Etihad Stadium
Etihad Stadium, previously called the City of Manchester Stadium and also known as Eastlands, is the home ground of Manchester City FC. The stadium has a capacity of 48,000 seats.
The Etihad Stadium was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, but was converted after the games into a football stadium so as to provide Manchester City with a modern replacement for their Maine Road stadium. The club moved into their new stadium at the start of the 2003/2004 season.
In 2008 the Etihad Stadium hosted the Europa League (UEFA Cup) final between Zenit St. Petersburg and Glasgow Rangers (2-0). In 2011 the club sold the naming rights of the stadium to Etihad Airways as part of a 10-year sponsorship deal.
Manchester City is currently conducting feasibility studies on the ways to expand the stadium, possibly by lifting the roof and adding an extra tier, leading to a capacity of over 70,000 seats.
Getting there
The Etihad Stadium is located in the east of Manchester, less than 2 miles from the city centre. It can therefore be easily reached walking from either the centre (20 minutes) of from Manchester Piccadilly Station (15 minutes). Follow the City Link signs.
Alternatively a large number of buses serve the stadium: line 53, 54, 185, 186, 216, 217, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, X36 and X37. After the match buses to the city centre will depart from Ashton New Road next to the South Stand.
By car the stadium can be best reached from the M60 (running east from the city), by taking either junction 22 or 24, and driving east towards the city centre. From there on, follow the signs to Sportcity.
Address: Etihad Stadium, SportCity, Manchester, M11 3FF
Tickets
Tickets can be bought online, or, after an initial period with online sales only, by phone +44 (0) 161 444 1894. The club also offers travel hospitality packages for home games that can be bought online. Due to the recent successes of Manchester City, home games tend to sell out, though tickets are available for many matches if booked in advance.
Ticket prices range from £40.00 to £52.00. For more information call +44 (0) 161 444 1894 or email tickets@mcfc.co.uk.
Stadium tours
Manchester City offers guided stadium tours around the Etihad Stadium, that include visits to the dressing room, players’ tunnel, directors’ box, press conference room, and the dug outs. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Tours run 7 days a week. They start Monday to Saturday at 11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm, and on Sundays and bank holidays at 11:45am, 1:45pm, and 3:30pm.
Tours cost £8.50. It is advised, though not necessary, to book in advance, which can be done by calling +44 (0) 161 444 1894. Email tours@mcfc.co.uk for more information.
Relevant Internet links:
Mcfc.co.uk - Official website of Manchester City.
Visitmanchester.com – Official tourism website for Greater Manchester.
TfGM.com – Manchester public transport maps, timetables, and fare information.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
