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Manchester City Football Club
Based in Manchester, England, Manchester City Football Club is one of the top clubs in the Premier League and one of the most successful football teams in the world, with a huge global fanbase. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or just in town for a football-filled weekend, here's everything you need to know-from getting tickets and planning your travel to catching a match and going behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City was founded in 1880, originally known as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894. For much of the 20th century, the club experienced a mix of highs and lows, with memorable moments like their 1969 FA Cup win and 1970 European Cup Winners' Cup triumph.
Fast-forward to recent years, and City has become one of the most successful clubs in modern football. The club is one of the most successful in English football, having won ten league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, seven FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup. Under manager Pep Guardiola, they’ve transformed into a global powerhouse. In 2023, the club made history by winning the Treble - lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League all in one incredible season. It was a feat achieved by only one other English club before them, and it cemented City’s place among the footballing elite.
After playing at Maine Road for 80 years, Manchester City relocated in 2003 to the Etihad Stadium in East Manchester - a move that marked a new era for the club. The stadium was converted into a world-class football ground and has since become central to the team’s rise to the top of English and European football. With a capacity of over 53,000, state-of-the-art facilities, and a great atmosphere on matchdays, the Etihad Stadium is not only the club’s home but also a key part of Manchester’s sporting and cultural identity.
Match tickets are available for most home games throughout the season. Popular fixtures, especially against major rivals, tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. Tickets can be purchased via the official Manchester City website.
For a premium experience, Manchester City offers a range of hospitality packages. Enjoy luxury seating, gourmet dining, and exclusive lounge access - ideal for celebrating a special occasion or entertaining guests.
Visit the home of the Premier League Champions! Go behind the scenes on the Etihad Stadium Tour and visit areas of the Stadium not usually available to the public. Explore the players’ changing rooms, walk through the tunnel, sit in the manager’s seat, and learn about the club’s incredible journey to the top of European football. Using the latest technology, dreams come true as you and your loved ones sit and interact with Pep Guardiola and first team faces in the press room. Tours are available year-round and can be booked online in advance. All tours are translated into different languages using the latest state of the art media guides. Languages include: French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, and Portuguese.
There's also a VIP Stadium Tour where you can enjoy an exclusive 120 minute VIP tour of the Home of the Premier League Champions. Feel totally immersed in the City Story via our 360 degree cinema experience and be wowed by the stunning audio-visual experience in the Home Team changing room. The VIP Stadium Tour allows fans to see exclusive areas of the Stadium not visited on the regular stadium tour. Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or orange juice with panoramic views of the stadium from one of the hospitality platinum boxes and much more.
Expected to open in late 2026, The Medlock is a new four-star hotel developed by Manchester City in partnership with the Radisson Hotel Group. Located on the Etihad Campus and directly connected to the stadium, it will offer convenient year-round accommodation for football fans, concertgoers at Co-op Live, and visitors exploring Manchester.
The Etihad Stadium is located just a couple of miles east of Manchester city centre and is well-connected by public transport meaning it's really easy to get to your next Man City game.
The Etihad Campus stop is right next to the stadium and sits on the Ashton-under-Lyne to Eccles Metrolink line. There are direct connections from both Piccadilly and Victoria stations. On matchdays, extra trams are added, but note that Holt Town, Velopark, and Clayton Hall stops (towards the city centre) are closed after the game for crowd safety.
Use contactless tap-in/tap-out at tram stops.
The Etihad is in Zone 2 – a return ticket from the city centre is £3.50 for adults.
Family travelcards are available from tram ticket machines.
Bee Network buses serve routes near the stadium. After the match, shuttle buses operate from:
Ashton New Road (opposite the Tesla garage) to Manchester city centre (12 buses)
Ashton-under-Lyne (2 buses)
Use the £2 adult / £1 child Hopper ticket, valid for unlimited bus travel within a 60-minute window.
Driving to the stadium? Expect traffic to build up 2 hours before kick-off, especially along:
Alan Turing Way
Hyde Road
Mancunian Way
After the game, some roads around the stadium close temporarily to allow fans to leave safely.
