Arsenal confirm Premier League trophy parade plans including route and timings amid title race
Arsenal have confirmed their plans for a potential victory parade should they be crowned Premier League champions next week.
The Gunners are currently one point clear at the top of the table but remain second favourites in the title race due to the fact that Manchester City have a game in hand. Should Pep Guardiola's side slip up in any of their remaining matches against Fulham, Tottenham or West Ham though, Arsenal could be handed the perfect chance to win a first league title for 20 years.
Accordingly, they have begun preparations for celebrations in the event they do beat City to the Premier League crown. It's worth pointing out that this is a requirement due to the fact that road closure notices and many operational requirements need to be sorted well in advance. With the title race looking likely to go to the final day, 24 hours will not be enough notice to get these sorted.
It's therefore not a case of the Gunners getting ahead of themselves and assuming they will be able to overcome City. As things stand, though, the preliminary plans are as follows:
5pm: the parade would start from Emirates Stadium at Drayton Park, travelling along Drayton Park, Aubert Park, Highbury Grove, St Paul’s Road, Upper Street and back to the stadium.
READ MORE: Frenkie de Jong transfer, Thomas Partey future - What Jorginho's contract means for Arsenal
READ MORE: Arsenal announce first summer deal as Jorginho signs new short-term contract
Plans have been made for any stewarding and police presence that will be required to assist and manage the event. Barriers and cordons will be erected along the route, with limits set to be placed on the number of people allowed to view from the area adjacent to the Emirates Stadium.
Residents around the area are advised to have identification which shows their address in order to help them get through the crowds.
Parking suspensions will come into place by 8:30am on Monday 20th May. All vehicles are requested to be moved from along the route by that time. If they are not then the council will need to remove them. On roads outside of the parade route, meanwhile, matchday parking restrictions will apply. Bike hangars will also need to be empty by 10am on 20th May.
Road closures will come into place from 4pm on May 20th. Restrictions will be lifted as early as possible which is expected to be around 9pm.
Buses around Islington will be on diversion due to road closures along the parade route. There is a potential for match day controls to also be put in place on Arsenal, Holloway Road, Highbury & Islington and Finsbury Park Tube stations. Those wishing to travel to the event are advised to check www.tfl.gov.uk for the latest updates.
You can get the most up-to-date information on all aspects of the potential parade, including a map of the potential route and road closures at www.islington.gov.uk/arsenalparade.
