Manchester City Submit £300m Plan To Expand Etihad Stadium

Manchester City have submitted plans to expand the Etihad Stadium. Capacity will go up to over 60,000 but the club's £300m plan is about more than extra seats.

Manchester City have submitted ambitious plans to expand the Etihad Stadium.

The Etihad is currently the fifth largest Premier League stadium in terms of capacity.

It houses 55,097 fans in its present form but City intend to increase that capacity to more than 60,000.

City's proposal is about much more than adding extra seats though.

We are delighted to announce a planning application has been submitted for an entertainment destination at the Etihad Stadium.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 18, 2023

The club also want to install a sky bar overlooking the pitch, a stadium roof walk experience, a 3,000-capacity fan zone, a 400-bed hotel, a new club shop and a museum.

It is estimated by the club that the overall project, if approved by Manchester City Council, will cost in excess of £300 million.

Danny Wilson, Man City's director of sales, service and operations, said in a club statement: "Over several months we have been developing concepts and designs for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium and are delighted to have now submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our fans and the local community for their participation in our recent consultation, not only for completing the questionnaire but sharing their detailed comments and feedback with us, all of which has been carefully reviewed and considered.

"As with all Club developments, ensuring our local community benefit is a key priority and we believe these proposals will deliver long-term economic and social opportunities, building on the regeneration work delivered in East Manchester by City Football Group since 2008."

City moved into the Etihad Stadium in 2003 after it was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

It was last expanded in 2015 when 6,000 seats were added.

An aerial photograph of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium taken in January 2023 :: IMAGO/Propaganda Photo Agency