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Etihad Stadium Seating Plan

Originally used to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Etihad has grown to become one of the most recognised stadiums in all of British football.

Home to Manchester City, the stadium has become somewhat of a fortress and has seen multiple Premier League trophies and a host of domestic titles all housed within its confines.

First called the City of Manchester Stadium, the ground initially only held just over 30,000 spectators but, over the years, has undergone major redevelopments, and it now hosts 53,400 fans, making it the seventh-largest ground in the UK.

In this guide, we will break down more information about the best places to sit at the Etihad, revealing everything you need to know about the layout of the stadium and provide a range of answers to some of the most asked questions that we receive about visiting the stadium.

Finding the right seat

When looking to buy tickets for Etihad, you want to ensure that you are purchasing tickets for the right part of the stadium. Here is a little more information about each of the stands that make up the Etihad.

The Colin Bell Stand

Overall capacity of stand: 13,500

Depending on what tier you sit in within the Colin Bell Stand, the block names will differ.

Lower-tier blocks are between 121 - 131

Middle-tier blocks are between 221 - 231

Upper-tier blocks are between 321 - 330

It could be argued that the Colin Bell Stand is the most iconic stand within the Etihad. Over 13,000 fans can fill its three tiers, and it is the stand where the tunnel and dugout are situated and where members of the media and board members will gather to watch the game.

Formerly known as the West Stand, the stand was renamed back in 2004 to celebrate the achievements of one of Manchester City’s greatest players, Colin Bell.

Running along the side of the pitch, it is a great stand from which to view the action and will allow you a prominent view of Pep Guardiola in action.

Located outside of the stand is a famous statue commemorating the achievements of three of Manchester City’s greatest players, Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee. The statue has become a popular pre-game meeting spot.

Etihad Stadium Colin Bell Stand - Block 221

Etihad Stadium Colin Bell Stand - Block 326

Etihad Stadium Colin Bell Stand - Block 327

East Stand

Overall capacity of stand: 18,143

Depending on what tier you sit in within the East Stand, the block names will differ.

Lower-tier blocks are between 110 - 142

Middle-tier blocks are between 210 - 242

Upper-tier blocks are between 301 - 309

Located directly opposite the Colin Bell Stand is the three-tiered East Stand. One of the largest stands in the stadium, it is the stand where the majority of Manchester City’s most passionate fans choose to sit.

Running alongside the other side of the pitch, fans in all three tiers of the stand should be greeted with a fantastic view of action.

The Summerbee Bar can be found within the East Stand, and it can be accessed and enjoyed for up to three hours before kickoff. As can ‘Kits’ the newest bar to be opened within the stadium.

Outside of the stand are an array of different food and concession stands that can all be easily accessed.

Etihad Stadium East Stand - Block 109

North Stand

Overall capacity of stand: 9,311

Depending on what tier you sit in within the North Stand, the block names will differ.

Lower-tier blocks are between 132 - 140

Upper-tier blocks are between 232 - 240

Located behind one of the goals is the North Stand, the smallest stand in the stadium, the stand is also recognised as ‘The Family Stand’ and is the ideal place to watch the game if you are planning on taking children to the game.

At the end that City traditionally likes to kick towards in the first half of games, the stand is the only one within the ground that has two tiers, with the other stands all containing three.

Over the next few years, the stand is set for major redevelopment. A new tier will be added which will increase the overall capacity of the Etihad to over 63,000.

Set to be completed by 2026, the new stand will include an additional 7,000 seats as well as play host to numerous bars, dedicated fan zone, a museum and skywalk.

Etihad Stadium North Stand - Block 233

Etihad Stadium North Stand - Block 235

South Stand

Overall capacity of stand: 18,143

Depending on what tier you sit in within the South Stand, the block names will differ.

Lower blocks are between 111 - 119

Middle blocks are between 211 - 220

Upper blocks are between 313 - 318

Located behind the other goal is the South Stand. Towering over three tiers, along with the East Stand, it is the largest stand within the stadium.

At the end where City usually chooses to attack in the second half, the stand has played host to many different memorable moments.

The South Stand is where the away fans will watch the game, and the Etihad allows for 3,000 visiting fans to watch the game. The away seating covers the lower, middle and upper tiers and can be located in blocks 113-115, 213-215 and 313-315.

Although the East Stand tends to be where the most passionate City fans sit, the South Stand can often generate a fantastic atmosphere due to the close proximity of the home and away fans.

The South Stand features the biggest concourse in the ground and before games, fans can sample the pre match atmosphere at one of the many different bars located within it. There are usually DJ’s and bands in attendance to get the atmosphere started. The concourse was opened back in 2022 and has become a popular meeting spot.

Etihad Stadium South Stand - Block 313

Etihad Stadium South Stand - Block 111 view

Etihad Stadium South Stand - Away end

Where is the best place to sit at the Etihad?

