Man City kicks off Etihad expansion
More than 6,000 seats could be added to the stadium’s North Stand, as well as various interventions aimed at turning the ground into a 365-day destination.
City Football Group announced today that it is undertaking feasibility studies “to develop a best-in-class fan experience and a year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium”.
As well as increasing the capacity of the Etihad Stadium from 53,400 to more than 60,000, the plans also feature a covered fan zone, a new club shop and museum, workspace, and a hotel.
The scheme would be the next phase of City Football Group’s ongoing regeneration of Eastlands and the Etihad Campus.
City Football Group has invested more than £700m in the area, including a new training ground, since taking over the club in 2008.
The proposed scheme is “aligned with the Eastlands Regeneration Framework and an ambition to develop East Manchester into a world-leading sport, leisure, and entertainment destination,” according to Manchester City’s owners.
The club’s rival Manchester United also announced this year it was working up options for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
The football club appointed stadium consultant Legends International and architect Populous to lead the project.
If they want the all year round experience they need to follow Wembley Stadium/Brent Council. It now has the Stadium, Arena, Hotel, Shops, Bars and Restaurants all around it. All providing pre match/gig entertainment. As well as Apartment blocks with shops below them at ground level.
By Anonymous
I’m am well made up
By Christopher whitehead
So much potential there’s a tram stop just need the vision for hotels and retail.
By Anonymous
We must have money to burn. This isn’t a commercial project we can’t fill the existing ground. A bit embarrassing and not financial fair play.
By Kippax regular
Anonymous, I totally agree!! Manchester needs to slowly take notes
By Harris
Surprised this hasn’t had more than one comment. Quite big news if they actually do it . Whether it’s needed is another question.
By Anonymous
As a privately owned business corporation, I am sure the Man City Group know exactly what to invest in and why. As long as football fanatics keep on paying up, they will invest wisely and long-term and globally. The Group has done admirably so far.
By James yates
Must take my hat off to City, this is what sustainable growth looks like unlike my club which has splurged on world record fee players and taken money out of the club in dividends.
By Koppite
What they really need is a match day / concert day tram stop terminus so they can run trams that start at the Etihad complex into town!
By MC
@Kippax regular maybe but for the stadium gigs the extra seats will be worth the investment
By Disgruntled Goat
Glad there are still investing so much in the area but an extra 6000 seats? Really?
By Anonymous
A toilet for those travelling to the city store not on a match day would be a good start, telling customers to go to Asda to use the loo is appalling.
By Ray
Proud of what the CFG have done for manchester
By Blue stu
Never heard so much negativity regarding mcfc and empty seats look at the stats for attendance most games are sold out fact. As for the club we have owners every other fan in the country wants just look down the road at OT. Massive debt ground that’s on its last legs training ground not far behind.
By Big boy
The stadium needs to seat north of 60000 to attract major finals.
By Barrablue
I like what our owners have done so far. But I think all this is going to be more expensive for the real fans. We’ve already seen more day trip fans attending games .i think the old adage ‘football is the game for the working class’ is completely dead and buried. ticket prices are a ridiculous price .food outlets also expensive. i used to follow city home and away to almost every game. Can’t afford to now.
By Anonymous
They may never fill it on a normal match day but the whole Eastlands redevelopment over the past couple of decades has been incredible. I vaguely recall many years ago before any of the stadia were built that MCC were going to build a giant Casino instead!
By Anonymous
Agree that Wembley is an amazing template for Eastlands, the arena does makes it a 365 day a year location, and it has the transit links, although it does make you wonder Metrolink capacity would need to increase. Does bring home how Manchester is light years ahead of other UK regional cities.
By Rich X
As someone who remembers the Bradford area from the 80’s it’s truly amazing what has been achieved. Credit to the club for continuing to invest in the areas and in more jobs. There’s no doubt the tram needs to be upgraded, it barely copes now on match days let alone when the new arena opens.
By East Mancunian