City of Manchester Stadium

Last updated

City of Manchester Stadium
Etihad Stadium
Etihad Stadium logo.svg
Manchester city etihad stadium (cropped).jpg
City of Manchester Stadium (2023)

UEFA Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg

City of Manchester Stadium
Full nameCity of Manchester Stadium
Location Etihad Campus
Manchester
M11 3FF
Public transit Metrolink generic.png Etihad Campus
Metrolink generic.png Velopark
Owner Manchester City Council
Operator Manchester City
Executive suites70
Capacity 53,400 – Domestic football [1]
60,000 – Music concerts
41,000 (2002 Commonwealth Games)
Record attendance53,243 (Manchester City vs Leicester City, 6 February 2016)
Field size105 by 68 metres (114.8 yd × 74.4 yd) [1]
Surface Desso GrassMaster
Construction
Broke ground12 December 1999
Opened25 July 2002 (as athletics stadium)
10 August 2003 (as football stadium)
Renovated2002–2003 (conversion)
Expanded2014–2015 (47,400 to 55,097 seats)
2023–2026 (53,400 to 61,474 seats)
Construction cost£112 million (athletics stadium)
£22 million (football conversion)
£20 million (football fit-out)
Architect Arup (stadium design)
KSS Design Group (interior fitout)
Populous (stadium expansion)
Structural engineer Arup
General contractor Laing Construction Ltd. (initial construction), Laing O'Rourke (stadium conversion & later expansion)
Main contractorsWatson Steel Ltd. (initial steelwork construction)
Tenants
Manchester City F.C. (2003–present)
Website
Etihad Stadium

The City of Manchester Stadium (currently known as the Etihad Stadium for sponsorship reasons) [2] is the home of Premier League club Manchester City, with a domestic football capacity of 53,400, [1] making it the 6th-largest football stadium in England and ninth-largest in the United Kingdom. [3]

Contents

Built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, [4] the stadium has since staged the 2008 UEFA Cup final, [5] England football internationals, [6] rugby league matches, [7] a boxing world title fight, [5] [8] the England rugby union team's final group match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup [9] and summer music concerts during the football off-season.

The stadium, originally proposed as an athletics arena in Manchester's bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics, [10] was converted after the 2002 Commonwealth Games from a 38,000 capacity arena to a 48,000 seat football stadium at a cost to the city council of £22 million and to Manchester City of £20 million. [11] [12] Manchester City F.C. agreed to lease the stadium from Manchester City Council and moved there from Maine Road in the summer of 2003. [13]

The stadium was built by Laing Construction at a cost of £112 million [14] and was designed and engineered by Arup, [12] whose design incorporated a cable-stayed roof structure and supported entirely by twelve exterior masts and cables. [15] The stadium design has received much praise and many accolades, including an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2004 for its innovative inclusive building design and a special award in 2003 from the Institution of Structural Engineers for its unique structural design. [4] [16]

In August 2015, a 7,000-seat third tier on the South Stand was completed, in time for the start of the 2015–16 football season. [17] The expansion was designed to be in keeping with the existing roof design. A £300 million redevelopment programme of the existing North Stand entailing the construction of a new hotel with 400 rooms, covered fan park for 3,000 people and increased net capacity to 61,474 commenced in July 2023 and will be completed by the end of 2026. [18] [19] [20]

History

Background

Plans to build a new stadium in Manchester were formulated before 1989 as part of the city's bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics. Manchester City Council submitted a bid that included a design for an 80,000-capacity stadium on a greenfield site west of Manchester city centre. The bid failed and Atlanta hosted the Games. Four years later the city council bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics, but this time focusing on a brownfield site 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) east of the city centre on derelict land that was the site of Bradford Colliery, [21] known colloquially as Eastlands. The council's shift in focus was driven by emerging government legislation on urban renewal, promising vital support funding for such projects; the government became involved in funding the purchase and clearance of the Eastlands site in 1992. [22]

For the February 1993 bid the city council submitted another 80,000-capacity stadium design [10] produced by design consultants Arup, the firm that helped select the Eastlands site. On 23 September 1993, the games were awarded to Sydney, but the following year Manchester submitted the same scheme design to the Millennium Commission as a "Millennium Stadium", only to have this proposal rejected. Undeterred, Manchester City Council subsequently bid to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, once again proposing the same site along with downsized stadium plans derived from the 2000 Olympics bid, and this time were successful. In 1996, this same planned stadium competed with Wembley Stadium to gain funding to become the new national stadium, [23] but the money was used to redevelop Wembley.

After successful athletics events at the Commonwealth Games, conversion into a football venue was criticised by athletics figures such as Jonathan Edwards and Sebastian Coe [24] as, at the time, the United Kingdom still lacked plans for a large athletics venue due to the capability of installing an athletics track having been dropped from the designs for a rebuilt Wembley Stadium. Had either of the two larger stadium proposals developed by Arup been agreed for funding, then Manchester would have had a venue capable of being adapted to hosting large-scale athletics events through the use of movable seating.

Sport England wished to avoid creating a white elephant, so they insisted that the City Council agree to undertake and fund extensive work to convert the venue from a track-and-field arena to a football stadium, thereby ensuring its long-term financial viability. Sport England hoped either Manchester City Council or Manchester City F.C. would provide the extra £50 million required to convert the stadium to a 65,000-seater athletics and footballing venue with movable seating. [25] However, Manchester City Council did not have the money to facilitate movable seating and Manchester City F.C. were lukewarm about the idea. [26] Stadium architects Arup believed history demonstrated that maintaining a rarely used athletics track often does not work with football – and cited examples such as the Stadio delle Alpi and the Olympic Stadium with both Juventus and Bayern Munich moving to new stadiums less than 40 years after inheriting them. [27]

2002 Commonwealth Games

Model of 80,000-seat stadium used in 2000 Olympic Bid. The proposed stadium was a larger design, with more access ramps and masts. Manchester Olympic bid 2000.jpg
Model of 80,000-seat stadium used in 2000 Olympic Bid. The proposed stadium was a larger design, with more access ramps and masts.

The stadium's foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Tony Blair in December 1999, [26] and construction began in January 2000. [28] The stadium was designed by Arup and constructed by Laing Construction at a cost of approximately £112 million, [12] [14] £77 million of which was provided by Sport England, with the remainder funded by Manchester City Council. [29] For the Commonwealth Games, the stadium featured a single lower tier of seating running around three sides of the athletics track, and second tiers to the two sides, with an open-air temporary stand at the northern end; initially providing a seating capacity for the Games of 38,000, subsequently extended to 41,000 through the installation of additional temporary trackside seating along the east and south stands. [30]

The first public event at the stadium was the opening ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games on 25 July 2002. Among the dignitaries present was Queen Elizabeth II who made a speech, delivered to her in an electronic baton, and 'declared the Commonwealth Games open'. [31] During the following ten days of competition, the stadium hosted the track and field events and all the rugby sevens matches. Sixteen new Commonwealth Games track and field [nb 1] records (six men's and ten women's) were set in the stadium. [32] Prior to the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London, the 2002 Games was the largest multi-sport event ever to be staged in the United Kingdom, eclipsing the earlier London 1948 Summer Olympics in numbers of teams and competing athletes (3,679), [33] and it was the world's first multi-sport tournament to include a limited number of full medal events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD). [33] [34] In terms of number of participating nations, it is still the largest Commonwealth Games in history, featuring 72 nations competing in 281 events across seventeen (fourteen individual and three team) sports. [33]

Stadium conversion

City of Manchester Stadium evolution
CWG007 Opening Ceremony.jpg
2002
The 2002 Commonwealth Games was set out in a horseshoe configuration with two tiers of seats
Man City v Swansea oct 2012 retouched.jpg
2003–2015
During conversion, the athletics track was excavated and the stadium pitch level lowered to create a lower tier
Etihad Stadium, South Stand (22370028760).jpg
2015–present
A third tier was added to the south stand in 2015

Sections of the track were removed and relaid at other athletics venues, [35] and the internal ground level was lowered to make way for an additional tier of seating, on terracing already constructed then buried for the original configuration. The three temporary stands with a total capacity of 16,000 were dismantled, and replaced with a permanent structure of similar design to the existing one at the southern end. This work took nearly a year to complete [36] and added 23,000 permanent seats, increasing the capacity of the converted stadium by 7,000 [37] to approximately 48,000. [11] Manchester City F.C. moved to the ground in time for the start of the 2003–04 season. [13] The total cost of this conversion was in excess of £40 million, with the track, pitch and seating conversion being funded by the city council at a cost of £22 million; [12] [14] and the installation of bars, restaurants and corporate entertainment areas throughout the stadium being funded by the football club at a cost of £20 million. [12] [14] The Games had made a small operating surplus, and Sport England agreed that this could be reinvested in converting the athletics warm-up track adjacent to the main stadium into the 6,000 seat Manchester Regional Arena at a cost of £3.5 million.

