Manchester City are to explore the possibility of expanding the capacity of the Etihad Stadium to more than 60,000. The Premier League champions have announced they are conducting feasibility studies into a development project that would include building a hotel.
The work, if it goes ahead, would make the venue the sixth in the current top flight capable of holding at least 60,000. Old Trafford, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Emirates Stadium and London Stadium fit that category and work is under way to take Anfield’s capacity to more than 60,000.
The Etihad Stadium’s present limit is 53,400, a figure reached after work to add a third tier to the South Stand was completed in 2015. The latest proposals would mean the North Stand extendeds in an enterprise that includes the building of a new club shop and museum as well as the hotel. The City Square fan zone would be expanded and covered with new food and drink outlets. A consultation process will take place early next year.
City have planning permission to extend the North Stand, having obtained it when they received the go-ahead for their South Stand scheme.
The club said they were “undertaking feasibility studies to develop a best-in-class fan experience and a year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.
“Fans and the community are welcome to share any initial views, including what they would like to see at the Etihad Stadium in the future, or any matters they would like the club to address, in advance of formal consultations in early 2023.”
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The plans are part of a wider programme around the Etihad Campus with a 23,000-plus capacity indoor arena, Co-op Live, being built in the vicinity.