It will open fully for the first time on Sunday when a new attendance record will be set for the stadium
Manchester City fans said they were ‘very impressed’ as they were allowed into the Etihad Stadium’s newly expanded North Stand for the first time – just days before it opens on what promises to be a momentous day for the club.
More than 7,000 seats have been added to the stand’s second tier as part of a huge £300 million revamp.
It will open at full capacity for the first time for Sunday’s final game of the Premier League season at home to Aston Villa. That will see the club set a new attendance record for the stadium of over 60,000.
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Despite their lingering title hopes being officially ended with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night, it will be an emotional day for all those of a Blues persuasion.
Terrace heroes Bernardo Silva and John Stones will play their final games for the club, while it is also been widely reported it will be boss Pep Guardiola’s last game in charge at the Etihad after a trophy-laden decade at the helm.
That has not yet been confirmed, with the Spaniard saying at the Vitality Stadium that he would speak to the club’s chairman before announcing any decision on his future.
Blues supporters got their first look inside the new-look stand last night (Wednesday). More than 3,500 fans were invited in for a test event, which was required for the club to obtain clearance to open it on Sunday.
Supporters spent time wandering around and eating and drinking on the new-look concourse, complete with self-service screens and pickup kiosks.
They also got their first peak of the hallowed turf from the more than 60 rows of seats.
In contrast to the South Stand, which was also expanded a decade ago and is spread across three tiers, the club decided to add the new seats to the North Stand’s second tier, creating a steep, sloping upper tier, which it was said it was hoped would become ‘the Blue Wall’ – a reference to the ‘Yellow Wall’, a steep single–tiered stand at Borussia Dortmund’s stadium which is famous for its atmosphere.
More than 3,000 of the new seats are rail seats, which allow for safe standing, and a new singing section is to be established. City say the stand has allowed them offer more than 4,000 new ‘flexi-gold’ season tickets around the stadium for next season.
And those were in attendance on Wednesday got their first taste of what the action will look like from the seats.
A stage was erected where the goal is usually situated. There was a performance from City supporting indie band The Lilacs as well appearances from members of the academy and women’s teams, former players, and a quiz.
There were loud cheers when the goals from City’s recent FA Youth Cup victory against Manchester United and the FA Cup win over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday were shown on the big screen.
Chris Warburton, 70, from Sale, said: “I think it’s really good. It’s a lot more spread out. The facilities are really, really good.
“And the views are sensational. It’s great everywhere but this really is a step up. I’m a season ticket holder in the East Stand but I’d be interested in moving over here.”
Alicia Eden, 36, from Oldham, who was with son Joshua, 10, said: “We like it. We have our seats in the Family Stand below but he already wants to relocate.
“There’s a lot going on. The kiosks are great. I just think the whole layout feels a lot better. It feels a bit like Wembley. I’m very impressed.”
Speaking from the stage, the club’s Managing Director Danny Wlson said it was a ‘big statement of (their) ambition’ and ‘a big milestone’ for the club.
City said in a statement issued afterwards that the stand had ‘passed all operational checks’ following the ‘successful’ event.
Around 3,500 tickets for the new stand have already been sold for the Villa game, and the club said the remainder would go on sale to members this afternoon (Thursday).
“We wish to thank all the fans who attended tonight’s test event,” they said. “Their support and cooperation have been vital in enabling us to operate at full capacity on Sunday.
“We also look forward to welcoming fans back to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for what promises to be a special occasion.”
The wider Medlock Square development also includes a new 3,000 capacity fanzone, new museum, City Store, and 401-bedroom hotel. These are due to open to the public before the end of this year.
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