Stadium expansion

The stadium is owned by Manchester City Council and leased by the football club on a 'fully repairing' basis. All operating, maintenance and future capital costs are borne by the club, who consequently receive all revenues from stadium users. The 2008 takeover made the football club one of the wealthiest in the world,[ citation needed ] prompting suggestions that it could consider buying the stadium outright. [38] Manchester City signed an agreement with Manchester City Council in March 2010 to allow a £1 billion redevelopment led by architect Rafael Viñoly. [39]

During the 2010 closed season the football pitch and hospitality areas were renovated, with a £1 million investment being made in the playing surface so that it is better able to tolerate concerts and other events without damage. [40] In October 2010, Manchester City renegotiated the stadium lease, obtaining the naming rights to the stadium in return for agreeing to now pay the City Council an annual fixed sum of £3 million where previously it had only paid half of the ticket sales revenue from match attendances exceeding 35,000. [41] This new agreement occurred as part of a standard five-year review of the original lease and it amounts to an approximate £1 million annual increase in council revenues from the stadium. [41] During 2011–14, the club sold all 36,000 of its allocated season tickets each season [42] and experienced an average match attendance that is very close to its maximum seating capacity (see table in subsequent section). Consequently, during the 2014–15 season, an expansion of the stadium was undertaken. The South Stand was extended with the addition of a third tier which, in conjunction with an additional three rows of pitch side seating, increased stadium capacity to approximately 55,000. [43] Construction commenced on the South Stand in April 2014 and was completed by the start of the 2015–16 season. [44]

Future plans

A final phase of expansion, which received planning approval at the same time as the others, would have added a matching third tier of seats to the North Stand. In November 2018, the club consulted with season ticket holders on possible alternative configurations for this expansion, including proposals for a still larger two-tier North Stand without executive boxes or corporate hospitality lounges, and possibly with areas convertible to safe standing. The full length of the second tiers in the East and West stands would then be reconfigured as premium seating associated with new hospitality bar areas. This final phase would bring the stadium's total seating capacity up to approximately 62,000, making the Etihad Stadium the nation's fourth largest capacity club ground, after Old Trafford, the London Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. [45]

Eventually, a £300 million redevelopment programme of the existing North Stand was approved. It entails the construction of a new hotel, covered fan park for 6,000 people and increased net capacity to 61,474 (allowing for seats blocked off for fan separation), with construction expected to commence in 2023 and be completed by the end of 2026. The second tier at the north end of the stadium will be extended with a further 7,900 seats; while a 'Skybar', linked to the hotel and with premium seating for 450, will surmount the whole. [46] [47] [48] The renovations are hoped to be completed by UEFA Euro 2028.

Architecture

It's the roller-coaster roof, visible from miles around, that is the big giveaway. It has a similar lightweight canopy that swoops up and down over the stands in one almost continuous wave. Held up by nothing more than thread-like cables, this is structural gymnastics of the most exhilarating kind, vastly superior to the clunky steel trusses that conventionally support stadium roofs.

Martin Spring, Building magazine (2002) [49]

The stadium's roof, with its masts and cable stays, gives the stadium a striking appearance. Apart from the innovative roof design, which made economical use of materials, the stadium is notable for its attention to such details as crowd comfort, ease of access (via those eight great spirals that flank the stadium), and provision for a diverse audience

Sir John Armitt, Civil Engineer (2016) [50]

Rear view of the South Stand in 2015. Two sets of masts and steel cabling suspend separately the new South Stand roof and the catenary cable supporting roofs on the other three sides Etihad Stadium - The ground 2015.jpg
Rear view of the South Stand in 2015. Two sets of masts and steel cabling suspend separately the new South Stand roof and the catenary cable supporting roofs on the other three sides

When planning the development, Manchester City Council required a sustainable landmark structure that would be an icon for the regeneration of the once heavily industrialised site surrounding Bradford Colliery, as well as providing spectators with good sightlines in an "atmospheric" arena. [36] Arup designed the stadium to be "an intimate, even intimidating, gladiatorial arena embodying the atmosphere of a football club" with the pitch six metres below ground level, a feature of Roman gladiatorial arenas and amphitheatres. [36] The attention to detail, often absent in stadium design, has been remarked upon, including the cigar-shaped roof supports with blue lighting beacons, sculpted rainwater gutters, poly-carbonate perimeter roof edging and openable louvres to aid pitch grass growth with similarities also made to high-tech architecture. [30]

Roof design

The toroidal-shaped stadium roof is held together by a tensioned system, which has been described as "ground-breaking" by New Steel Construction magazine. [15] The stadium's architectural focal point is the sweeping roof and support masts which are separate from the concrete bowl. [15] A catenary cable is situated around the inner perimeter of the roof structure which is tied to the masts via forestay cables. Backstay cables and corner ties from the masts are connected to the ground to support the structure. [15] With the expansion of the South Stand in 2015 to accommodate a third tier of seating, the original south end roof was dismantled; but with the southern masts and corner ties remaining, so as to continue to tie the catenary cable which now runs below the new roof. The new higher South Stand roof is a separate structure, with its own set of braced masts and cables; and it is expected that a counterpart arrangement will be adopted for the proposed North Stand expansion.

Cables are attached to the 12 masts circling the stadium with rafters and purlins for additional rigid support. [15] The cigar-shaped masts double as visual features, with the highest at 70 metres (230 ft). [51] Access to the upper tiers of seats is provided by eight circular ramps with conical roofs resembling turrets above which eight of the twelve masts rise up providing the support structure for the roof. [16]

The roof of the south, east and west stands built for the athletics stadium configuration was supported by the cable net system. The temporary open stand at the north end was built around the masts and tie down cables that would ultimately support the roof of the North Stand. [15] After the games the track and field were excavated. The temporary bleachers at the north end were removed and the North Stand and lower tier of seats constructed on the prepared excavation. The North Stand roof was completed by adding rafters, purlins and cladding. [15]

Facilities and pitch

The stadium has facilities for players and match officials in a basement area below the west stand, which also contains a kitchen providing meals for up to 6,000 people on match days, press rooms, ground staff storage, and a prison cell. [36] The stadium also has conference facilities and is licensed for marriage ceremonies. [52] Fitting out of the hospitality suites, kitchens, offices, and concourse concessions was accomplished by KSS Architects, and included the installation of the communications cabling and automatic access control system. [36]

The stadium's interior comprises a continuous oval bowl, with three tiers of seating at the sides, and two tiers at each end. Entry by patrons is gained by contactless smart card rather than traditional staffed turnstiles. The system can admit up to 1,200 people per minute through all entrances. [53] A service tunnel under the stadium provides access for emergency vehicles and the visiting team's coach to enter the stadium directly. Once inside the stadium patrons have access to six themed restaurants, two of which have views of the pitch, and there are 70 executive boxes [54] above the second tier of seating in the north, west and east stands. The stadium is equipped with stand-by generators should there be an electrical mains failure. These are capable of keeping the stadium electrics running as well as the floodlights at 800 lux, the minimum level stipulated by FIFA to continue to broadcast live football. [55]

To create the optimum grass playing surface in the stadium bowl, the roof was designed to maximise sunlight by using a ten-metre band of translucent polycarbonate at its periphery. [56] Additionally, each of the corners of the stadium without seating have perforated walls with moveable louvres that can be adjusted to provide ventilation of the grass and general airflow through the stadium. [57] Drainage and under-pitch heating were installed to provide optimum growing conditions for the grass. [36] The pitch has a UEFA standard dimension of 105 by 68 metres (115 by 74 yd). [54] and is covered with natural grass reinforced by artificial fibres made by Desso. [58] The field of play is lit by 218 2000-watt floodlights, consuming a total of 436,000 watts. [59] The grass playing surface is recognised as being one of the best in English football, and has been nominated five times in the last nine seasons for best Premier League pitch, an accolade it won in 2010–11 [60] among other awards. [61]

Names

Panorama of north end of stadium as viewed from southern approach along Joe Mercer Way Joe Mercer Way - Etihad.jpg
Panorama of north end of stadium as viewed from southern approach along Joe Mercer Way

