Manchester City have officially revealed the seating configuration for the highly anticipated expansion of the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium.
The development, set to open for the 2025/26 season, will see the stadium’s capacity exceed 60,000, making it one of the largest football grounds in the Premier League. This expansion is part of the Club’s broader vision to enhance both the atmosphere and matchday experience for fans, offering a wide variety of seating options and new facilities.
Key Features of the Expanded North Stand
Once construction is complete, the expanded North Stand will provide a range of seating configurations to meet the diverse needs of Manchester City‘s fanbase. Among the standout features will be a large rail-seating area, designed to improve the atmosphere and allow fans to experience matches in a more dynamic way. The rail seating will initially include 3,000 seats, with the option to expand further based on fan demand.
Family-Friendly and Youth-Oriented Seating: In addition to the rail seating, the expansion will incorporate family-friendly areas, with a specific focus on fostering the next generation of City fans. The club has committed to ringfencing a significant number of tickets specifically for fans aged 21 and under. This effort aims to make matchday experiences more accessible to younger supporters and contribute to building a lasting legacy at the Etihad.
New Fan-Centric Facilities: The expanded North Stand will also feature a range of new facilities designed to improve the matchday experience. Level One of the stand will include breakout spaces, religious rooms, and alcohol-free areas, catering to the club’s diverse fanbase. These additions came after extensive consultations with fans throughout the 2023/24 season, ensuring that the needs of all supporters are addressed.
Premium Seating and Hospitality
For those seeking a more luxurious matchday experience, Manchester City are introducing premium seating options within the expanded North Stand. This will include a 500-seat food hall, offering a variety of dining options, and a premium bar with space for 300 fans, located where the old Hospitality Boxes used to be. Fans will also have access to a new sky bar at the rear of the stand, with seats offering stunning views overlooking the pitch.
More details about these premium areas will be announced during the 2024/25 season.
Creating an Electric Atmosphere
A key focus of the North Stand expansion is enhancing the atmosphere on matchdays. By adding rail seating and expanding the North Stand’s capacity, the club hopes to create a more intense and engaging environment for supporters. With rail seating sections now planned for both ends of the pitch, the atmosphere at the Etihad is set to become even more electrifying, with the new North Stand amplifying the noise from the South Stand and contributing to a dynamic fan experience.
A Broader Vision for the Etihad Campus
The North Stand expansion is part of Manchester City’s larger development plans for the Etihad Campus, which will transform the area into an entertainment destination. Future developments will include a stadium roof walk experience and a new City Square fan zone with capacity for 3,000 people, creating a vibrant hub for fans to gather before and after matches.
The club’s vision for the future is clear: enhancing the stadium experience, supporting younger fans, and creating a matchday atmosphere that rivals any in the world of football. The expanded North Stand is a significant step toward that goal, promising to offer fans new and improved ways to enjoy their time at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City fans can look forward to further announcements regarding the expansion as the 2024/25 season approaches.
