| Etihad Stadium | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team | Manchester City F.C. (Premier League) |
| Opened | 2002 (originally City of Manchester Stadium for the 2002 Commonwealth Games) |
| Capacity | 62,170 (plans for expansion underway) |
| Best Value Seats | East Stand upper tiers for solid sightlines at more affordable prices |
| Premium Seating | Citizens Hospitality, Legends Lounge, Platinum Boxes, Tunnel Club with player access |
| Top Stadium Foods | Meat & potato pies, chicken balti pies, fish and chips, vegetarian and vegan wraps |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | Mary D’s, The Etihad Campus City Square fan zone, restaurants in Ancoats |
| Closest Hotels | Hotel Football, Staycity Aparthotels, AC Hotel Manchester by Marriott |
| Transit Access | Metrolink tram to Etihad Campus stop, buses from city centre, walking paths from Piccadilly |
| Unique Highlights | Built for athletics, later converted for football; hosts concerts, rugby, and major sporting events; offers stadium tours and behind-the-scenes Tunnel Club experience |
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Etihad Stadium Seating Plan
The capacity of the Etihad Stadium currently sits at ~53,400, but that number is rising fast as the North Stand expansion opens in phases throughout the 2026 season. Once fully complete later this year, the capacity will surge to over 61,000, cementing its status as a European heavyweight. The expansion has transformed the stadium’s profile: the new North Stand now matches the towering height of the side stands, featuring a massive expanded upper tier and 3,000 new rail seats specifically designed to amplify the atmosphere.
Manchester City Football Tickets
Getting tickets to Manchester City games requires membership and can be competitive for high-profile matches. Here are the ways to secure tickets:
Official Website: The primary source is the official Manchester City website. To purchase tickets you will need a Matchday Membership or Junior Membership. Tickets are subject to availability and sales criteria for qualifying supporters.
Membership Programs: Manchester City offers Matchday Membership for adults (ages 18 and above) between £25 and £35, and Junior Membership for youth supporters (ages 17 and below) at £20. Members get priority access to tickets, £5 discount on home Premier League fixtures, and various club benefits.
Season Tickets: Season tickets for the 2025/26 season are currently sold out, and only a limited number of Flexi Season Tickets were offered to eligible members based on their match attendance history. New tickets will not be widely available until at least the 2026/27 season when the stadium expansion is complete.
Secondary Market: For non-members, platforms like SeatPick offer Manchester City tickets from verified sellers with 100% money-back guarantee, with prices typically starting from around £53 for less popular fixtures.
Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium Expansion Plans
Manchester City announced plans to expand the North Stand, which will open during the 2025/26 season. The expansion will increase capacity to more than 60,000 and feature a large rail-seating area with a minimum of 3,000 rail seats, plus family areas and new concourse areas.
The development includes a massive entertainment destination with a 401-room hotel called The Medlock operated by Radisson, opening in late 2026. The project will also feature office spaces, a conference zone, stadium rooftop walk, and a new City Square fan zone with capacity for 3,000 people.
Best Seats at Etihad Stadium
The Etihad Stadium consists of four main stands: the North Stand (Family Stand), South Stand (away end), East Stand (Colin Bell Stand), and West Stand. No matter where you choose to sit, a good view should be had, as the stadium was reconfigured from an athletics venue to ensure a fantastic viewing experience for all.
Best Seats (Non-Premium)
Colin Bell Stand (East Stand) – Centre Sections: The East Stand is where the most passionate fans are usually gathered and is where those who used to have season tickets at Manchester City’s old stadium, Maine Road, choose to sit. A seat in the Colin Bell Stand grants you a fantastic view of the entire pitch.
West Stand – Centre Sections: The West Stand offers excellent side-of-pitch views and puts you close to the action with good sightlines across the field.
Best Value Seats
Colin Bell Stand – Upper Tier: These seats offer excellent views at reasonable prices, with good atmosphere and facilities while keeping costs manageable.
West Stand – Upper Tier: Similar to the Colin Bell Stand, these provide good value with decent views and atmosphere without premium pricing.
Best Budget Seats
North Stand – Upper Tier: The most affordable options in the stadium, though you’ll be furthest from the pitch. The Family Stand areas often have the cheapest tickets available.
South Stand – Corner Sections: When available to home fans, these can offer good value while still providing a decent view of the action.
Away End Considerations
Up to 3,000 away fans are allocated one side of the upper, middle and lower tiers of the South Stand behind one of the goals, typically in blocks 113-114, 213-214 and 313-314. This can be increased for cup games if there’s enough demand. Safe standing spaces are available in the away section.