The stadium was named the City of Manchester Stadium by Manchester City Council before construction began in December 1999, [26] but has a number of commonly used alternatives. City of Manchester Stadium is abbreviated to CoMS[ pronunciation? ] when written and spoken. Eastlands refers to the site and the stadium before they were named SportCity and CoMS respectively, and remains in common usage [2] for both the stadium and the whole complex, as does SportCity but with less frequency. [62] The stadium was also officially referred to as Manchester City Stadium for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. [63] The football club, under its new ownership, renegotiated its 250-year lease with the city council in October 2010, gaining the naming rights [12] in return for a substantial increase in rent. [14] [41] The stadium was renamed the Etihad Stadium by the club in July 2011 as part of a ten-year agreement with the team kit sponsors Etihad Airways. [2] The agreement encompasses sponsorship of the stadium's name, [64] extends the team kit sponsorship for ten years, [65] and relocated the club's youth academy and training facilities to the City Football Academy [66] onto the Etihad Campus development across the road from the stadium. [67]

Main entrance to Colin Bell Stand on west side of stadium City of Manchester Stadium - geograph.org.uk - 1639286.jpg
Main entrance to Colin Bell Stand on west side of stadium

Despite being a continuous oval bowl, each side of the stadium is named in the manner of a traditional football ground. All sides were initially named by compass direction (North Stand and South Stand for the ends, East Stand and West Stand for the sides). [68] In February 2004, after a vote by fans, the West Stand was renamed the Colin Bell Stand in honour of the former player. [69] The vote was almost cancelled (and the stand instead named after Joe Mercer) due to suspicions it had been hijacked by rival fans who wished to dub the renamed stand The Bell End. However, core supporters of the club made it clear they still wished the stand named after their hero. [69] The East Stand is unofficially known by fans as the Kippax as a tribute to the very vocal east stand at the club's Maine Road ground. [68]

The North Stand is the only part of the stadium built after the Commonwealth Games, during the stadium's conversion. The temporary unroofed north stand it replaced had been dubbed the New Gene Kelly Stand by supporters, a reference to the unroofed corner between the Kippax and the North Stand at the club's former Maine Road home, because, being exposed to the elements, they frequently found themselves "singing in the rain". [70] Commencing season 2010–11, seating in the North Stand has been restricted to only supporters accompanied by children, resulting in this end of the ground now being commonly referred to as the Family Stand. Although the North Stand has never been officially renamed and is still frequently referenced that way, [71] most external ticketing offices and stadium guides, [72] in addition to the club itself, [73] now preferentially label and refer to this section of the ground as the Family Stand when discussing seating and ticket sales. Supporters initially dubbed the South Stand the Scoreboard End (the former name of the North Stand at Maine Road), and it houses the majority of City's more vocal fans. Supporters of visiting teams are also normally allocated seats in this stand, as it has ready access from the visitor supporter coach park. [70] From 2003 to 2006, the South Stand was renamed the Key 103 Stand for sponsorship reasons, though this was largely ignored by regular patrons. The November 2018 consultation exercise on further expansion options envisages the North Stand then becoming the Home End, with no corporate hospitality areas, a greatly extended second tier, "affordable" ticket prices and possible areas capable of conversion to safe standing. The singing area would then be in the North Stand, and the Family Stand would be relocated elsewhere in the Stadium.

SportCity

SportCity with City of Manchester Stadium (left) and Manchester Velodrome (right) City of Manchester stadium Bang 1.JPG
SportCity with City of Manchester Stadium (left) and Manchester Velodrome (right)

The stadium is the centrepiece of SportCity, which includes several other nationally important sporting venues. Adjacent to the stadium is the Manchester Regional Arena, which served as a warm-up track during the Commonwealth Games and is now a 6,178-capacity venue that hosts national athletics trials, [74] but has previously also hosted the home games of both the Manchester City women's team and the club's under-21 reserve team. The Regional Arena has regularly hosted the AAA Championships and Paralympic World Cup, and is currently the home ground of amateur rugby league side Manchester Rangers. [75]

The National Squash Centre and the National Cycling Centre, which includes both the Manchester Velodrome and the National Indoor BMX Arena, are all a short distance from the stadium. The Squash Centre, which has hosted the British National Squash Championships since 2003 was added to the SportCity complex for the Commonwealth Games along with CoMS. The Velodrome, another showpiece venue used to stage all the track cycling events for the Games, was already in place and had been home to British Cycling, the governing body for cycling in Britain, since it was built in 1994, [76] as part of Manchester's unsuccessful 2000 Olympics bid. [77] Prior to the completion of the Lee Valley VeloPark for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Velodrome had been the only indoor Olympic-standard track in the United Kingdom. [77] The collocated BMX Arena houses the United Kingdom's only permanent indoor BMX track and provides seating for up 2,000 spectators. [76] It was added to the National Cycling Centre at SportCity in 2011.

Other major sporting and sport-related venues located in SportCity in the immediate vicinity of the Etihad Stadium, all legacies of the 2002 Commonwealth Games are the English Institute of Sport, west of the stadium, adjacent to the southwest corner of the Regional Arena; [78] the Manchester Regional Tennis Centre, adjacent to the north end of the stadium; [79] and the Manchester Tennis & Football Centre, also adjacent to the stadium, which is operated and administered by the Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust. [80]

Public sculpture

Colin Spofforth's giant bronze sculpture, The Runner, at SportCity Stop the world, I want to get off^ - geograph.org.uk - 732233.jpg
Colin Spofforth's giant bronze sculpture, The Runner, at SportCity

Between 11 March (Commonwealth Day) and 10 August 2002, as part of the preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee, a national Spirit of Friendship Festival was organised. [81] On 9 July, a few weeks before the Games began, a sculpture outside the new national headquarters of the English Institute of Sport at SportCity was unveiled by the middle-distance runner Steve Cram. [82] This sculpture, commissioned in late 2001, was created in a little over eight weeks by Altrincham-based artist, Colin Spofforth, who had submitted to Manchester City Council his idea for a heroic-sized sculpture of a sprinter as a means of celebrating the beauty, power and determination of the competing athletes. [83] Reaching thirty feet high, weighing seven tonnes, and titled The Runner, this unique larger-than-life bronze statue of a male sprinter surmounting a bronze globe was, at the time, the United Kingdom's largest sporting sculpture. [84] It depicts the very moment the runner leaves the blocks once the starter's gun has fired.

From 2005 to 2009 a Thomas Heatherwick sculpture, B of the Bang , was situated to the southeast of the stadium at the junction of Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way. Built after the Commonwealth Games to commemorate them, it was the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom. However, numerous structural problems led to the 184 ft. sculpture being dismantled in 2009 for safety reasons. [85] In 2014, money recovered by the Manchester City Council as a result of lengthy legal battles consequent to this debacle was used to fund a new £341,000 public sculpture a few hundred yards further south. [86]

Across 2021 and 2022, Manchester City unveiled outside the stadium three statues designed by Andy Scott of players crucial to the team's first Premier League title in 2011–12. First came a pair of defender Vincent Kompany and striker David Silva, [87] and one year later one of striker Sergio Agüero recreating his celebration after scoring the "93:20" goal. [88]

Stadium firsts

Pitch invasion after Manchester City's 3-2 Premier League title victory over Queens Park Rangers in 2012 Manchester City pitch invasion.JPG
Pitch invasion after Manchester City's 3–2 Premier League title victory over Queens Park Rangers in 2012

The first public football match at the stadium was a friendly between Manchester City and Barcelona on 10 August 2003. Manchester City won the game 2–1, with Nicolas Anelka scoring the first ever goal in the stadium. [89] [90]

The first competitive match followed four days later, a UEFA Cup match between Manchester City and Welsh Premier League side Total Network Solutions, which City won 5–0 with Trevor Sinclair scoring the first competitive goal in the stadium. [91] Having started the Premier League season with an away match, Manchester City's first home league fixture in the new stadium was on 23 August, [92] a game drawn 1–1 with Portsmouth, with Pompey's Yakubu scoring the first league goal in the stadium, and David Sommeil being the first City player to score here in the league. [93]

2011–12 saw the Etihad Stadium play host to the setting of a number of new club and Premier League footballing records, such as the club becoming the first ever team to win 11 of its opening 12 games in a Premier League season, [94] and going on to remain unbeaten at the Etihad Stadium in all 19 of the Premier League games played there. The club's record of 55 home points out of a possible 57 at the stadium is a joint best Premier League record, [95] and the club's record of twenty consecutive home wins at the stadium (going back to the end of the previous season) also set a new Premier League record in March 2012. [96]

Action from the 2008 UEFA Cup final Uefa Cup Final 2008.jpg
Action from the 2008 UEFA Cup final

