Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women: The Ultimate Matchday Guide

Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women is an iconic London fixture for a reason. Big energy, serious football and a matchday that extends well beyond the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Whether you’re planning your route, your timings or your post-game pint with intention, here’s our guide to making the most of one of the biggest games in the women’s football calendar.

How to get there

Getting to Stamford Bridge is refreshingly straightforward, one of the perks of a London stadium that actually understands matchday logistics.

The easiest route is the Fulham Broadway on the District Line. Step off the train, follow the inevitable wave of blue (and the occasional flash of red) and you’re at the ground in under five minutes. It’s busy, yes, but efficient, well-signposted and very much part of the build-up.

If you want the smoothest journey from wherever you’re coming from, downloading Citymapper is a no-brainer,it’ll give you the quickest route to Fulham Broadway in real time and flag any last-minute delays before you even leave your starting location.

Photo Credit; Vespa125125CFC (talk)

When to get there

A 12:30 kick-off has a habit of creeping up on you, so arriving earlier than you think is key. I'd suggest getting to Stamford Bridge between 11:00 and 11:30, time moves quickly once you’re in the mix.

That extra window gives you space to grab a snack, find your seats without the rush and soak up the atmosphere before queues build at turnstiles and concourses. It also means you’ll be in place for the moment The Liquidator starts playing (my favourite part of a game at the Bridge!)

Photo Credit; Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Inside the stadium

For Chelsea Women matches at Stamford Bridge, the matchday setup is simple once you know the rules. As part of an ongoing trial, alcohol is allowed in seats in the West Stand Lower Tier and hospitality areas, so you don’t have to miss the action to enjoy a drink. The East Lower Stand is a designated family area and remains alcohol-free, keeping the vibe welcoming for everyone. Stewards will guide you if you’re unsure what’s permitted in your section.

Food and drink kiosks are spread across the concourses with classic matchday options and snacks. Arrive early if you want to avoid queues. Small handbags and backpacks are fine, but large bags aren’t and security checks are standard. Sealed snacks usually make it through, but hot food won’t.

Quick tip: check Chelsea FC’s official matchday info before you go, as trial areas can change. Once you’re inside, it’s all about settling in and enjoying the football.

Where to go after

Once the final whistle goes at Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road becomes the natural next stop. Whether you’re heading out for a celebratory pint, a soft drink, or just somewhere to decompress and talk tactics, the post-match pub is as much part of the experience as the 90 minutes.

Home fans tend to stay close. Butcher’s Hook is the classic choice and will be busy, loud, and very Chelsea. If you want something slightly calmer but still local, The Chelsea Gate or The Rose are good places to land and let the crowd thin out.

For away fans, or anyone after a more mixed, neutral atmosphere, The Wolfpack is usually the place to know. It’s a regular favourite with travelling support and an easy spot to settle into post-match, whether you’re staying for one or debriefing the entire game.

Arsenal Women fans in particular should keep an eye on the Arsenal Women Supporters Club on Instagram (@arsenalwomensc), who typically confirm where everyone’s heading after full-time. Wolfpack is often the choice, but they’ll share the final plan on the day.

And if you’re teetotal or doing Dry January, you won’t be out of place. These pubs are as much about debriefing the game, swapping opinions and meeting people as they are about what’s in your glass. Soft drink, zero-percent or pint in hand, it’s still very much part of the ritual.

Photo Credit; Wolfpack Fulham

See you there!

Whether you’re going for the football, the atmosphere or the full day that comes with it, this is one of those fixtures that reminds you why women’s football feels so special right now. I’ll be there soaking it all in and I genuinely can’t wait. Hope to see you in the stands, in the concourse or deep in a post-match debrief somewhere on Fulham Road.