Premium Seating Options at Etihad Stadium
The Etihad hosts several hospitality experiences, with 68 executive boxes distributed between the North, East and West Stands. Premium seating options range from intimate boxes to comprehensive hospitality packages.
Premium Experiences
The stadium offers various hospitality packages that provide premium seating with dining experiences. There are several different hospitality packages on offer, with options ranging from intimate executive experiences to comprehensive dining packages.
Best Bang for Your Buck
For those wanting a taste of the premium experience without breaking the bank, authorized hospitality partners offer premium packages starting from £149 per person. These often include stadium tours, complimentary drinks, and other exclusive perks that aren’t available through standard ticketing.
The sweet spot appears to be the mid-tier hospitality packages that provide premium padded seating, pre-match dining, and inclusive drinks – giving you the VIP treatment without the eye-watering costs of the full Platinum Box experience. You’ll still get proper service and decent grub, plus you’re rubbing shoulders with fellow Blues in comfort rather than standing in the concourse queues like a mug.
Executive Boxes and Suites
Executive Boxes: The Etihad Stadium has 68 boxes distributed between the North (with 8 seats), East and West Stands (with 10 seats). These private boxes offer excellent pitch views with dedicated service and exclusive catering options – perfect for corporate entertaining or special occasions away from the crowds.
Platinum Box Experience: Located in the middle tier, you can book a Platinum Box for twenty guests. Includes champagne and canapés on arrival, exclusive dugout access, meet with a Manchester City legend, post-match player visit, buffet and inclusive drinks, plus complimentary gifts and signed shirt.
Etihad Stadium Bag Policy
For security reasons, objects larger than an A4 piece of paper are forbidden. Bags will undergo routine security checks. The stadium follows a strict bag policy similar to other Premier League venues.
Given these restrictions, plan ahead and leave bags at your hotel or in your car if driving to avoid any matchday complications.
Recommendations:
- Best approach: Don’t bring any bag at all if possible to avoid delays
- If you must bring something, ensure it’s smaller than A4 size (approximately 21cm x 29.7cm)
- Consider using pockets instead of bags for essential items like phones, wallets, and tickets
Restricted Items
Prohibited items include food and drinks, fireworks especially flares, air-horns, knives, megaphones, musical instruments, and large umbrellas. Flags and banners with a maximum size of 2×1 metres are permitted as long as they don’t display offensive content, but rods for holding them are prohibited.
Important Stadium Policies
Smoking is prohibited in all zones of the stadium, including car parks and lobbies. Anyone supporting the visiting team found within the home supporters’ area will be ejected from the stadium.
Cashless Stadium: The Etihad operates as a cashless venue, accepting all major debit and credit cards.
Accessibility: The Etihad hosts a sensory suite in the North Stand for children or adults on the autistic spectrum to watch the game in a comfortable environment.
For a full list of Etihad Stadium Policies check out their excellent guide here
Top Tips for Etihad Stadium
While the Etihad might look like a straightforward modern stadium, seasoned matchgoers know there are plenty of insider tricks to make your day smoother and more enjoyable. These tips come from years of fan experience and will help you avoid the common pitfalls that catch out first-time visitors.
Stadium Experience and Timing
Arrival Strategy: Stadium gates open 2 hours before the match, and pre-match entertainment inside the stadium starts then. Arriving early will not only help avoid long queues at security checks, but will also give you time to familiarise yourself with the layout of the stadium, including food stalls, toilets and seating.
Team Arrival Experience: The Blue Carpet Experience takes place outside the Colin Bell Stand entrance and includes the unique team arrival. The first team usually arrive about 90 minutes before kick-off – perfect for younger fans wanting to see their heroes.
Post-Match Relaxation: Head over straight back to the East Stand where the relocated Summerbee Bar will be open for 1 hour after the final whistle. This beats the rush and lets crowds disperse.
Food, Drink and Money-Saving Tips
Stadium Pricing: It’s £4 for a pie, though there’s a decent selection (steak, chicken Balti and veggie) and hot dogs fetch a hefty £4.50 each. In terms of drink, it’s only £4 for a pint of lager or cider, which is a lot better than many stadiums these days.
Cashless Reminder: The Etihad Stadium is fully cashless. In the unlikely event you are asked to make payment in cash, or see cash being handed over at one of the concession stands inside the Stadium, report it to a steward immediately.
Security and Practical Tips
Reporting System: Fans who see or hear abusive behaviour can text 0770 015 1894 to make the dedicated security team aware of what they have witnessed – useful to know if you encounter any issues.