The record football attendance at the stadium not involving its host team Manchester City is 43,878, [97] which was set at the 2008 UEFA Cup final game between Zenit Saint Petersburg and Rangers on 14 May 2008. [98] As is customary for such games, the then 47,715 maximum physical capacity [99] of the stadium had been reduced by UEFA to around 44,000 for this final. [100] However, neither limit would have been able to accommodate the vast number of supporters of the Scottish club, estimated to be in excess of 130,000, [101] that travelled down from Glasgow to Manchester on the day of the game, despite the club's official ticket allocation being just 13,000 and police requests for fans without tickets to stay home. This order of magnitude mismatch between the numbers of travelling fans and those holding tickets ultimately led to a serious public disorder incident in the centre of the city now inextricably associated with this final, despite the fact that the 44,000 or so crowd who watched the game inside the stadium were perfectly well-behaved. [101]

Reception

Average Premier League attendances
SeasonStadium capacityAverage attendance % of capacityRanking within the Premier League
2003–04 47,726 [102] 46,83498.1% 3rd highest
2004–05 47,726 [103] 45,19294.7% 3rd highest
2005–06 47,726 [103] 42,85689.8% 4th highest
2006–07 47,726 [103] 39,99783.8% 6th highest
2007–08 47,715 [99] 42,12688.3% 6th highest
2008–09 47,405 [104] 42,90090.5% 5th highest
2009–10 47,405 [105] 45,51395.4% 3rd highest
2010–11 47,405 [106] 45,90596.8% 4th highest
2011–12 47,405 [107] 47,04599.2% 4th highest
2012–13 47,405 [108] 46,97499.1% 4th highest
2013–14 47,405 [109] 47,08099.3% 4th highest
2014–15 46,708 [nb 2] [110] 45,36597.1% 4th highest
2015–16 55,097 [nb 3] [3] 54,04198.1% 3rd highest
2016–17 55,097 [111] 54,01998.0% 4th highest
2017–18 55,017 [nb 4] [112] 53,81297.8% 5th highest
2018–19 55,017 [113] 54,13098.4% 5th highest
2019–20 55,017 [114] 54,391 [nb 5] 98.9% 5th highest

The 2002 Commonwealth Games were deemed a success [115] and the stadium gained critical acclaim for its atmosphere and architectural design. [116] It has won a number of design awards, including the 2004 Royal Institute of British Architects Inclusive Design Award for inclusive building design, [117] the 2003 Institution of Structural Engineers Structural Special Award, [16] and in 2002 a BCI Major Project high commendation was awarded by the British Construction Industry. [16] In July 2014, the stadium was declared one of the United Kingdom's five most iconic structures by the Construction Industry Training Board. [118]

In 2003, initial reception by Manchester City supporters was polarised, with some lukewarm about moving from Maine Road which had a reputation for being one of English football's most atmospheric grounds, whilst others were enthusiastic about the bigger stadium and move back to East Manchester where the club was formed. Since 2010, the club has boasted more than 36,000 season ticket holders [119] each season, which is more than the 35,150 maximum capacity of Maine Road just before the club moved homes. [120]

In a 2007 Premier League survey of fans of each club, the proportion of Manchester City fans assessing their sight lines as 'very good' was the second highest in the Premier League, after the Emirates Stadium. [121] Opposition fans have generally given positive feedback, with CoMS coming second to Old Trafford in a 2005 poll to find the United Kingdom's favourite football ground. [122] In 2010, the City of Manchester Stadium was the third most visited stadium after Old Trafford and Anfield by overseas visitors. [123]

In the early years of Manchester City's tenure, the stadium suffered from a poor atmosphere, a common problem with newly-opened stadia when compared with traditional football grounds such as Maine Road. In the 2007 Premier League survey, the proportion of Manchester City fans assessing match atmosphere as 'very good' was the second lowest in the Premier League, better only than Middlesbrough's Riverside stadium. [124] The more recent expansion of capacity has been designed with improved atmosphere as a specific objective. [125] Though not based on facts, the stadium is nicknamed 'Emptyhad' by rival fans in reference to poor game-day attendance and atmosphere. [126]

In October 2014, the club received two national VisitFootball awards for the quality of its customer care of Premier League fans visiting the Etihad Stadium during the previous season. [127] VisitFootball, a joint venture between the Premier League and the national tourism board's VisitEngland, has been assessing the care that patrons receive at football grounds since August 2010, and presents annual awards for those clubs who deliver outstanding customer service. Manchester City had been one of the first four clubs to receive an inaugural VisitFootball award in 2011, [128] but in 2014 it was the recipient of both the Club of the Year and Warmest Welcome awards. According to the panel of experts from the football and customer service industries that assess the services and facilities provided at each of the twenty Premier League club stadia, "Manchester City are the gold standard in providing fans with the best matchday experience." [129]

Etihad Campus

Etihad Stadium, viewed in March 2015 from the new SuisseGas Bridge Etihad Stadium from bridge in 2015.jpg
Etihad Stadium, viewed in March 2015 from the new SuisseGas Bridge

Etihad Campus and CFA

In July 2011, the venue was renamed the Etihad Stadium, sponsored by Etihad Airways [64] who fought off competition from Ferrostaal and Aabar to gain the stadium naming rights. [130] The lucrative 10-year sponsorship deal included not just the naming rights to the stadium itself but to the whole Etihad Campus, a £200 million complex of football-related facilities into which it would be incorporated. [131] In mid-September 2011, development plans were duly announced for a new state-of-the-art youth academy and training facility, now known as the City Football Academy (CFA) [66] to be built on derelict land adjacent to the stadium and which would include a 7,000-capacity mini-stadium plus 15 additional outdoor football pitches, six swimming pools and three gyms. [132] The planned CFA facility was not only to become the new home base of the Manchester City first team squad, reserve (under-21 youth) team squad, and all of the Academy younger age group squads, but also the new home of the prior loosely affiliated Manchester City Ladies team [133] (which was re-branded in 2012 as Manchester City Women's F.C. and more formally merged into the Manchester City family of affiliated football teams). [134] Also fully integrated into the new CFA facility would be the parent club's world headquarters. [135]

At the beginning of March 2014, the structural framework for a new pedestrian walkway/footbridge over the junction of Alan Turing Way and Ashton New Road connecting the CFA with the Etihad Stadium was lowered into place. [136] With sponsor Suisse Power & Gas SA having subsequently secured the naming rights, [137] the completed SuisseGas Bridge was officially opened and turned over to Manchester City Council for general public access on 26 November 2014. [138] Twelve days later, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, [139] presided over the official opening of the CFA. [140]

Community outreach/urban regeneration

As part of Manchester City's commitment to community outreach in their redevelopment plans for the areas of East Manchester adjacent to the Etihad Stadium, other urban regeneration plans incorporated into the overall Etihad Campus development project include the new £43 million Beswick Community Hub, [141] that includes Connell Sixth Form College; [142] a community leisure centre (with swimming pool, dance studio, health and fitness gym, rugby pitch, and grass sports pitches); [143] and a planned Manchester Institute of Health and Performance. [144] On 26 November 2014, the same day the SuisseGas Bridge was officially opened, a "globally admired" grouping of stainless steel sculptures, [145] consisting of three towering metallic chess pieces called Dad's Halo Effect by its internationally acclaimed creator, Ryan Gander, was likewise unveiled to the public. [146] Commissioned by the Manchester City Council to represent both the past industrial and current sporting heritage of this area of east Manchester, the public artwork is located in front of the Connell Sixth Form College, close to the central circus of the Beswick Community Hub, [147] and only a few hundred yards south from where the area's last public sculpture, B of the Bang, had been situated. [148]

Transport

Etihad Campus Metrolink station 2023.jpg
Entrance of the Etihad Campus tram stop
3037 - Etihad Campus.jpg
Tram arriving at the tram stop

The stadium is 2.5 km east of Manchester city centre. Manchester Piccadilly railway station, which serves mainline trains, is a 20-minute walk away along a well-lit, signposted route that is supervised by stewards close to the ground. Piccadilly station also has a Metrolink tram stop (in the undercroft); from which regular trams along the East Manchester Line to Ashton-under-Lyne serve the stadium and Etihad Campus, with enhanced service frequencies and doubled tram units on matchdays. The Etihad Campus tram stop close to Joe Mercer Way to the immediate north of the stadium opened in February 2013, and handles several thousand travellers each matchday; spectators travelling by tram from Manchester city centre being able to board services at Piccadilly Gardens, the journey taking approximately 10 minutes. [149] The Velopark tram stop also opened in February 2013 and provides access to the southeastern approach to the stadium, as well as closer access to other areas of SportCity such as the Manchester Velodrome and the City Football Academy. [150]

