The Arsewiper has done the Emirates! On the first home game of the 2009/10 season. Having experienced Highbury more than 10 years ago, this was a long-awaited trip, and I was not in the least disappointed. The stadium is massive! And you can't help but resist getting down on your knees in tribute as you catch first sight of the giant words "Emirates Stadium", and especially the super giant Arsenal crests. Oh man...
Getting in was super easy - just a scan of the membership card, and you're through the turnstiles. And that's when it hits you. I'm in. I'm actually in. You hear the cheers, the muted clapping, and check in. The guys were on the pitch warming up.
Of course, we do so only after stopping by for a beer (in a plastic cup) and a bottle of Arsenal mineral water. Funniest thing was when the lady behind the counter explains that she had to open and throw away the cap to the bottle. Fine by me man, I'm just chuffed I'm drinking water from a bottle with an Arsenal crest. Tastes sweeter somehow. Had to explain to Mrs Arsewiper. Probably so people can't chuck full bottles of water down at away fans.
So this was the first game of the season, and the Arse have graciously placed on every seat - all 60,300 (minus the away section) - a Red and White matchday scarf. Nice!
As we move towards 14.50 GMT, the players troop off the pitch to get changed, and that's when the music starts. Woo hoo! There's the scarf waving, and then there's Elvis' Wonder of You, and tears nearly come to my eyes. When the teams emerge, and it's team line up time...it gets to my favourite part: Manuel...ALMUNIA! Number two, Abou...DIABY!! Number three, Bacary...SAGNA!! Number four, Cesc...FABREGAS!! Joining in the shouting out of surnames would be the start of my sore throat from the rest of the yelling, singing, cursing, etc for the next 90 minutes.
The first thing that strikes you as you sit in your seat high up in the stands, is just how comfortable (and surreal) it is. It was a beautiful day, probably 20 degrees in the shade. The pitch was absolutely pristine, the stadium a uniformly glorious red and white. Just a marvellous sight to behold. It was also great to be near enough to the giant jumbotrons, so we all could enjoy the great replays - which were never an option at Highbury - and could all laugh at Mohawk Billy's goal.
I can see how the experience gets addictive. Thoroughly easy to get to, and even the experience of getting into a crowded tube train with tons of other people in red and white was excellent. One of the things that really gets me is having a tube station called Arsenal. Now that's class. To all my friends out there (especially one, the former Singapore striker), we have to do this together one day soon!
Oh yeah, forgot. Stopped by the super Armoury superstore first thing upon getting to the Emirates, and stocked up on a couple of scarves, souvenirs, etc. Again, to step into a mega-shop with nothing but Arse merchandise was just sweet. Arse alarm clocks, Arse towels, Arse everything-damn-thing save toilet paper, Arse jerseys. Heaven.
Final word then, has to go to the benefits of getting an Arsenal membership. I've already done so, getting a Red membership, and you'll all just see what a great deal it is. The nice little membership pack you receive is in itself worth the signing on fee. And after that, tickets are all open to us man!
All in all, it was simply sublime. Something that has to be done again and again. The atmosphere was simply out-of-this-world. Let's see when this can be done again.
Final pic then, from my little epic adventure. What's there not to like in seeing RVP standing over a free kick. Shame it didn't go in. Enjoy.
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