Multi-Faith Facilities: There’s a Multi-Faith Prayer Room within the stadium to provide supporters with a quiet space for prayer and reflection. If you’d like to use this space on a matchday, approach a steward who will guide you there.
Away Fan Specific Tips
Crowd Management: In consultation with Greater Manchester Police, visiting supporters may be asked to remain in the stadium for a short time until the immediate areas clear. You will be informed of this during the match via PA announcements.
Away Entry Points: The away fan entrance is located in the south stand at turnstiles L1, L2 and L3. Turnstiles open two hours before kick-off.
Stadium Atmosphere and Behavior
Colors Warning: The stadium enforces a rule that visitors cannot wear away colors unless sitting in the away stands, so please be aware of what colors you wear to the game.
Fan Safety: There’s space for 3,000 away fans in the South Stand, over all 3 tiers with very little space separating the two sides. Whatever you do, don’t react to any taunting from the home fans, as you’re the one that’s likely to be ejected.
Stadium Tour Options: There are 3 stadium tour options: The Matchday Tour, Meet the Greats and Behind-the-Scenes. Each tour offers insight into the club’s history and is suitable for all the family.
Getting to Etihad Stadium
Etihad is one of those grounds where how you get there can make or break your matchday. On a busy fixture, roads around the stadium clog up early, parking gets snapped up, and the trams are rammed—but if you plan it right, you can glide in, beat the worst of the queues, and actually enjoy the build-up instead of stress-sprinting from the station.
Metrolink (Tram)
If you’re anywhere near the city centre, the tram is usually the cleanest option. Etihad Campus is the nearest stop, about a 6‑minute walk from the stadium, and the route is well signed with a steady stream of fans. Trams run frequently from both Piccadilly and Victoria, and you’re typically looking at around 10–15 minutes from town. The only real downside is how busy it gets: 60–90 minutes before kick‑off and right after full‑time, you’ll be shoulder‑to‑shoulder, so either travel a bit earlier or hang back for a drink and let the first wave go.
Train
Train makes sense if you’re coming in from outside Manchester and don’t want to mess with driving into the centre. Ashburys is the closest station to the ground, a short hop from Piccadilly and roughly a 20‑minute walk to Etihad. It’s not a scenic stroll, but it’s straightforward once you follow the crowd. If you’d rather not walk, both Piccadilly and Victoria link easily onto Metrolink, so you can hop off your train, jump on a tram and roll straight to Etihad Campus.
Bus
Buses are a decent shout if you’re already in East Manchester or staying along one of the main routes. Several services head towards the stadium and drop along Ashton New Road or nearby, then after the match they line up near the South Stand for the ride back. When traffic is flowing, it’s an easy, cheap way to get in and out. When traffic isn’t flowing—close to kick‑off or right after full‑time—it can feel painfully slow compared with the tram or just walking.
From Manchester Airport
Flying in, you don’t need a car at all. You can take the tram from the airport into the city, then switch onto the line serving Etihad Campus and stay on until the stadium stop. It’s simple and avoids airport parking or pricey taxis. The only thing to watch is timing: matchdays mean crowded trams, and doing that with luggage can be a bit of a squeeze, so give yourself a bit of buffer if you’re landing the same day as the game.
Walking and Cycling
On a dry day, walking or cycling is surprisingly nice. The stadium is roughly a 30‑minute walk from the city centre depending on where you start, and once you join the main route you’re basically in a stream of fans heading the same way. Manchester’s bike hire scheme makes it easy to grab a bike, and the Etihad Campus has dedicated storage areas around the West and East Stands. The tradeoff is obvious: Manchester weather isn’t shy, and a January evening fixture can make that walk or ride feel twice as long if you’re under‑dressed.
Etihad Stadium Parking
Driving is workable, but only if you treat it like something you plan, not improvise. Official parking has to be pre‑booked for each match, with prices that reward car‑sharing: it’s cheaper if you’ve got two or more people in the car, a bit more if you’re driving solo. Season-ticket holders get first dibs, so popular matches sell out early. The official car parks are colour‑coded (Blue, Orange, Green) with their own postcodes, and it’s worth putting those directly into your sat nav so you’re not circling the wrong side of the campus. The system uses number plate recognition, so once you’re booked in you usually just roll through the cameras and park.
Park and Ride
If you’re driving in from further out, Park and Ride strikes a nice balance. There are Metrolink sites with free parking where you leave the car and finish the journey by tram. Each site has a different capacity and travel time, but the idea’s the same: skip the heaviest matchday traffic around the ground and avoid paying stadium parking prices. It works especially well for early kick‑offs when roads into the city can already be busy.
