“Manchester City Fan Group Calls for Comprehensive Consultation on North Stand Expansion to Enhance Stadium Atmosphere”
A Manchester City fan group is urging the club to engage with all North Stand supporters regarding the stadium expansion to enhance the atmosphere.
The 1894 Group, known for creating banners and organizing team bus welcomes to boost the noise at the Etihad, is one of several fan groups invited by the club to discuss the design of the new North Stand. The club’s £300m renovation project, which includes adding around 6,000 seats, will also feature a hotel and museum at that end of the stadium.
The club has sought input from the 1894 Group and the elected fan representatives, City Matters, on the stadium expansion and is pleased with the agreement on youth and safe standing sections. They are confident the final plans for the new stand will enhance the stadium’s atmosphere.
Although the design of the new stand is not finalized, a survey by the 1894 Group of nearly 1,500 members showed significant support for moving from the South Stand to the North Stand if the design focuses on atmosphere. Sixty-one percent of supporters indicated they would switch to the North Stand under the right conditions, while 52 percent wanted to maintain some vocal support in the South Stand to complement the North.
There was strong support for rail seating, a majority of new tickets for season card holders, and a dedicated section for 18-25-year-olds. Three out of four respondents believed that atmosphere should take precedence over keeping existing fans in their seats. However, there was also agreement that all North Stand regulars should be consulted to balance income and atmosphere.
A spokesperson for the 1894 Group said, “We and other groups were invited to meetings with the club to review their plans. We brought our survey results but believe a more comprehensive consultation is needed. After all, the most affected by any redevelopment are the current North Stand fans. There is still time for this.
“Fans want an atmospheric home end, and this development provides the last real opportunity to achieve that. Based on the feedback from fans, we believe a good vision would be:”
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