Now you know the very best places to sit at the Etihad, let’s break down some specific questions that you may have.

Where should I sit to receive the best atmosphere?

Although rival fans often jeer the Etihad for being one of the Premier League’s quietest stadiums, this isn’t always the case, with there having been many moments where the stadium has been rocking.

For those wanting to sample the best of the atmosphere, the East Stand is where you want to be. It is the stand where the most passionate fans are usually gathered and is the stand where those who used to have a season ticket at Manchester City’s old stadium, Maine Road, choose to sit.

All four stands are close to the side of the pitch and allow the fans to be a part of the action.

Where is the best view?

As a part of the Etihad’s redevelopment from an athletics stadium to a football stadium, the stadium was reconfigured to ensure that a fantastic viewing experience can be had by all.

No matter where you choose to sit, a good view should be had. A seat in either the Colin Bell or East Stands should grant you a fantastic view of the entire pitch and also leave you close to some of the Etihad’s best concessions.

Where are the cheapest seats?

If you want to experience the action at the Etihad at a cost effective price then a seat in the upper tiers of the Colin Bell, East and South Stands are usually the cheapest on offer.

Despite offering the highest vantage point, a good view should still be had, and you should feel like you are part of the action.

Due to the success of the team, Manchester City usually compete in four competitions every year. Tickets for the early rounds of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and even Group Stage of the Champions League can all be purchased at cheaper rates than Premier League games.

If this is my first trip to the Etihad, where should I sit?

If this is your first time at the Etihad, we would recommend a seat in either the Colin Bell or North Stands.

A seat in either stand should provide a great view and although you would be away from some of the most raucous fans, you will still feel very much a part of the atmosphere.

Where should I sit for a more premium experience?

If you want to watch Manchester City in style, there are several hospitality packages you can buy. Read on to discover more in our detailed section below, but those buying a VIP experience will usually sit in the middle tiers with hospitality on offer across the Colin Bell, East and South Stands.

Are there any obstructed views at the Etihad?

Due to how the Etihad has been reconstructed, every seat should offer a great view of the action, and there aren’t any seats that offer a restricted view of the pitch.

What seats are closest to the toilets?

Each stand has its own concourse area, which will include toilets and plenty of opportunities to buy refreshments.

Where is the best place to sit with family?

If you want to take your family to a Manchester City match, then the North Stand is where you want to be.

Also known as the ‘Family Stand’, a seat in the North Stand is opposite the away fans and should see you sitting with other families.

Located across two tiers, the cheapest tickets can be found within the stand’s upper tier.

Ahead of the game, the West Stand hosts the Blue Carpet Experience. This is where the team bus will arrive and offers young children the perfect opportunity to see City’s players arrive. The team bus usually pulls into the ground 90 minutes before kickoff.

Junior tickets are valid for children up to 16 years old. Any child under the age of 16 must attend the game with an adult. Children of all ages can attend matches at the Etihad, but it is advised that due to the loud atmosphere of football matches, children under the age of six may find the atmosphere daunting.

Young children may find the atmosphere in games against Manchester United to be particularly loud.

If I am going to the game with disabled supporters, where should I look to sit?

If you are attending the game with disabled supporters, there are plenty of different areas where you can sit.

There are currently 255 dedicated wheelchair seats, and 140 of these seats are located across the lower tiers of all four stands. Other wheelchair seats can be accessed in both the middle and upper tiers but less are available.

Those with limited mobility are encouraged to sit in the lower and middle tiers of any of the four stands, as the upper tiers can be steep and tricky to navigate.

For those taking children or adults who are on the autistic spectrum, the Etihad hosts a sensory suite in the North Stand where the game can be watched.

Where do away fans sit?

The away end at the Etihad is within the South Stand.

Usually holding 3,000 fans, the fans are separated across the lower, middle and upper tiers. There are dedicated away blocks within the ground and you can find these in 113-115, 213-215 and 313-315.

Where can I sit for VIP access?

If you want to watch Manchester City in style, there are several different hospitality packages on offer.

Platinum Box

Located in the middle tier across the stadium, you can book a Platinum Box for you and twenty guests.

With champagne and canapés on arrival, you can watch the teams warm up just yards away thanks to exclusive dugout access.

You will be greeted by a former Manchester City legend, and after the match, a member of the current playing squad will stop by. As well as a buffet and inclusive drinks, if you book the Platinum Box, you will also be given a complimentary gift and a signed shirt to take home.

VVIP Pitchside Package

The VVIP Pitchside Package offers an experience that few can match.

Located in a ten-seat glass box next to the tunnel, you will be able to see what life behind the scenes on a match day looks like and get a closer look at the stars.

With a five-course meal to enjoy as well as an inclusive drinks menu, those with a Pitchside Package can also head out to the dugout to watch the pre-match warm up.

When the game begins you will be provided with a padded, heated seat where you will be able to watch the game from just behind the dugout.