Arsenal’s pre-season tournament, the Emirates Cup, will not be held this year as a result of the extended European Championship and essential pitch reconstruction works.
Work on the new playing surface will begin immediately after the club’s final home match against Aston Villa on May 15, and continue throughout the summer in order to be ready for the start of the new Premier League season.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “We know how popular the Emirates Cup is with our fans here in the UK and around the world, so we are disappointed that we will not be hosting it this summer. The shorter pre-season window and the need to relay our pitch has resulted in this decision being taken. We look forward to hosting the tournament in 2017.”
The Gunners’ pre-season will get underway with two matches in the United States in July against the MLS All-Stars in San Jose and Chivas de Guadalajara at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles. Other pre-season matches in Europe are also under consideration.
The pitch refurbishment means the club will aim to reschedule Members’ Day for later in the year. Camping on the Pitch will not take place at Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season.
Emirates Stadium tours will continue to operate with some new features planned for summer visitors.
Further updates will follow in due course.
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