By Tom Parsons
July 12 – Manchester City have announced plans to expand the capacity of their Etihad Stadium up to 60,000 from its current 47,805 capacity. If the plans are approved, the home of the Citizens will be the third largest in the Premier League – behind Arsenal and biggest rivals Manchester United.
City’s plans include adding a third tier to the South Stand, which will gain an extra 6,000 towards the capacity of the stadium before expanding the North Stand in the same manner.
These two stands, situated behind the goals, are expected to be in place (pending approval) before the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The proposals, which are likely to be submitted at the end of 2013, depend on a public consultation period where fans and local residents reactions to the project are gauged. There will be an exhibition at the Etihad Stadium to show how the works would be done before a final decision is made later on this year whether or not to go ahead with the project.
The 2012 champions had a 99.1% capacity for their Premier League games last season, as well as the cheapest season ticket in England’s top competition citing the club into an expansion project. City’s Abu Dhabi owners have always stated they will not expand the current capacity until they can be sure that they will fill it.
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 match day 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, match day tickets and premium seating. This is why we are considering these expansion proposals.
“We will be in touch with every fan who would be potentially affected by the changes in phase 1, 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.”
The stadium, built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, will have its footprint expanded by 16 metres if the plans take place and will be entirely funded by the football club, despite it being council owned. Many clubs – including Chelsea and Liverpool – have been looking for ways to expand their stadium, but don’t have the luxury of space that Manchester City does.
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