Manchester City are hoping to expand the Etihad Stadium’s seating capacity to a whopping 60,000 – and have opened a public consultation display to make it happen by showcasing options.
The Premier League runners-up are after the views of fans, residents and others associated with the blue half of Manchester in the form of a questionnaire available to fill in at the stadium and online.
Two options are being considered for development, which would see either the South Stand being increased alone, or both the North and South stands being expanded.
The latter option would see City’s potential matchday attendance rise from about 47,500 to around 60,000.
Pete Bradshaw, Head of Infrastructure and 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.
Should the club receive planning permission to boost stadium seating numbers, the South Stand would be developed as part of a first phase, but with the possibility of then enlarging the North Stand.
The club also plans to introduce a £299 Seasoncard to go along with the expansion.
Mr Bradshaw added: “We will be in touch with every fan who would potentially be affected by the changes in phase one, 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.”
Also on the agenda is relocating the away section of support on matchdays, which is part of the questionnaire.
The period of consultation will run throughout July and August, and is the first step in a process which will see formal discussions take place in the autumn, beforea planning application is submitted at the end of the year.
Picture courtesy of Bill Boaden, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
