Romance is blossoming at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium! The club has announced the launch of “The Big Match,” a blind dating show designed to pair up single fans on game days.
This unusual initiative aims to create connections among Arsenal supporters who are looking for love, all centered around their shared passion for the Gunners.
The announcement for “The Big Match” was quietly released on the Arsenal website on Friday. Interestingly, it`s not easily found through the site`s search engine or in the news section, and it wasn`t promoted on Arsenal`s social media channels like Twitter and Instagram.
Despite this low-key launch, information about the dating show is appearing in Google search results, with pages for registration and the show`s terms and conditions accessible online.
According to the announcement, Emirates Stadium match days are seen as a time for fans to connect with the sport and with each other. This new dating show is intended to take that connection a step further, potentially sparking deeper relationships through a shared love of football.
Arsenal is inviting single fans in the UK to apply to participate in “The Big Match.” The show will involve going on a blind date with another Gunners fan during an Arsenal match.
Interested fans who are UK residents over 18 and single can apply until 11:59 pm on April 11.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. One fan expressed disbelief, saying, “This club CANNOT be serious.” Another commented, “Weirdest club in the league.” Some fans joked about the club`s priorities, with one saying, “They need something to make up for the lack of trophies.” Another quipped that manager Mikel Arteta “wants everyone married.”
One fan humorously imagined future conversations, saying, “`How did you both meet?` `We met on the Gooner dating program, son.`” Another joked about the club`s focus, “They’ll do everything except win a trophy.” However, some fans are intrigued, with one admitting, “Might have to sign up you know.” Another supporter commented on the manager`s potential influence, “Arteta wants all his players AND fans to be married. Fair enough.”
This initiative follows Championship side Millwall`s launch of its own mobile network, leading some to wonder if Arsenal`s dating show might also be a surprising move or even an April Fools` prank.
While single Arsenal fans consider signing up for this unique dating experience, the Arsenal men`s team is preparing to play Fulham on Tuesday after the international break, followed by a match against Everton and a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
The return of Bukayo Saka to training is expected to be a significant boost for the team as they approach the crucial final part of the season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal`s women`s team recently demonstrated a strong performance against Real Madrid, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to win 3-0 in the UEFA Women`s Champions League, securing their place in the semi-finals against Lyon.
The Arsenal women`s team will play Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The application form for “The Big Match” includes questions about name, date of birth, contact information, sexual identity and orientation, height, ethnicity, smoking/vaping/drinking habits, reasons for loving Arsenal, partner preferences, and requests for a photograph and social media handles.