There’s a resident-only parking zone around the stadium, clearly marked by signs. Avoid fines by using official event parking.
Park and Ride options around Greater Manchester:
Ashton Moss – 20 mins
Ashton West – 25 mins
Ladywell – 43 mins
Whitefield – 37 mins
Radcliffe – 40 mins
Key locations around the Etihad Stadium
Discover essential spots near the Etihad Stadium, including nearby hotels for convenient stays, local bus and tram stops for easy transport access, and park and ride facilities to make your journey to events smoother. Whether you're attending a match or exploring the area, this guide highlights the most important locations to help you plan your visit efficiently.
Discover essential spots near the Etihad Stadium, including nearby hotels for convenient stays, local bus and tram stops for easy transport access, and park and ride facilities to make your journey to events smoother. Whether you're attending a match or exploring the area…
The Etihad Stadium operates as a fully cashless venue. All purchases at food and drink kiosks, retail stands, and other concession points must be made using card or contactless payment methods.
Security & bag policy
Supporters are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time to pass through security checks. To enhance safety and speed up entry, the following bag policy is strictly enforced:
Only small handheld bags no larger than A4 size (12” x 8” x 3”) are permitted
Backpacks, rucksacks, holdalls, and other similar bags of any size are not allowed
Bags larger than A4 will be refused entry and must be stored off-site or in approved storage facilities
For those needing to store larger items, secure bag storage is available at the Orange Car Park for £10 per item. Bag storage will remain open until post-match. Fans can also book off-site bag storage online.
Toilets & accessibility
External toilet facilities are available outside the stadium, opposite C Tower
Inside the stadium, toilets are located throughout the concourse areas and are clearly signposted
Accessible toilets are available in the same locations and can be accessed with a RADAR key
For supporters requiring mobility assistance, a complimentary accessible buggy service is available both pre- and post-match, subject to operational and security conditions.
Ongoing development & fan experience upgrades
The Etihad Stadium is currently undergoing a multi-year transformation, with plans to create a world-class fan experience and a year-round entertainment district as part of the North Stand redevelopment. Fans may notice some operational changes across the Etihad Campus during the construction period.
For the latest matchday updates and fan information, follow @CitySquareLive and @ManCityHelp on X (formerly Twitter).
Fans can enjoy a great matchday atmosphere at the West Reception Atrium of the Colin Bell Stand, directly opposite the Bell, Summerbee, and Lee statue. This area hosts live music, entertainment, and a variety of food and drink options, including the club’s award-winning 'Blue Carpet Experience'.
Starting approximately two hours before kick-off, the Blue Carpet Experience is a free, family-friendly event featuring:
Live DJ sets and musical performances
Exclusive guest interviews
One-of-a-kind giveaways
And more surprises for fans of all ages
The highlight of the event is the team bus arrival, which takes place roughly 90 minutes before kick-off, creating an electrifying pre-match atmosphere. Fans can enjoy the enhanced PA system and two large jumbo screens, bringing everyone closer to the action.
Additional matchday activities at the East Stand
On the opposite side of the Etihad Stadium, near the East Stand Atrium, fans will find:
The popular Summerbee Bar
A wide selection of catering units
A retail pop-up shop
More live music performances
As the ambitious redevelopment of the North Stand and the surrounding Entertainment District continues at pace, City Square and the main stage will remain closed throughout Manchester City’s 2024/25 season.
Inside the Stadium
Stadium gates open two hours before kick-off, with pre-match entertainment beginning immediately. When possible, early kick-off matches from across the league will be shown live on the concourse screens inside the stadium.
Manchester City Women’s Football Club is the official women’s team of Manchester City, competing at the highest level in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL). Since becoming fully integrated into the club in 2012, Manchester City Women have shared the same elite training facilities, resources, and support systems as the men’s Premier League team. They play home matches at the Academy Stadium, a 7,000-capacity ground located just across from the Etihad Stadium, where they've regularly broken WSL attendance records. As a key part of the Manchester City football family, the women's team continues to grow its fanbase and push the boundaries of success in women's football.