There are many bus routes from the city centre and all other directions which stop at, or close to, SportCity. On match and event days special bus services from the city centre serve the stadium. [151] The site has 2,000 parking spaces, with another 8,000 spaces in the surrounding area provided by local businesses and schools. [152]

Other uses

Concerts at Eastlands
SummerArtist
2004 [153] Red Hot Chili Peppers
2005 [153] Oasis, U2
2006 [153] Take That, Bon Jovi
2007 [153] George Michael, Rod Stewart
2008 [153] Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi
2009 [153]
2010 [153]
None – due to concerns
over pitch erosion
[154]
2011 [153] Take That, Pet Shop Boys
2012 [153] Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen
2013 [153] Muse, Bon Jovi,
Robbie Williams
2014 One Direction
2016 AC/DC, The Stone Roses, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen
2017Robbie Williams, Take That [nb 6]
2018 Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Beyoncé & Jay-Z
2019 Metallica, Spice Girls, Muse
2022 Liam Gallagher, Ed Sheeran
2023 Coldplay, The Weeknd
Side view of Take That on stage Coms concert.jpg
Side view of Take That on stage
Boxing ring at Hatton's title fight Hatton lazcano city of manchester.jpg
Boxing ring at Hatton's title fight

Under the terms of its lease, the stadium is able to host non-football events such as concerts, boxing and rugby fixtures at Manchester City's prerogative. [155] Manchester City applied for a permanent entertainment licence in 2012 in a bid to expand the number of non-footballing events at the stadium. [156]

Concerts

Outside the football season, the stadium hosts annual summer concerts, and is one of the United Kingdom's largest music venues, having a maximum capacity of 60,000 for performances. [157] It was the largest stadium concert venue in England before the new Wembley Stadium was built. [157] [158]

The first concert was a performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers supported by James Brown in 2004. [154] An Oasis concert at the ground was featured on the DVD, Lord Don't Slow Me Down and the band's concert in 2005 set the attendance record of 60,000. [5] Take That released a DVD of their 2006 performance at the stadium, Take That: The Ultimate Tour . [159] Other artists who have played the stadium are U2, [154] Beyoncé, Jay-Z, George Michael, [153] Rod Stewart, [154] Foo Fighters, [154] Pet Shop Boys, [153] Manic Street Preachers, [154] Bastille, Dizzee Rascal, The Futureheads, the Sugababes, Taylor Swift, Metallica, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Coldplay, [153] Bruce Springsteen, [153] Muse, [153] Bon Jovi [153] (three times), Robbie Williams, [160] One Direction, [161] The Stone Roses and the Spice Girls. [162] It also hosted Liam Gallagher for his homecoming gig in 2022.

Concerts and boxing matches eventually took their toll on the pitch. In 2008, late post-concert pitch renovation, combined with an early start to the football season, led to the pitch not being ready for the first home fixture, [163] causing the club to play its UEFA Cup first round qualifying match at Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium [164] and a moratorium to be imposed on the staging of non-football events at Eastlands. In May 2010, the club invested in a new pitch [40] [165] and summer concerts resumed in 2011 when Take That [153] played eight nights, with ticket sales totalling approximately 400,000.

Other football events

The City of Manchester Stadium has hosted several major football matches in addition to Manchester City's home fixtures. It became the fiftieth stadium to host an England international football match when the English and Japanese national teams played on 1 June 2004. [6] In June 2005, the stadium hosted England's opening game in the UEFA Women's Championship, setting an attendance record of 29,092 for the competition. [166] The stadium also hosted the 2008 UEFA Cup final, [5] in which Zenit Saint Petersburg defeated Rangers 2–0.

In May 2011, the stadium hosted the Conference National play-off final between AFC Wimbledon and Luton Town; Wimbledon gained promotion to the Football League after beating Luton in a penalty shoot-out. [167] The stadium was used for the play-offs because the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final was due to take place at Wembley on 28 May 2011 and UEFA regulations stipulate the stadium hosting the Champions League final must not be used for other matches during the previous two weeks. [168]

Other sports

In October 2004, the stadium played host to a rugby league international match between Great Britain and Australia in the Tri-Nations series in front of nearly 40,000 spectators. [169] The stadium also hosted the Magic Weekend for three consecutive seasons (2012–2014). [7] After a record attendance in 2012 – both for a single day (32,953) and the aggregate for the whole weekend (63,716) – the Etihad Stadium became the venue of choice for this annual rugby league event, setting another attendance record (36,339/64,552) for it in May 2014. However, construction work involved with the expansion of the South Stand caused it to be relocated to St. James' Park, Newcastle, for summer 2015. [170]

On 24 May 2008, Stockport born and twice IBF and IBO light welterweight champion boxer Ricky Hatton defeated Juan Lazcano in a contest billed as "Hatton's Homecoming". The fight was held in front of 56,337 fans, [8] setting a record attendance for a British boxing event post World War II. [171]

On 10 October 2015, the stadium hosted a 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between hosts nation England and Uruguay. [172] England won 60–3 with 50,778 in attendance. [173]

England national football games

1 June 2004 FA Summer Tournament England  Flag of England.svg1–1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Manchester, England
20:00 BST (UTC+01)
Match 812
Owen Soccerball shade.svg22' Report Ono Soccerball shade.svg53'Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium
Attendance: 38,581
Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)
5 June 2004 FA Summer Tournament England  Flag of England.svg6–1Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Manchester, England
15:30 BST (UTC+01)
Match 813
Report Helguson Soccerball shade.svg42'Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium
Attendance: 43,500
Referee: Jan Wegereef (Netherlands)
22 May 2016 International friendly England  Flag of England.svg2–1Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey Manchester, England
17:15 BST
Match 953
Report Çalhanoğlu Soccerball shade.svg13'Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 44,866
Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

See also

Notes

  1. The term "track and field" normally excludes "road race" athletics events (e.g. men's 50 km race walk, women's marathon, etc.) from the other "athletics" sport events. 'Road race' events may terminate in an athletics stadium but are not usually considered as having been staged there. Furthermore, race walking events were removed from the Commonwealth Games program after the 2010 Games. Although paraplegic athletics events are normally now included under the term 'track and field', two EAD records have been excluded from the tally of 16 stated in the article as they are often omitted from externally sourced lists of past Games records and thus become a frequent cause of confusion when included in such totals.
  2. Reduced capacity due to South Stand expansion. Construction work phasing meant the maximum capacity varied over the course of the season.
  3. Increased capacity due to completion of third tier on South Stand.
  4. Capacity reduced by 80 seats since 2017/18 season
  5. As of 20 January 2020
  6. Take That were originally scheduled to play three concerts at the Manchester Arena on 26, 27 and 28 May 2017. However following the Manchester Arena bombing on 22 May, the Arena temporarily closed for four months. The three concerts were subsumed into one and held at the Etihad Stadium on 18 June.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manchester City F.C.</span> Association football club in England

Manchester City Football Club is a professional football club based in Manchester, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top flight of English football. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894. The club's home ground is the City of Manchester Stadium in east Manchester, to which they moved in 2003, having played at Maine Road since 1923. Manchester City adopted their sky blue home shirts in 1894, the first season with the current name. Over the course of its history, the club has won nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Molineux Stadium</span> Football stadium in Wolverhampton, England

Molineux Stadium is a football stadium situated in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England, has been the home ground of Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers since 1889. The first stadium built for use by a Football League club, it was one of the first British grounds to have floodlights installed and hosted some of the earliest European club games in the 1950s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MKM Stadium</span> Sports stadium in Kingston upon Hull, England

The MKM Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Kingston upon Hull, England. It has a current capacity of 25,586. The stadium is home to both association football club Hull City A.F.C. of the EFL Championship and rugby league club Hull F.C. of the Super League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Docklands Stadium</span> Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Docklands Stadium, known by naming rights sponsorship as Marvel Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadium in the suburb of Docklands in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Construction started in October 1997 and was completed in 2000 at a cost of A$460 million. The stadium features a retractable roof and the ground level seating can be converted from oval to rectangular configuration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maine Road</span> Former stadium of Manchester City

Maine Road was a football stadium in Moss Side, Manchester, England, that was home to Manchester City Football Club from 1923 to 2003. It hosted FA Cup semi-finals, the Charity Shield, a League Cup final and England matches. Maine Road's highest attendance of 84,569 was set in 1934 at an FA Cup sixth round match between Manchester City and Stoke City, a record for an English club ground.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Trafford</span> Football stadium in Manchester, England

