Manchester City Football Club have filed for planning permission to increase the seating capacity of their Etihad Stadium to more than 60,000 and to invest £300 million in extra amenities such as a hotel and a museum.
The proposals call for the installation of around 7,000 seats, as well as a covered fan zone, a club shop, a museum, and a 400-bed hotel. If successful, the expanded capacity of the stadium will support the UK and Ireland’s joint ambition to host Euro 2028 matches with the bid proposing a capacity of 61,000.
“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,” said City’s managing director of operations Danny Wilson.
“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.”
The club claims that the project, which will take three years to complete, would result in a “best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination.”
Manchester City have had tremendous success since Sheikh Mansour‘s purchase in September 2008. However, in the 2022/23 season, they seek to win the ever-elusive UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history, to seal their status as powerhouses in world football.
