Welcome to the vibrant and electrifying Etihad Stadium in Manchester, home to the newly crowned treble winners, Manchester City. Owned by the Manchester City Council, Manchester City FC has signed a 250-year lease to rent the stadium for £3 million per annum.
The state-of-the-art design of this magnificent football arena will blow your mind. This stadium represents the unwavering passion and commitment of the devoted Manchester City Football Club and its loyal fans.
Etihad Stadium History
Originally conceived as a centrepiece for the ambitious bid to host the 2000 Manchester Olympics, this grand arena found its purpose in a different sporting spectacle—the Commonwealth Games of 2002.
The story doesn’t end there. In a remarkable transformation, the stadium underwent a magnificent evolution in 2003. With unwavering determination, the city council invested £22 million, joined by Manchester City, who committed an additional £20 million. The result was a breathtaking football sanctuary, expanding its capacity from 38,000 to an impressive 48,000 seats.
The stadium was renamed the Etihad Stadium by the club in July 2011 as part of a ten-year agreement with the team kit sponsors Etihad Airways, worth a reported £120 million.
Notable events at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester include Sergio Aguero’s late dramatic goal against QPR to help City clinch the Premier League trophy in 2012. The following year saw the stadium host Olympic football matches as part of the London 2012.
When did Manchester City start playing in this stadium?
In the 1990s the laws of the game started to change. The once glorious standing areas of Maine Road Stadium were no longer permissible. Man City had to renovate the stadium. This included the demolition of the iconic Kippax Stand in 1994, which housed all the grassroots City fans.
However, many felt that the New Kippax Stand, complete with its seating and modern facilities, didn’t fit in with the rest of the stadium. It seemed to take over the whole ground and only served to accentuate the neglect that had gradually befallen the rest of the stadium.
The mounting costs of repairs made it obvious a fresh start in a new venue was necessary to ensure the club’s long-term sustainability and to provide a facility that matched the ambitions of the team and its passionate supporters. As a result, City moved to the City of Manchester stadium for the start of the 2003/04 season.
The first game at the City of Manchester Stadium was a friendly between City and Barcelona on 10th August 2003, which the home team won 2-1.
Etihad Stadium Renovation
In 2015, the capacity of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester was increased to 53,400 after work to add a third tier to the South Stand was completed.
Included in the Etihad Stadium renovation was the refurbishing of the corporate boxes and food and the restaurant area. These areas are of the highest quality. Corporate boxes have multi-tiered pricing with the most expensive box going for £12,000.
The club has formally submitted Man City Etihad Stadium plans for their ambitious £300 million project, which includes expanding the North Stand to increase the stadium’s capacity to over 60,000 spectators. They also plan to incorporate a hotel, sky bar, and a stadium roof walk experience, creating an all-encompassing destination.
Etihad stadium capacity
The Etihad is one of the biggest stadiums in the United Kingdom with a record attendance of 47,435 in the 2012-13 season. Interestingly, the Stadium is divided into four stands. First, there is the Colin Bell Stand located on the east side of the stadium with seating for around 10,400.
Next is the South Stand. This area accommodates approximately 8,000 spectators and is where you will find the away fans on matchday. The last two are the West Stand with a seating capacity of around 13,500, and the North Stand which holds approximately 13,500 spectators. This stand is where all the families congregate.
The remaining seats are distributed throughout various other areas of the stadium, including executive boxes, hospitality suites, media areas, and so on.
Where is Etihad Stadium?
The stadium is located in east Manchester about 5 km from the city centre. The exact address of the Etihad Stadium is Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF.
Several notable landmarks surround the Etihad Stadium including the National football museum. This is a haven for the world’s football enthusiasts and showcases some of the most important pieces of soccer history offering visitors a glimpse into the game’s evolution over time. To the west of the stadium is the city centre. This is home to the Manchester Museum, the Royal Exchange, a renowned theatre and shopping complex.
The stadium is accessible by a range of public transportation options. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly, with regular services from cities across the UK. From there, visitors can take a Metrolink tram to Etihad Campus or Velopark station. Alternatively, there are several bus routes that run directly to the stadium, including the 216 and 217.
Tour Etihad Stadium
The Etihad Stadium Tour offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Manchester City. From the immersive virtual Press Conference to the cutting-edge exhibition space, every facet of this Tour Etihad Stadium is designed to provide an unforgettable experience for football enthusiasts.
Exploring the hallowed pitch and the revered locker rooms helps discover the rich history and remarkable achievements of this esteemed club. Visiting the exclusive Tunnel Club hospitality area allows tourists to experience the electrifying atmosphere before kick-off. Visitors can also feel the adrenaline rush as they walk pitch-side, taking in the breathtaking views and imagining the roaring crowds on match day. Finally, the post-match interview area gives excitement as they can imagine their favourite players answering questions after a thrilling victory.
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