Old Trafford is a football stadium in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, and the home of Manchester United. With a capacity of 74,310 it is the largest club football stadium in the United Kingdom, and the twelfth-largest in Europe. It is about 0.5 miles (800 m) from Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the adjacent tram stop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Hart Lane</span> Former football stadium of Tottenham Hotspur

White Hart Lane was a football stadium in Tottenham, North London and the home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club from 1899 to 2017. Its capacity varied over the years; when changed to all-seater it had a capacity of 36,284. The stadium was fully demolished after the end of the 2016–17 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boundary Park</span> Football stadium

Boundary Park is a football stadium in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England. Its name originates from the fact that it lies at the northwestern extremity of Oldham, with Royton and Chadderton lying immediately north and west respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riverside Stadium</span> Football stadium in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England

The Riverside Stadium is a football stadium in Middlesbrough, England, which has been the home of Middlesbrough since opening in 1995. Its current capacity is 34,742, all seated, although provisional planning permission is in place to expand to 42,000 if required.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boleyn Ground</span> Former football stadium of West Ham United FC

The Boleyn Ground, often referred to as Upton Park, was a football stadium located in Upton Park, East London. It was the home of West Ham United from 1904 to 2016, and was briefly used by Charlton Athletic in the early 1990s during their years of financial difficulty. The seating capacity of the ground at closure was 35,016.

Dean Court, currently known as the Vitality Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England, and the home ground of AFC Bournemouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salford Community Stadium</span> Rugby stadium in Greater Manchester, England

The Salford Community Stadium is a rugby stadium in Barton-upon-Irwell, England, built to replace Salford rugby league club's ground the Willows for the 2012 season. Sale Sharks rugby union club have also played at the stadium since the 2012–13 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pablo Zabaleta</span> Argentine footballer (born 1985)

Pablo Javier Zabaleta Girod is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a right back. Zabaleta could operate on both sides of the pitch as a full-back and was known for his tenacious style of play, and has captained his club on numerous occasions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sportcity</span>

Sportcity in Manchester is a multipurpose sports and leisure facility. Originally built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, it is in east Manchester, North West England, a mile from Manchester city centre, and was developed on former industrial land including the site of Bradford Colliery.

A large number of English football clubs have ongoing schemes to redevelop existing grounds, or to move to newly constructed stadiums. A trend towards all-seater stadiums was initially prescribed by the Taylor Report, and was originally a condition only of Premier League admission. It has now become a requirement that within three years of a club's first promotion to the Championship all paying spectators are seated, even if the club is subsequently relegated. This page provides an (incomplete) list and description of those clubs who have planned new stadiums or refurbishments, or who have already moved/refurbished since around the time of the Taylor Report.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broadhurst Park</span> Football ground in Manchester, England

Broadhurst Park is a football ground in Moston, Manchester, England. It is the home of F.C. United of Manchester and Moston Juniors F.C. The ground was known by its project name, Moston Community Stadium, before being changed at a members' meeting in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Etihad Campus</span> Area of Sportcity, Manchester

Etihad Campus is an area of Sportcity, Manchester which is mostly owned and operated by Manchester City F.C. The campus includes the Etihad Stadium, the City Football Academy (CFA) training facility and club world headquarters, and undeveloped land adjacent to both of these facilities. These two main portions of the campus site are linked by a 60-metre landmark pedestrian walkway/footbridge that spans the junction of Alan Turing Way and Ashton New Road. The term Etihad Campus embraces both the stadium – which already existed when the name was coined in 2010 – as well as much of the surrounding undeveloped land that existed at that time, although the term is also frequently used as a direct synonym for just the CFA portion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safe standing</span> Crowd control measure at stadiums

Safe standing is a measure of design in stadia to ensure that spectators are able to stand safely during events. It is important in the context of association football in the United Kingdom, where a series of fatal incidents led to legislation requiring major clubs to develop all-seater stadiums during the 1990s. Since then, fan groups have campaigned against the ban on standing accommodation, arguing that new design options would allow designated standing areas to be built in compliance with all safety laws and guidelines. As these options are outlawed in England and Wales, safe standing in practice originated in continental Europe, primarily Germany. This occurred because although UEFA and FIFA required all-seater stadiums for international competition, it was not mandatory for domestic matches.

The 2014–15 season was Manchester City Football Club's 113th season in existence, 86th season in the top division of English football and 18th season in the Premier League. In addition to the league, Manchester City participated in this season's editions of the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Champions League.

