minutes before kick-off, to ensure they don't miss the moment of Emirates Stadium history.

FGG says: A creative way to boost Arsenal's atmosphere

This is not the first time that Arsenal have taken creative steps to improve the atmosphere around the Emirates this season – earlier in the campaign, the club switched off screens in the concourses and bars during half-time in a bid to encourage fans back to their seats swiftly.

Tonight's fixture represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta's side, as victory would move them into one game of lifting their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, while also reinforcing their credentials as the current Premier League leaders.

With the Gunners ahead of the pack domestically, momentum is on their side, but this second leg will leave no margin for error, and that's exactly why the club are looking to turn the Emirates into a weapon to help see them over the line.

If the light show delivers, the crowd responds, and the players do the business on the pitch, then it could potentially make for a memorable and historic night in north London.

Lewis joined as News and Features Editor in July 2025, having previously held senior roles at Snack Media and GRV Media. A passionate follower of sport, in particular football and golf, as well as a proud Aldershot Town supporter, he brings over six years of experience in the digital sports publishing space.

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