Parking Tips & Unofficial Options
If you’re willing to trade a bit of walking for saving cash or getting out quicker, there are a couple of tried‑and‑tested moves fans use.
- Free parking hack – Riverpark Road: For free street parking, head towards Riverpark Road. It’s roughly a 20‑minute walk to the stadium, but if you don’t mind the stroll, you’re saving that £12–14 official fee. Just watch for any new signage or restrictions and be respectful of residents.
- Paid but close – Townley Pub area: There’s a car park next to the Townley Pub that offers paid parking about a 3‑minute walk to the ground. It’s not official, but regulars rate it as safe and convenient on matchdays.
- Clayton Lane by the boxing club: Another fan‑recommended spot where people routinely park for games. It’s a bit more low‑key than the official car parks but still within easy walking distance, and often empties out quicker after full-time.
Hotels Near Etihad Stadium
The Etihad Stadium sits in East Manchester, about 2 miles from the bustling city center. Unlike some football grounds that are surrounded by traditional matchday pubs and hotels, the Etihad is part of a purpose-built sports complex that was originally constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. This means the immediate area around the stadium is rather sparse when it comes to accommodation and entertainment options, but the excellent transport links mean you’re never far from Manchester’s vibrant heart.
Best Areas to Stay
Manchester City Center The most popular choice for visitors, offering the full Manchester experience. You’ll be 15-20 minutes away by tram but have access to world-class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The city center buzzes with energy and provides easy access to both the Etihad and other Manchester attractions. Expect to pay premium prices but get premium experiences.
Ancoats/New Islington An up-and-coming area that’s closer to the stadium while still offering modern amenities. This former industrial district has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood with converted warehouses, new developments, and excellent canal-side dining. It’s about a 10-15 minute journey to the Etihad and offers a good middle ground between proximity and atmosphere.
Immediate Etihad Area Perfect for matchdays with walking distance to the stadium, but you’ll find limited dining and entertainment options outside of event days. The area is functional rather than atmospheric, dominated by the Etihad Campus and surrounding sports facilities. Choose this if convenience to the ground is your top priority, but expect to travel elsewhere for meals and nightlife.
East Manchester/Clayton Budget-friendly options slightly further out but still well-connected by public transport. These areas offer more affordable accommodation while maintaining decent access to both the stadium and city center via bus and tram links.
Best Hotels (Luxury & Premium)
Dakota Manchester (City Center) A boutique 5-star hotel located in Manchester City Center, just a 5-minute walk to Market Street and 10-minute walk to Spinningfields. Offers luxury accommodations with exceptional service and stylish rooms. Perfect for those wanting five-star luxury with easy tram access to the stadium.
AC Hotel Manchester City Center Modern Marriott property positioned on the edge of Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter. Located a 10-minute walk from Victoria train station and 15-minute walk from Piccadilly Station, offering contemporary design with excellent facilities including fitness center and bar.
The Midland Manchester Perhaps Manchester’s most iconic hotel and a city landmark for over a century. This historic four-star property represents the pinnacle of Manchester hospitality with a prime city center location providing easy tram access to the Etihad.
Mid-Range Hotels
ibis Budget Manchester Centre Pollard Street Excellent choice located within a 5-minute drive of Etihad Stadium in the New Islington area. Modern accommodations with free Wi-Fi, competitive pricing, and the reliability of the ibis brand. Great value for money with easy stadium access.
Residence Inn by Marriott Manchester Piccadilly Extended-stay hotel in the heart of Manchester, moments from Manchester Piccadilly station. Perfect for longer visits with apartment-style accommodations and easy city exploration options.
Various Ancoats Apartments Multiple apartment options in the trendy Ancoats area offering more space than hotels, often with kitchen facilities and parking. Ideal for families or groups wanting flexibility and a local neighborhood feel.
Budget-Friendly Options
Travelodge Manchester Ancoats Reliable budget chain about a mile and a half from the Etihad Stadium. Offers their trademark comfortable beds and good value pricing with dependable service.
Crystal Home Located within 1.6 miles of the stadium, provides basic rooms with free WiFi and shared kitchen facilities. Budget option that covers the essentials at competitive prices.
Various Budget Apartments Numerous vacation rentals and apartments available starting from around £35 per night, many offering free parking and basic amenities for cost-conscious travelers.
For big matches (Liverpool, United, Arsenal, European fixtures), accommodation fills up quickly and prices skyrocket. Book as soon as fixtures are announced.