References

Specific

  1. 1 2 3 "Man City Website 2021". Archived from the original on 6 April 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Manchester City strike deal to rename Eastlands". BBC Sport. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Premier League Handbook Season 2015/16" (PDF). Premier League . 8 August 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 55,097 (estimated) (top of page 19)
  4. 1 2 "City of Manchester Stadium wins Inclusive Design Award". RIBA. 2004. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Man City stadium given Uefa final". BBC Sport. 4 October 2006. Archived from the original on 14 September 2007. Retrieved 28 October 2010.
  6. 1 2 "England 1-1 Japan". BBC Sport. 1 June 2004. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  7. 1 2 Wilson, Andy (14 May 2014). "Set of Six: Take that, Manchester, and enjoy another Magic Weekend". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  8. 1 2 Lamont, Tom (29 June 2008). "City of Manchester Stadium". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  9. Lucas, Dan (10 October 2015). "England v Uruguay: Rugby World Cup 2015 – as it happened". The Guardian via www.theguardian.com.
  10. 1 2 "Manchester 'may sue IOC'". BBC News. 25 January 1999. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
  11. 1 2 Hubbard, Alan (12 December 1999). "City of Manchester Stadium: The Wembley rescuers". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Conn, David (4 October 2011). "Manchester City to pay council £2m a year for stadium naming rights". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  13. 1 2 Bhatti, Pav (21 May 2011). "Maine Road: The community Manchester City left behind". BBC News. Manchester. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Manchester model shows how West Ham can be settled tenants". London Evening Standard. 11 October 2011. Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Simpson, Martin & King, Mike (December 2003). "Building Tension" (PDF). msc.aisc.org. Modern Steel Construction. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. 1 2 3 4 "Etihad Stadium, Manchester – Awards". Arup Associates. Archived from the original on 14 May 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  17. "Manchester City seek stadium expansion to hold 61,000". BBC News. Manchester. 11 October 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  18. "Man City reveals Populous-designed stadium expansion proposals". Architects Journal. 14 March 2023.
  19. "Manchester City to appoint contractor for £300m stadium plans". Construction News. 2 March 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  20. "Design and Access Statement". Machester City Council. 18 April 2023.
  21. "Project: Eastlands' industrial past". oxford archaeology: exploring the human journey. Oxford Archaeology. 2010. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  22. "Designing the City of Manchester Stadium" (PDF). The Arup Journal. January 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  23. Hubbard, Alan (12 December 1999). "City of Manchester Stadium: The Wembley rescuers". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  24. Bonnet, Rob (31 July 2002). "Athletics' stadium claim is pipe dream". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  25. Hubbard, Alan (12 December 1999). "City of Manchester Stadium: The Wembley rescuers". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
  26. 1 2 3 Hubbard, Alan (12 December 1999). "City of Manchester Stadium: The Wembley rescuers". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
  27. Patel, Dipesh (7 November 2007). "Stadium is no white elephant but future is just a guess". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  28. "City of Manchester Stadium". Centre for Accessible Environments. Archived from the original on 25 September 2006. Retrieved 22 July 2006.
  29. "City of Manchester Stadium". Commonwealth Games Legacy. Archived from the original on 25 November 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2006.
  30. 1 2 Taylor, David (16 May 2002). "A question of sport". The Architects Journal. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  31. "Opening ceremony of the 17th Commonwealth Games, Manchester, 25 July 2002". The Royal Household. 25 July 2002. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  32. "Commonwealth Games Athletics Records" (PDF). commonwealth-of-nations.org. London: Commonwealth of Nations. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  33. 1 2 3 "A history of the Commonwealth Games". The Herald. Glasgow. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  34. "City of Manchester Stadium wins Inclusive Design Award". RIBA. 2004. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  35. Conn, David (10 October 2006). "No cut-price Olympic legacy for football's fat cats". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 26 September 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Transforming the City of Manchester Stadium" (PDF). The Arup Journal. February 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  37. Note: 7,000 = capacity after conversion (48,000) less capacity for the Games (officially 38,000 but expanded to 41,000) = number of new permanent seats added (23,000) less the number of temporary seats dismantled (16,000). All capacity numbers used are rounded to 2 S.F.
  38. Qureshi, Yakub (2 September 2008). "The new football powerhouse". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2008.
  39. "Manchester City FC submits plans for Etihad Campus". Manchester: Place North West. 19 September 2011. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  40. 1 2 "Manchester City in £1.5m corporate facilities upgrade". BBC News. Manchester. 28 May 2010. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  41. 1 2 3 Keegan, Mike (2 October 2010). "Manchester City give council an extra £1m". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  42. "Key business issues facing EPL franchises". SportsBusiness Journal. Street and Smith's Sports Group. 15–21 August 2011. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  43. Brennan, Stuart (23 March 2015). "Man City's soaring new stand to boost Etihad atmosphere". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  44. Brennan, Stuart (23 March 2015). "Man City's soaring new stand to boost Etihad atmosphere". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  45. "Manchester City ask fans about a potential safe-standing section in an expanded Etihad Stadium". talkSPORT. 29 November 2018. Archived from the original on 5 December 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  46. "Man City reveals Populous-designed stadium expansion proposals". Architects Journal. 14 March 2023. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  47. "Manchester City to appoint contractor for £300m stadium plans". Construction News. 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  48. "Design and Access Statement". Machester City Council. 18 April 2023. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  49. "City of Manchester Stadium". Building. UBM Built Environment. 2002. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  50. "How Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium became world-famous sporting arenas and helped make Manchester". Manchester Evening News. 16 September 2016. Archived from the original on 6 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  51. Simpson, Martin & King, Mike (December 2003). "Building Tension" (PDF). msc.aisc.org. Modern Steel Construction. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. "Borrowed & Blue – Weddings at the City of Manchester Stadium" (PDF). countybrides.com. CoMS Conference & Events / Manchester City Football Club. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  53. "Manchester City kicks off innovative smartcard services and sponsorships with wireless, RF-enabled Intelligent Stadium" (PDF). Hewlett-Packard. February 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 February 2006. Retrieved 27 August 2006.
  54. 1 2 Clayton, David (24 June 2011). "Dublin Super Cup: Aviva Stadium v CoMS". Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  55. "Designing the City of Manchester Stadium" (PDF). Arup Journal. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  56. "Designing the City of Manchester Stadium" (PDF). The Arup Journal. January 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  57. "Designing the City of Manchester Stadium" (PDF). The Arup Journal. January 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  58. "UEFA Cup Final on Special Pitch". PR Newswire Europe Ltd. 8 May 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
  59. Reynolds, John (14 May 2008). "UEFA Cup Final Venue (Mad for it)". Pitchcare. (Maxwell Amenity Ltd.). pp. 14–18. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
  60. "Pitch perfect: Manchester City groundstaff win Premier League award". Manchester Evening News. 4 May 2011. Archived from the original on 7 May 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  61. Mulholland, Paul (26 November 2010). "Top award for City groundstaff". Manchester City Football Club. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  62. Bailey, Chris (8 November 2006). "Why Blues must cash in on name game". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 14 January 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
  63. "Manchester City Stadium". England Rugby Travel. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  64. 1 2 "City and Etihad: An histotic day for the club" (web video). Manchester City F.C. 8 July 2011. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  65. Gardner, Alan (8 July 2011). "Manchester City confirm stadium renaming in Etihad Airways agreement". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  66. 1 2 "City Football Academy: Fly-through". MCFC media release web video on YouTube. Manchester City F.C. & Rafael Viñoly Architects. 14 September 2012. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  67. Ogden, Mark (29 August 2011). "Manchester City taken to a whole new level with Sheikh Mansour's £1 billion investment". The Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  68. 1 2 James, Gary (January 2006). Manchester City – The Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books Publishing. pp. 103–105. ISBN   978-1-85983-512-8.
  69. 1 2 Spencer, Pete (13 November 2003). "City stand by Bell". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  70. 1 2 James, Gary; Turner, Ric. "The Etihad Stadium". Bluemoon. Manchester. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  71. "The stadium expansion". Manchester City F.C. Archived from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  72. "The Etihad". footballtripper.com. Football Tripper. 16 August 2014. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  73. "Visiting Supporter Information – 2013–14 Season" (PDF). Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 17 June 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
  74. Inglis, Simon (2004). Played in Manchester. London: English Heritage. ISBN   1-873592-78-7.
  75. "Manchester Rangers hint at professional future after Eastlands move". Love Rugby League. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  76. 1 2 "About". National Cycling Centre. Archived from the original on 28 June 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  77. 1 2 Ottewell, David (8 August 2012). "Fast track to glory: How Manchester Velodrome forged Britain's Olympic gold rush". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  78. "EIS: About". eis2win.com. English Institute of Sport. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  79. "Manchester Regional Tennis Centre". manchester.gov.uk. Manchester City Council. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  80. "Manchester Tennis & Football Centre" (PDF). manchestersportandleisure.org. Manchester Sport & Leisure Trust. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  81. "Spirit of Friendship Festival Events". BBC News. March 2002. Archived from the original on 24 December 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  82. "'The Runner' Unveiled". BBC News. 10 July 2002. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  83. "Figurative Sculpture – The Runner". Colin Spofforth Studio. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  84. "30ft bronze sculpture unveiled by Steve Cram". m2002.thecgf.com. Commonwealth Games Federation. 9 July 2002. Archived from the original on 18 September 2006. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  85. "Work starts on Bang dismantling". BBC News. 15 April 2009. Archived from the original on 18 April 2009. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
  86. Cox, Charlotte (5 June 2014). "Cheque, mate? 'B of the Bang' cash pays for £341,000 giant chess pieces coming to Beswick". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  87. "City unveil statues of Kompany and Silva to the world". Manchester City FC. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  88. "City unveil Sergio Aguero statue on the anniversary of 93:20". Manchester City FC. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  89. "Man City vanquish Barca". BBC Sport. 10 August 2003. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  90. "Man City v Barcelona photos". BBC Sport. 10 August 2003. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  91. "Man City off to a flyer". BBC Sport. 14 August 2003. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  92. "Premiership round-up". The Telegraph. London. 23 August 2003. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2010.
  93. "Sommeil saves City". BBC Sport. 23 August 2003. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  94. Clayton, David (21 November 2011). "Blues re-writing history books". Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  95. "Manchester City Annual Report 2011–12" (PDF). Manchester City Football Club. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 25 June 2015. Manchester City was unbeaten at home in the Premier League all season. Our home record of 18 wins, 1 draw and no losses is a joint-best Premier League record. (top of page 12)[ permanent dead link ]
  96. McNulty, Phil (21 March 2012). "Man City 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
  97. "UEFA Europa League Statistics Handbook – Knockout Phase 2009/2010" (PDF). UEFA. January 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015. 14.05.08 Manchester FC Zenit St. Petersburg–Rangers FC 2–0 Peter Fröjdfeldt (Swe) 43 878 (bottom of page 108) and Attendance: 43,878 (bottom half of page 120)
