The sport and globalization class had the opportunity to learn about the famous English football team Arsenal. We had famed Football Historian Simon Inglis talk to us about the history of football in London. We learned about the origins of football, from when it was less a sport than a community event, with goals being town landmarks. We also learned more specifically about the history of Arsenal Football Club, taking note of the difference between what they consider their heritage (like their red jerseys with white sleeves) and their actual history, which they overlook at times (like when they were mysteriously promoted to the First Division despite finishing fifth).
Simon going over the history of Football 
Simon talks about the founding of The Arsenal Football Club
Mr. Inglis was very generous with his time–after talking with us for about an hour and a half, he rode the tube with us and gave us a tour of Highbury Stadium (Arsenal’s former ground, now an upscale housing complex). You can still see the old facade of the stadium, but it has been gutted other than the entrance. It is clear that the stadium was meant to stand out with its bright colors and art deco style, yet blend in to the neighborhood with its relatively low profile and proximity to other houses. It was really amazing to be standing in a place with so much history, now nothing but a group of apartments.
Simon, Sean, and Connor on the Tube 
The crew and Simon on the Picadilly Line 
The group walking from Arsenal Station to Highbury 
Simon talking at the entrance to Highbury 
Everyone waiting to get inside Highbury 
Inside the entrance to Arsenal’s old stadium 
The East Stand at Highbury, now apartments 
The West Stand at Highbury, now apartments 
The rear entrance to Higbury, set in amongst all the other houses
Next, we went and ate at a small cafe, a traditional thing for fans to do before a game. The atmosphere was certainly a bit mediocre, but the food was cheap, hot, and tasty, the perfect combo for a fan looking to warm themselves up for a cold-weather match. The owners were kind and churned out our food in no time–an impressive feat considering the size of the group.
The cafe near Arsenal’s stadium 
Raba waiting for a delicious meal
We capped the day off with a tour of the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s current home. We got to see the director’s entrance, the executive suite and restaurant, the owner’s box, the players’ dressing rooms (both home and away), the trophy case, and even a pitch-side view! Needless to say we had fun, and occasional tidbits from Simon made the experience far better than the average tour. All in all, it was an exciting day!
The gang walks across the bridge to the Emirates 
Ian pretends he is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but he knows he could never be as fast 
Simon shares some more knowledge on the steps to the Emirates 
Viewing the Emirates up close 
The Emirates Stadium