Manchester City Football Club today opened an exhibition at the Etihad Stadium to present the Club’s options for the potential expansion of the ground’s seating capacity.
The Club is seeking the views of fans, local residents and other stakeholders at the free exhibition at the Etihad Stadium where people will be asked to fill in a short questionnaire.
The same information and questionnaire can also be viewed online and responded to at www.mcfc.co.uk/stadiumfuture from 7am on Friday 12 July.
The capacity of the Etihad Stadium is currently around 47,500. The Club’s two proposed options are to undertake the expansion of the South Stand alone (phase 1), to increase matchday capacity to around 54,000, or to expand both the South and North Stands at the same time (phases 1 and 2), to increase matchday capacity to about 60,000.
In the event of planning permission being granted, it is the Club’s current intention to first proceed with the development of the South Stand. However a phased or concurrent approach – pursuing the additional construction of an extension to the North Stand – remains a possibility.
This proposed expansion of the Etihad Stadium would allow the club to introduce a new Seasoncard for £299, and to improve the hospitality offer.
The questionnaire also asks fans of both Manchester City and other football clubs for their views on the possible relocation of visiting fans on matchday.
This first phase of public consultation runs throughout July and August and will be followed by a formal public consultation in the autumn ahead of the club proposing to submit a planning application to Manchester City Council in December.
Pete Bradshaw, Head of Infrastructure & Corporate Responsibility; said: “Manchester City Football Club strives to provide its supporters and visiting fans with one of the best possible matchday experiences in the Premier League and European football.
“Games are selling out frequently prior to going on open sale and there is rising demand from supporters for more season tickets, matchday tickets and premium seating. This is why we are considering these expansion proposals.
“We will be in touch with every fan who would be potentially affected by the changes in phase 1, and we encourage fans, residents and anyone who has a point of view, to visit the exhibition in person or online and tell us what they think.”
Exhibition details:
Stadium Future, Consultation Space, City Square, Etihad Stadium Manchester M11 3FF
(adjacent to the Club store and sign-posted from Gate 11)
Open 7 days a week