Restaurants and Pubs Near Etihad Stadium
Unlike the traditional football grounds surrounded by historic boozers, the Etihad sits in a purpose-built sports complex that can feel a bit sterile on non-matchdays. But don’t worry – Manchester’s legendary pub culture hasn’t forgotten about City fans. While the immediate stadium area is limited for pre-match drinking, the beauty of Manchester’s transport system means you’re never more than a quick tram ride away from some proper pubs and restaurants.
For visiting supporters, your best bet is usually to start in the city center where you’ll find welcoming venues, then hop on the tram for the short journey to the ground. Home fans have a few local options right by the stadium, though they fill up quickly on matchdays. The key is planning ahead – especially for the big fixtures when everywhere gets rammed.
Essential Etihad Stadium Pubs (Home Fans)
Co-Op Live: Forget standing in the rain at City Square. The new pre-match ritual is the Co-op Live Fanzone. Located just across the bridge on Joe Mercer Way, this massive indoor space hosts live DJs, huge screens for the early kick-off, and ‘Tap, Grab, Go’ beer walls that eliminate queuing. Grab a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich from Big Chicken, watch the early game in warmth, and head to your seat 20 minutes before kickoff. Entry is free with your match ticket.
Mary D’s – The closest pub to the Etihad and is therefore only open to home fans. This is a rough and ready pub where fans must show their tickets to gain entry. It’s legendary among City fans and offers the most authentic matchday atmosphere.
The Corner Shop – Located just a 2-minute walk from the stadium, this convenient boozer is home fans only and is prone to being busy on match days.
The Grove Inn – Just a short stroll from the Etihad Stadium, another local favorite for City supporters.
Mixed/Away-Friendly Options
The Townley – The perfect pub if you’re prone to drinking one too many pre-match pints due to only being a 3-minute walk away from the stadium. The pub welcomes home and away fans, however avoid wearing team colours to prevent conflict. Large beer garden front and back.
The Bradford Inn – A Joseph-Holt chain pub located around 5-10 minutes walk from the stadium. Features multiple screens showing BT and Sky Sports, large beer garden, wide range of beers on draught and Manchester Brown Ale. Dog-friendly with karaoke and sports tables.
City Center Options
The Printworks – A vibrant and trendy hub for food, drink, and entertainment housing over 20 bars and restaurants under one roof. Perfect for away fans, offering everything from Nandos to Wagamamas, or Wetherspoons for cheap pints and food.
The Pen and Pencil – Located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, this New York themed pub opens at 10am, perfect for early kick-offs. Open to both home and away fans, offers parking for £5, and serves excellent burgers.
Manchester City Center Pubs
The following pubs are near city center Metrolink stations on the same line as Etihad Campus: The Britons Protection (near Deansgate station), The Peveril of the Peak (near Deansgate station), The Piccadilly Tavern, The Crown and Kettle, and The Piccadilly Tap.
Popular Restaurants in Greater Manchester
Street Urchin – Located on Great Ancoats Street, excellent seafood and British cuisine, consistently rated among Manchester’s top restaurants.
Canto Restaurant – Located in Ancoats area, offering Mediterranean, European, and Portuguese cuisine with excellent reviews.
Vermilion – Situated on Hulme Hall Lane, providing quality dining with good accessibility to the stadium area.
Things To Do In Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant city that offers far more than just world-class football at the Etihad Stadium. As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and a cultural powerhouse, the city seamlessly blends historic heritage with cutting-edge modernity. Whether you’re extending your stay for a few days or just have time before kick-off, Manchester’s excellent tram network makes it easy to explore from the Etihad Campus – you’re never more than 20 minutes from the city’s best attractions.
- Manchester Art Gallery – Housing extensive collections of art and sculptures
- John Rylands Library – Beautiful neo-Gothic library with rare manuscripts
- Science and Industry Museum – Interactive exhibits showcasing Manchester’s industrial heritage
- National Football Museum – Explore the history of the beautiful game
- Manchester Arena (AO Arena) – One of the UK’s largest indoor arenas for concerts and events
- Albert Hall Manchester – Historic venue for live music and performances
Pro Tip: The Northern Quarter is your best bet for pre-match culture and shopping if you’re staying near the Etihad. This hip area is packed with independent record shops, vintage clothing stores, street art, and quirky cafes – and it’s only a 10-minute tram ride from Etihad Campus on the same line. Perfect for soaking up Manchester’s creative spirit before heading to the match.
If you’re looking for other matchday guides check out these:
Tottenham and Emirates Stadium
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your matchday!