Actual construction of the stadium began in February 2004. Arsenal appointed Sir Robert McAlpine in January 2002 to carry out building work and the stadium was designed by HOK Sport (known as Populous since 2009), who were the architects for Stadium Australia and the redevelopment of Ascot Racecourse.[62] Construction consultants Arcadis and engineering firm Buro Happold were also involved in the process.[63][64]
The first phase of demolition was completed in March 2004 and two months later stand piling on the West, East and North stands had been concluded.[65] Two bridges over the Northern City railway line connecting the stadium with Drayton Park were also built; these were completed in August 2004.[65] The stadium topped out in August 2005 and external glazing, power and water tank installation was completed by December 2005.[65] The first seat in the new stadium was ceremonially installed on 13 March 2006 by Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby.[66] Like Highbury, DD GrassMaster was selected as the pitch installer with Hewitt Sportsturf contracted to design and construct the playing field.[67]Floodlights were successfully tested for the first time on 25 June 2006, and a day later the goalposts were erected.[68]
In order to obtain the licences the stadium needed to open, the stadium hosted three non-full capacity events. The first 'ramp-up' event was a shareholder open day on 18 July 2006, the second an open training session for 20,000 selected club members held two days later.[69][70] The third event on 22 July 2006 was striker Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial match against Ajax.[71]
The Emirates Stadium was officially opened by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on 26 October 2006; it had been intended that Queen Elizabeth II would open the stadium as well, but she suffered a back injury and was unable to attend on the day.[72] Prince Philip quipped with the crowd: "Well, you may not have my wife, but you've got the second-most experienced plaque unveiler in the world."[73] The royal visit echoed the attendance of the Queen's uncle, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) at the official opening of Highbury's West Stand in 1932.[74] As a result of the change of plan, Queen Elizabeth extended to the club the honour of inviting the chairman, manager and first team to join her for afternoon tea atBuckingham Palace on 15 February 2007 – the first club to be invited to the palace for such an event.[75]