Officially appointed by Manchester City
Issue 01 · City Guide · 6 min read
Manchester City
& Etihad Stadium
Few clubs in modern football have transformed as dramatically as Manchester City. Located in Manchester, the club has grown into one of the dominant forces in European football, combining tactical innovation (thanks Pep) with world-class talent.
Club
Manchester City
Stadium
Etihad Stadium
Capacity
53,400
Founded
1880
League
Premier League
Words by Champions Travel · Updated May 2026
Few clubs in modern football have transformed as dramatically as Manchester City.
Located in Manchester, the club has grown into one of the dominant forces in European football, combining tactical innovation (thanks Pep) with world-class talent.
At the centre of this modern success stands the Etihad Stadium. Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, it has become one of the most iconic venues in English football. The atmosphere on Premier League and Champions League nights reflects both the club’s recent dominance and the city’s deep football heritage.
Chapter 01
Etihad Stadium
Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the stadium was later converted into a football ground when Manchester City moved there from Maine Road in 2003.
The stadium was redesigned to bring supporters closer to the pitch, transforming the athletics venue into one of England’s most modern football stadiums.
Stadium opened
2002
Capacity
53,400
Founded
1880
League Titles
10
With a capacity of more than 53,000 spectators, the Etihad has hosted numerous memorable matches during Manchester City’s rise to Premier League dominance.
Under manager Pep Guardiola, the stadium has been the stage for some of the most technically sophisticated football seen in England.
Before every match, the streets and stands around Etihad Stadium fill with the songs, scarves and rituals that have shaped this club’s matchday identity for generations.
View official tickets
The South Stand was expanded to a full third tier in 2015, increasing capacity to over 53,000 and bringing the steepest sightlines in the stadium. Further expansion of the North Stand is now underway, set to take total capacity above 60,000 and add a permanent hospitality concourse along the Etihad Campus.
Chapter 02
Matchday
Manchester City’s modern success began in 2008 when new investment transformed the club’s ambitions and resources.
Since then the club has won numerous Premier League titles and established itself as one of Europe’s elite teams.
Arrive early. Fans gather in the Etihad Campus fan zones before matches. It’s quite an Americanised experience, but highly recommended. Say what you like about Manchester City, but they have made a huge effort to be innovative when it comes to the match-day experience. Especially great for kids and families.
Take the tram. The Metrolink tram provides direct access to the stadium.
Explore the fan areas. Food stalls and music create a lively pre-match atmosphere around the stadium.
Take the tour. The Etihad Stadium Tour gives behind-the-scenes access to the dressing rooms, press areas and the iconic players’ tunnel.
Champions Travel
Skip the planning.
Book the Etihad trip.
Official Manchester City match tickets, hospitality and matchday packages. We’re the officially appointed agent, turn up and we handle the rest.
Chapter 03
Beyond the Pitch
Manchester is one of Britain’s most culturally influential cities.
Its industrial heritage shaped the modern city, while its music scene, producing bands such as Oasis and Joy Division, helped define modern British culture.
A weekend football trip might involve exploring Manchester during the day before joining 53,400 supporters inside Etihad Stadium for an evening match.
Neighbourhood Guide
Eastlands
Matchday neighbourhood
The district surrounding the Etihad Stadium and the Etihad Campus.
Northern Quarter
Heart of the city
Manchester’s creative district is filled with cafés, record shops and street art.
Ancoats
Creative quarter
One of the city’s most exciting food districts.
Manchester centre
After dark
The heart of Manchester, where pre-match and post-match life unfolds.
Stay
Near the Stadium
Ibis Manchester Pollard Street
Short ride to the Etihad. Reliable Ibis comfort near Ancoats.
City Centre Hotel
Yotel Hotel Manchester
Central Manchester near Deansgate. Compact stylish base, easy tram to the Etihad.
Budget Accommodation
Portland by Sunday
Affordable choice in central Manchester. Practical comfort, good links to the ground.
Airport Hotel
Holiday Inn Manchester Airport
Convenient for Manchester Airport. Quick connection into the city for matchday.
Champions Travel · Hospitality at Manchester City
Matchday Hospitality
Three hospitality tiers at the Etihad including the iconic 93:20 Lounge.
93:20 Lounge
Premium Location · Block 205
Executive middle-tier padded seats with halfway-line view. Access 2.5 hours pre / 1 hour post. Private booth or executive lounge access, 3-course carvery, complimentary beer, wine, soft and hot drinks.
Enquire about this package →
Citizens Back Four
Block 109/110/121
Premium location seating with full hospitality benefits and executive lounge access.
Enquire about this package →
Kits Sports Bar
Block 202
Kits Sports Bar access with executive seating and matchday catering.
Enquire about this package →
Official Manchester City Tickets
When Etihad Stadium is in full voice,
you want to be there.
Official match tickets and travel packages, secured through Champions Travel. Europe’s premier official sports and events ticket agents.
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Champions Travel · Matchday packages
Etihad is on your list.
We’ll get you there.
Champions Travel is the officially appointed agent for Manchester City. From the moment Blue Moon hits the stands to the final whistle, we handle the lot. Tickets in the category you want, hospitality if you want to do it in style, hotels within walking distance and the kind of matchday plan that means you just turn up.
Included in every package
→Official Manchester City match tickets across every seating category
→Hospitality and VIP options inside the Etihad
→Hotel packages tailored to your fixture
→End-to-end support from booking through to kick-off
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Europe’s premier official sports & events ticket agents.
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