Renovation work at the Etihad Stadium has hit a major milestone this week as steel works have arrived and been installed. The project, which is set to cost around £300m, will increase the capacity of Man City's home to over 60,000 and should be finalised at some point during the 2025/26 season.
Although the renovation work has been in the pipeline for some time now, it is finally off the ground with steel framework now in place around the North Stand. As part of the project, a new fan zone is to be built at the back of the stand as well as a 400-bed hotel and a new museum as the club continues to rack up trophies at an incredible rate under Pep Guardiola.
Above the upper tier of the North Stand, a new sky bar will be built as well as a stadium roof walk. These types of walks have become popular at stadiums across the UK in recent years with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Anfield both incorporating them. The roof walk at the Etihad Stadium will give fans a birds-eye view of the pitch and a unique look at the ever-evolving Manchester skyline.
How the Etihad Stadium renovation is helping the local economy
Ever since purchasing the club in 2008, The Abu Dhabi United Group has strived to improve the local area around the Etihad Stadium and this project also looks to build on that. The new-look North Stand will be directly opposite the brand-new Co-Op Live – the UK's largest indoor arena. City Football Group were also partly responsible for getting that project off the ground.
According to the club, the new Etihad Stadium renovation will bring job opportunities to the area. Nearly 900 full-time roles are being delivered through the construction work while plenty will be available in the new fan zone and sky bar once completed. Man City say they are working with partners and contractors to ensure local residents are in the best position to take advantage of these opportunities.
Etihad Stadium & The Co-op Live Arena. #Manchester 🐝
Its getting there init #mcfc pic.twitter.com/r3CsHMWvjF
— Pundit Jay (@pundit_jay) February 26, 2024
‘A project designed with our fans at its heart'
Speaking after the steel frameworks had been installed, the Managing Director of Manchester City Operations, Danny Wilson, said:
“It’s been an exciting few months with the arrival and installation of the first steels and fantastic to see the development and progress of the build in recent weeks.
“This project has been designed with our fans at its heart and demonstrates our commitment to create one of the most memorable fan experiences in world sport. Fans will have the opportunity to extend their match day by joining us at the new covered fan zone, visiting the museum, or staying at the hotel.
“Since 2008, City Football Group has overseen over £700million of investment in East Manchester and this expansion speaks to our ambition to develop a world-class entertainment destination at the Etihad Campus. The next evolution of the campus is well underway and it’s great to mark the progress being made.”