Pep Guardiola stand opening date and key details as Man City confirm legendary stadium honour

Manchester City have recently announced that their newly-developed North Stand at their Etihad Stadium will be named ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand'.

The legendary manager also recently confirmed he will leave Manchester City after a decade in charge, with the stand set to be fully open for the first time during his final home match against Aston Villa.

New stand is recognition for his incredible contribution

After 10 years in charge and a trophy-laden spell that transformed Manchester City into one of Europe’s dominant forces, it feels fitting that the club have chosen to honour Guardiola in such a significant way.

The expanded stand has been under development since late 2023 and will add an additional 7,000 seats to the Etihad Stadium, increasing the overall capacity to more than 61,000.

The stand also forms a key part of Manchester City’s wider entertainment district project, which includes the new matchday fan zone known as Medlock Square, a 401-room hotel, a new club museum, retail space, offices and a range of restaurants and bars.

Not only will Guardiola have a stand named after him, but the Catalan coach will also receive a statue outside the newly-developed North Stand.

Sheikh Mansour said: “I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years Pep has been the personification of that ambition,”

“He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the Club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted.

“He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”

FGG Says: Pep Guardiola's time in the Premier League has to be recognised

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will depart Manchester City with 20 trophies to his name after an extraordinary decade at the club, making him the most successful manager in their history.

His influence has stretched far beyond silverware, with Guardiola reshaping the club’s identity and helping establish Manchester City as one of the biggest teams in world football.

It also feels particularly fitting that the stand will officially open as Guardiola prepares to bring his remarkable Premier League journey to an end this weekend.