  98. Lindsay, Clive (14 May 2008). "Zenit St Petersburg 2–0 Rangers". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 28 November 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  99. 1 2 "Premier League Handbook Season 2007/08" (PDF). Premier League . 1 August 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,715 (middle of page 23)
  100. "UEFA Cup Final 2008 – Is Manchester Ready?". Soccerlens.com – Football Blog. 13 May 2008. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  101. 1 2 "Uefa Cup violence 'started early'". BBC News. 16 June 2008. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  102. James, Gary; Turner, Ric. "The Etihad Stadium". Bluemoon. Manchester. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  103. 1 2 3 "MCFC Stadium History". Manchester City F.C. 8 February 2008. Archived from the original on 8 February 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  104. "Premier League Handbook Season 2008/09" (PDF). Premier League . 1 August 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,405 (middle of page 21)
  105. "Premier League Handbook Season 2009/10" (PDF). Premier League . 1 August 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,405 (middle of page 25)
  106. "Premier League Handbook Season 2010/11" (PDF). Premier League . 1 August 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,405 (middle of page 23)
  107. "Premier League Handbook Season 2011/12" (PDF). Premier League . 27 November 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 December 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,405 (middle of page 19)
  108. "Premier League Handbook Season 2012/13" (PDF). Premier League . 7 November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 March 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,405 (middle of page 15)
  109. "Premier League Handbook Season 2013/14" (PDF). Premier League . 12 August 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 January 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 47,405 (top of page 21)
  110. "Premier League Handbook Season 2014/15" (PDF). Premier League . 16 August 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Ground Capacity at start of the Season: 46,708 (top of page 21)
  111. "Premier League Handbook 2016/17" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 August 2016.
  112. "Premier League Handbook 2017/18" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2018.
  113. "Premier League Handbook 2018/19" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 November 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  114. "Premier League Handbook 2019/20" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 August 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  115. Cram, Steve (1 August 2002). "The best Britain has seen". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  116. Henderson, Charlie (28 July 2002). "Stadium is star of the Games". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  117. "Building prize for 'icon Gherkin'". BBC News. 16 October 2004. Archived from the original on 26 April 2009. Retrieved 7 January 2008. Other winners at this year's ceremony included the City of Manchester stadium, designed by Arup Associates. It won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award for great design in a safe and convenient environment.
  118. Britton, Karen (3 July 2014). "Etihad Stadium hits a winner as it's named one of England's top landmarks". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2015. The people who built Manchester City's home are set to be honoured at a special ceremony after it is included in a list of the country's most recognisable structures.
  119. "Fans are buzzing as City ticket sales rise". Manchester Evening News. 17 July 2010. Archived from the original on 22 July 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2011. Sales of the Seasoncards ... have already passed the total of 33,000 sold last summer. It is the highest tally for seven seasons, since a club-record 36,000 were sold for the first campaign at Eastlands in 2003/04.
  120. James, Gary; Turner, Ric. "Maine Road". Bluemoon. Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015. 2002 – 35,150 (under MAINE ROAD PROGRESSIVE CAPACITY at end of article)
  121. "Premier League Fan Survey – 2006/07 season" (PDF). Premier League. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2015. Arsenal did have sight line problems at Highbury ... but their switch to the state-of-the-art Emirates eclipses even the new Eastlands home of Manchester City. (bottom of page 26 / top of page 27)
  122. "City has 'best' football stadium". BBC News. 2 September 2005. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  123. "Premier League lures overseas visitors to UK". BBC News. Business. 19 August 2011. Archived from the original on 21 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  124. "Premier League Fan Survey – 2006/07 season" (PDF). Premier League. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2015. Better stadium facilities do not always result in improved atmosphere. Switching from their old home at Maine Road has not had a positive impact on the match atmosphere ratings of Manchester City nor the Riverside Stadium for Middlesbrough – while likewise Arsenal's stunning new home has not brought a markedly improved matchday atmosphere as far as supporters are concerned. (middle of page 27)
  125. Brennan, Stuart (23 March 2015). "Man City's soaring new stand to boost Etihad atmosphere". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015. The 1894 Group, which aims to improve the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, is working with the club ... in a bid to re-create the formidable noise the Kippax used to generate at Maine Road.
  126. Thomas, Lyall (16 September 2021). "Pep Guardiola: 'Stick to coaching', fans tell Man City boss after he asks more supporters to attend games". Archived from the original on 16 September 2021.
  127. "City win VisitFootball Club of the Year and Warmest Welcome!". Manchester City F.C. Supporters Club. 14 October 2014. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Manchester City Football Club is to receive two awards for the quality of their customer care to Premier League fans last season. The VisitFootball Awards are part of a national scheme that is improving standards of fan experience at football stadia.
  128. "Four clubs receive inaugural VisitFootball awards". Premier League . 16 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015. Arsenal, Fulham, Liverpool and Manchester City first clubs to scoop VisitFootball Awards.
  129. "City stadium expansion: more cut price tickets could be available". Manchester Evening News. 19 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2014. Put simply, Manchester City are the gold standard in providing fans with the best matchday experience.
  130. "Manchester City Close to Finalising Record Stadium Naming Rights Deal with Abu Dhabi-Owned Sponsor". Goal. PERFORM Media Sales. 13 May 2011. Archived from the original on 16 May 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  131. Williams, Jennifer (8 January 2015). "Manchester City to put new sports village on map with giant signs visible from above". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  132. Linton, Deborah (19 September 2011). "Video and picture gallery: How Manchester City's training village will look". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 10 December 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  133. Lambert, Callum (9 April 2015). "Manchester City: The future of women's football?". quaysnews.net. University of Salford. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  134. Lambert, Callum (9 April 2015). "Manchester City: The future of women's football?". quaysnews.net. Manchester: University of Salford. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  135. "City Football Academy: History". Manchester City F.C. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  136. Coyle, Simon (2 March 2014). "Pictures and Video: New bridge at Manchester City's Etihad campus lowered into place". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  137. "Manchester City confirm new Swiss link". SportsProMedia. London. 26 November 2014. Archived from the original on 16 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  138. "Official opening of the community bridge connecting the Etihad Stadium to the soon-to-be-opened City Football Academy". Manchester City F.C. 26 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  139. "Premier League: Chancellor George Osbourne [sic] opens Manchester City Academy". Sky Sports. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  140. "City Football Academy Opens". Manchester City F.C. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  141. "Beswick Community Hub" (PDF). North West Construction Hub. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  142. Fitzgerald, Todd (20 January 2015). "'Manchester City' college has students achieving their goals and heading for top of the table". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 2 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  143. Williams, Jennifer (31 October 2014). "Beswick's new £9m leisure centre makes a splash as it opens its doors to the public". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  144. Williams, Jennifer (5 February 2015). "New £18m sports science institute at Manchester City's Etihad complex is given go-ahead". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  145. "Dad's Halo Effect: 'Globally admired' Ryan Gander work revealed". BBC News. Manchester. 26 November 2014. Archived from the original on 26 March 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  146. "Manchester's industrial past honoured by stainless steel chess sculptures". The Guardian. London. 26 November 2014. Archived from the original on 21 May 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  147. Williams, Jennifer (26 November 2014). "Watch: Artwork centrepiece to Beswick's multi-million pound regeneration unveiled". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 2 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  148. Puttick, Kate (29 November 2014). "Dad's Halo Effect: B of the Bang fiasco 'must not put Manchester off public art'". Mancunian Matters. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  149. "Metrolink – East Manchester line". Transport for Greater Manchester. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  150. "Metrolink from Manchester to Droylsden to open in February". BBC News. 6 December 2012. Archived from the original on 10 December 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  151. "Manchester City – Etihad Stadium (see under "By Train and Metrolink" tab)". Football Ground Guide. 25 May 2015. Archived from the original on 11 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  152. "Manchester City – Etihad Stadium (see under "Directions and Car Parking" tab)". Football Ground Guide. 25 May 2015. Archived from the original on 11 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  153. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Etihad Ten: Greatest Hits Collection". Manchester City F.C. 13 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  154. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Linton, Deborah (15 June 2010). "Concerts are back at City's stadium". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2010.
  155. "Concerts – Hospitality". Manchester City F.C. May 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2010.
  156. "Manchester City bid for entertainment licence to bring more concerts to Etihad stadium". Manchester Evening News. 21 April 2012. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  157. 1 2 "Blues stadium is top rock venue". Manchester Evening News. 29 November 2003. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  158. "Manchester City kicks off innovative smartcard services and sponsorships with wireless, RF-enabled Intelligent Stadium" (PDF). Hewlett-Packard. February 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 February 2006. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  159. Long, Chris (22 November 2006). "Take That – The Ultimate Tour". BBC Manchester. Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  160. "Robbie Williams concert: In pictures". Manchester City F.C. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  161. "One Direction to play Etihad Stadium in Manchester next year". Manchester Evening News. 17 May 2013. Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  162. Fitzpatrick, Katie (29 May 2019). "Review: Spice Girls at the Etihad Stadium". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  163. "Oakwell to host Man City Uefa tie". BBC Sport. 20 June 2008. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  164. "City face Faroe Isles opposition in UEFA Cup". Manchester City F.C. 20 June 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  165. "Work begins on CoMS pitch". Manchester City F.C. 21 May 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2010.[ permanent dead link ]
  166. "2005: Official approval for EURO success". UEFA. 2005. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
  167. "AFC W'don 0-0 Luton (4-3 on pens)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  168. "Blue Square Bet Premier final moves to Manchester". BBC Sport. 24 September 2010. Archived from the original on 15 December 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2011.
  169. "Rugby League Project – Great Britain vs. Australia". Rugby League Project. 30 October 2004. Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
  170. Barker, Neil (3 July 2014). "Magic Weekend not coming to Etihad Stadium". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  171. "Top 10 boxing matches held in stadiums". ESPN. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 21 May 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  172. "Rugby World Cup 2015 – Match Schedule". rugbyworldcup.com. Dublin: World Rugby. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  173. "Pool A, England v Uruguay. Manchester city stadium". Rugby World Cup. 10 October 2015. Archived from the original on 9 October 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.

Bibliography

Further reading

53°28′59″N2°12′1″W / 53.48306°N 2.20028°W / 53.48306; -2.20028

Preceded by Commonwealth Games
Main stadium

2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by UEFA Cup
Final venue

2008
Succeeded by