Arsenal Football Club today announces that Emirates Stadium has been shortlisted by UEFA for hosting the UEFA Cup Final in 2011. Opened for the 2006/07 season, the Gunners 60,355 capacity stadium will be up against the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, the Olímpico de Montjuic in Barcelona, the Arena in Hamburg, Lansdowne Road in Dublin and the National Stadium in Bucharest.
The criteria for selection includes among others; stadium capacity, infrastructure, facilities and functionality as well as accommodation and airport facilities along with rotation between different national associations. Site visits will take place this October and November, with a final decision expected to be made by the UEFA Executive Committee at its meeting in Liechtenstein on 27/28 March 2008.
Keith Edelman, Managing Director of Arsenal FC said: As a club we welcome the news from UEFA that Emirates Stadium has been shortlisted as a venue for the 2011 UEFA Cup Final. We are very proud of the stadium, especially its quality and functionality which has been reflected by the many awards won* since its completion in July 2006 and in hosting Premier League, Champions League and international friendly matches. Hosting the UEFA Cup Final would be a fantastic way to showcase the world class footballing facilities available here in the very heart of London.
Visit Londons Chief Executive James Bidwell said: Arsenal is an iconic club for London. The clubs name is a leading brand for the capital all over the world and the amazing Emirates Stadium provides a visual icon for the city too. We are delighted that it has been shortlisted to host the UEFA Cup Final in 2011. As fantastic ambassadors for London , we wish Arsenal Football Club and everyone involved with the stadium the very best of luck with the bid.
* Emirates Stadium has been awarded seven honours since construction began in February 2004: Best Commercial Leisure Scheme (2007 Retail and Leisure Property Awards) Best Built Project Contributing to Londons Future, Project of the Year (2007 Building Awards), Mayors Award for Planning Excellence (both 2006 Planning Awards) and Best Mixed-Use Regeneration Project (Building Design Regeneration Awards 2006). The 2008 and 2009 UEFA Cup finals will be held at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester and the Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium in Istanbul.
