City aims to transform the area into an ‘Entertainment Destination’ with features including a revamped City Square fan zone, a sky bar, a hotel, a new club shop, and a museum. While such improvements are in progress, the primary interest of supporters focuses on the stadium’s expansion, which will add a new tier to the North Stand, increasing capacity to over 60,000 seats.
The added seats provide the potential for hosting major events like the Champions League final, but also aim to meet the high demand from City’s growing fanbase, given that all Premier League games have been sold out for the past two seasons. The addition of 7,000 seats seeks to enhance revenue and improve the home advantage atmosphere.
Despite the Etihad’s strong reputation, there are challenges concerning stadium acoustics, particularly with vocal home fans being split by away supporters. This has sparked discussions about creating a cohesive and more intimidating atmosphere, akin to Dortmund’s yellow wall.
Loukas Gregory, from the 1894 fan group focused on atmosphere enhancement, emphasized the significance of the current expansions saying, “It looks amazing so there’s loads in there to like but strictly from an atmospheric perspective this is probably the last opportunity we’re going to get to get the atmospheric home end that most other clubs have – the iconic stand that isn’t separated by away fans. This is the last opportunity and at this moment in time we effectively have a blank canvas. The club can do what they want – if they want to make it the most atmospheric stand in England, they can do it.”
Further surveys indicate that many fans are ready to relocate to improve the atmosphere. However, there is uncertainty due to the current plans, which includes 3,000 rail seats aimed at fostering a vibrant atmosphere, though juxtaposed with 800 hospitality seats.
Alex Howell, chair of City Matters, highlighted concerns with ticket policies, stating, “I think this is an absolute disaster. Likewise, the lack of choice between a season card and Flexi Gold undermines arguments about flexibility, as it would mean that (even more) fans are forced to purchase the more expensive former in lieu of the latter.”
The expansion is part of a broader £300m redevelopment plan. As the plans move forward, questions remain about who will fill the new seats, how the atmosphere will evolve, and if those in rail seats will be adequately integrated into the supporter experience.
