Manchester City fans will be able to get ‘closer to the action’ from next season as the Premier League club expands its stadium capacity.
The Etihad will increase its size to more than 55,000 as three rows of seats are built pitchside.
A further 6,000 seats will be added later, to be completed in time for the start of the 2015/16 season and taking City’s capacity to 61,000, which would currently be the second biggest in the division.
Tom Glick, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We have always been committed to bringing fans closer to Manchester City, to the players and to the pitch.
“Whether that’s through digital innovation, community work, international tours, or as in this case, physically allowing fans to be right next to the action, it is our top priority.
“We are already looking forward to seeing the expanded stadium in action for the 15/16 season.”
Demand for season tickets has soared in the wake of the team’s recent success and the waiting list for the new seats, which will be in the South Stand, is already more than 7,500.
However, despite the increase in capacity local rivals Manchester United will still remain top dogs with more than 76,000 seats available in Old Trafford.
For nine months of 2013, Manchester City held a free exhibition on the Etihad Campus in order to consult with local residents, fans and other stakeholders about the development.
The decision to increase the capacity of the Etihad Stadium has enabled the club to provide even more £299 seasoncards and at the same time improve on-site hospitality.
The expansion will provided 160 people with employment and around 110 match day jobs will be created.
Main image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
