Manchester City give go-ahead for 61,000 seat stadium expansion
Manchester City chiefs have given the go-ahead on plans to expand the Etihad Stadium, increasing the overall capacity to 61,000.
The move, which would add another 15,000 seats, would make Manchester City’s home the second largest club ground in Britain.
According to reports, City officials are keen to sanction the go-ahead in a move that would put the Etihad only behind rivals Manchester United in terms of capacity.
Over £200 million has been poured into redeveloping the area around the Etihad Stadium. The new complex contains a state-of-the-art training centre and smaller academy ground.
City spent £60 million on adding a third tier to the South Stand last season. The move increased capacity to around 55,000.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Manchester City’s incoming manager Pep Guardiola is displayed on the screen prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium on February 6, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
There are already plans in place to install a unique glass tunnel into the stadium. This design would allow fans to view players preparing in the tunnel before kickoff.
Officials have been greatly impressed with attendances so far this season. Most matches have hit 98 percent capacity.
Contrary to media reports, City regularly hosts full crowds. The Blues have sold 41,000 season tickets and have a further 10,000 fans on the waiting list.
The next £120 million development would make City’s stadium the second largest club stadium in the country. Only Manchester United’s Old Trafford would be larger.
There are plans in place in the distant future to add tiers to the east and west wings, expanding capacity beyond Old Trafford’s 76,000.
The huge developments taking place at the Etihad are a sign of how global the club has become since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover nearly a decade ago.
Many fans are likely to remember City’s old ground at Maine Road fondly, its intimacy a far cry from the ever-expanding Etihad.
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