Transport for London has warned Arsenal and Manchester City fans of disruptions on the Underground ahead of their top-of-the-table Premier League game this weekend.
Emirates Stadium plays host to two of the top teams in the country on Sunday. But fans are now facing a chaotic journey to and from the ground with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium also hosting an NFL fixture. The Buffalo Bills will meet the Jacksonville Jaguars at the same time.
The Premier League agreed to Sky Sports’ request to show Arsenal’s game with Manchester City on Sunday. It will now kick-off at 16:30 BST whilst NFL action is underway just down the road. The Bills’ International Series contest with the Jags in north London will start at 14:30.
Arsenal and Manchester City fans face travel chaos on Sunday
So, London Underground services may be chaotic as Arsenal and Manchester City fans head to Emirates Stadium while Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars supporters go to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But, even worse for supporters, could be their journeys home on Sunday.
While the NFL fixture starts two hours earlier than the Premier League contest, the average time of an NFL fixture is in excess of three hours. So, Transport for London has warned fans – with over 120,000 expected across both fixtures – of the likely severe disruptions coming.
A Transport for London statement read, as quoted by the Express: “We expect Victoria line services between Euston and Walthamstow Central to be exceptionally busy between 10am to 2.30pm and 4pm to 8pm as fans travel to and from the events.
“Finsbury Park, Highbury & Islington, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale stations will operate in ‘event’ mode. You may need to walk down fixed stairs to platforms or be directed via different entrances/exits than usual. Queueing systems will be in place to safely manage entries, particularly after the events.
“After 10am you should avoid changing between the Victoria line and London Overground Seven Sisters as restrictions will be in place. It will be easier to change to/from the Tube at Liverpool Street.”
Tottenham’s NFL deal raises problems for the Premier League
The Premier League would normally avoid scheduling Arsenal and Tottenham to play home games at the same time. But Spurs’ deal with the NFL has thrown up a fresh travel problem for supporters as they make use of the purpose-built retractable pitch at their £1bn ground.
Any problems getting to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium could be increasingly frustrating for any travelling Manchester City supporters. The Citizens’ fanbase has a three-hour journey down to London only to then meet potential travel disruptions as NFL fans head for Spurs’ ground.
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