Manchester City continue to make progress on their stadium upgrade – despite fan concerns and unimpressive attendances.
The £300 million investment will add 8,000 seats to their North Stand, as well as a 391-room hotel, club museum and a 3,000 person fan-zone.
Various concerns including pricing and attendance have been raised about the expansion, yet City have claimed fans remain as the priority of the investment.
City Operations Managing Director Danny Wilson said: “This project has been designed with our fans at its heart and demonstrates our commitment to create one of the most memorable fan experiences in world sport.”
Despite the club’s lofty ambitions, questions remain as to whether the expansion is necessary.
The club came under scrutiny from fans last season after they raised season ticket prices by an average of 5%, with some tickets rising as much as 11%.
City claimed inflation as the reason, but received criticism from City fan group, WeAre1874.
A spokesperson said: “Ultimately we blame the club here, the rise was unnecessary.
“Given the fans are so loyal to the club, it would have been the easiest PR win in the world for them to freeze prices as a thank you.”
For the fan group, this expansion is a move which has once again prioritised financial gain over fan experience.
“We are not aligned on much with the club at the moment on this development. We of course recognise the club has to maintain revenues but this is the last chance to sort the atmosphere at The Etihad.”
The question also remains regarding whether City actually needs the extra capacity.
Last season they ranked 15th in the Premier League in terms of percentage of capacity filled, with 96.89%.
City’s attendance struggles are well known, with the ground often being coined as the “Empty-had” by rival fans.
emptyhad 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/l0Xop6tkXo
— ✯ (@lfcszymekk) February 20, 2024
This season’s crowds have also been mediocre. Last week’s blockbuster Champions League match versus Inter Milan saw only 50,992 attend, falling nearly 3,000 short of capacity.
Across the city, Manchester United are also in the midst of stadium development talks, but enjoyed better attendances than City last term, filling 98.18% of Old Trafford.
City’s blockbuster expansion may raise eyebrows among fans, but in terms of economic improvement to the region, both Manchester club’s plans will likely come with significant economic benefits to the region.
The Etihad renovation will reportedly deliver 890 roles during the work, whilst United reported this week that an Old Trafford expansion could deliver an additional £7.3 billion per year to the UK’s economy.
Featured Image: Matthew Bloxham
