Sport
Manchester City reveal new North Stand seating plan as Etihad stadium expansion continues
The Etihad upgrade is underway.
Danny Jones -
26th September 2024 
Premier League champions Manchester City have revealed the new seating configuration for their North Stand as the plans to expand the stadium and surrounding Etihad Campus continue.
Initial work on the stadium expansion commenced earlier this year after the City Football Group’s (CFG) grand plans to turn the ground into a world-leading and year-round entertainment destination were finally approved back in July 2023.
Beyond just increasing the capacity of the stadium itself, the designs include a brand-new hotel, museum and club shop, sky bar and many other features, with all facets slated to be finished sometime in 2026.
However, it’s fair to say that the fans are most excited to see the crowd get even bigger and with a new seating configuration now revealed, the wheels are in finally motion.
As detailed in a full announcement, the new seating arrangements with the North Stand will soon see a new max total of 60,000 fans able to attend games at the Etihad.
They go on to explain that once done, the expanded home end will feature a broad range of seating options, including a large rail-seating area and dedicated family zones.
An estimated 3,000 rail seats are scheduled to be installed as part of the expansion, “with the option of increasing this allocation ahead of opening should there be further demand”, the statement continues.
Given how much clamour there has been for revisiting and/or furthering safe standing in the UK, this could prove to be a hugely popular decision, with plans to create rails eating at opposite ends of the pitch to generate “an electric atmosphere.”
The stadium as a whole has already been named among the best in the UK when it comes to the likes of stadium tours, but they’re also hoping to create “new pathways for the next generation of Manchester City fans to enjoy matches at the Etihad Stadium” with options such as a ringfenced section specifically for fans aged 21 and under.
Read more:
- Christian Eriksen makes confession about Man United dressing room after FC Twente game
- Sky capture heated exchange between Haaland, Arteta and Gabriel Jesus after City vs Arsenal
- Paddy McGuinness to take on 300-mile ‘ultra endurance’ cycle challenge for Children In Need
But it goes much further than this too, with level one of the North Stand set to be bolstered with a range of new breakout spaces such as religious rooms and alcohol-free areas.
City are yet to outline an estimated completion date for the new North Stand seating plan or which of the other aspects of the Etihad Campus expansion are being prioritised.
Nevertheless, the club has assured they will continue to speak with the fan base and official supporter groups on how best to use these new spaces.
Meanwhile, the red half of Manchester looks like it might be finally getting a clearer picture of what the ‘new Old Trafford‘ might look like as their own expansion plans are starting to move forward.
They claim the scheme could generate around £7.3 billion for the UK economy each year. 😲🏟️#MUFC #OldTraffordRegenerationhttps://t.co/dX9QoN8K3a
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) September 24, 2024
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Manchester City/The Manc Group
