Manchester City have unveiled plans to create an 'entertainment destination' at the Etihad Stadium and increase the capacity to over 60,000.
The news follows the club's announcement in December that they were "undertaking feasibility studies" to explore the development of "a best-in-class fan experience and a year-round entertainment and leisure destination" at the Etihad Stadium.
City's concept designs focus around expanding the North Stand, increasing the second tier to create one larger, single upper tier above the current first tier.
The Citizens added 7,000 seats to create a third tier in the South Stand in 2015, increasing the overall capacity of the stadium to 53,400.
City say that their new proposals will take the Etihad capacity to over 60,000, which would see them become the fifth English club to reach that landmark after Manchester United's Old Trafford (74,310), the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,850), West Ham United's London Stadium (62,500) and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium (60,704).
Liverpool, meanwhile, could soon join the list with their expansion plans expected to increase the capacity at Anfield to around 61,000.
Manchester City is delighted to unveil concepts for an entertainment destination at the Etihad Stadium and begin a fan and community consultation 🏟️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 28, 2023
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Man City have also announced plans to expand the City Square fan zone to hold 3,000 supporters and an array of food and drinks outlets.
A new club shop, museum and hotel have also been proposed, with the Citizens planning to offer fans "a broader range of dynamic matchday and non-matchday activities".
In addition, City say that "modest workspace" for start-up and medium-sized organisations have be integrated into their plans, while "matchday travel measures are currently being explored with partners from across the city with a view to enhancing existing services."
City have revealed that the construction programme is subject to planning permission and would take place over a three-year period, with work carried out to ensure minimum disruption to the club's football calendar.
The reigning Premier League champions have invited the club's supporters and local communities to share their thoughts on the concept designs, taking feedback between February 28 and March 26.
Pep Guardiola's side, who were charged with breaching numerous financial rules by the Premier League last month, will play host to Newcastle United in their next home game on Saturday lunchtime.
Oliver Thomas
