Man City has received a request for the North Stand as part of the £300 million renovation project of the Etihad Stadium.

The 1894 Manchester City fan group has its own perspectives on the expansion, but they are advocating for the club to consult with the North Stand supporters.

In an effort to enhance the atmosphere, a Manchester City fan group is requesting that the club consult with all North Stand supporters regarding the stadium expansion.

One of the numerous fan groups that the club has invited to participate in a discussion regarding the design of the new North Stand is the 1894 Group, which is responsible for the production of banners and the organisation of greetings for the team bus to contribute to the atmosphere at the Etihad. As part of a £300m renovation project that will eventually encompass a hotel and museum at the opposite end of the stadium, City are constructing approximately 6,000 additional seats.

The club was eager to hear the opinions of 1894 and elected fan representatives City Matters regarding the stadium expansion. They are delighted to report that there has been a consensus regarding the construction of safe standing areas and youth sections. Additionally, they are certain that the final designs for the new structure will contribute to the atmosphere within the stadium.

Although the composition of the new stand has not yet been disclosed, a survey conducted by 1894 among nearly 1500 of its members has verified that there would be substantial support for a transition from the South Stand to the North Stand, provided that the latter is designed with atmosphere in mind. In the event that the circumstances were favourable, 61% of the supporters surveyed indicated that they would consider transitioning to the North Stand. Conversely, 52% expressed a desire to maintain a portion of their vocal support in the South Stand to complement the North.

Significant support was expressed for rail seating, the majority of new tickets to be reserved for seasoncard holders, and a designated section for 18-25 year-olds. Additionally, three out of every four respondents believed that the atmosphere should be prioritised over the retention of current fans in their seats. Nevertheless, there was also a general agreement that all North Stand regulars should be consulted regarding the development in order to achieve the optimal equilibrium between income and atmosphere.

A spokesperson for 1894 stated, “We were invited to attend meetings with the club to observe their plans in person, along with other groups.” We conducted our surveying, but we are of the opinion that a more comprehensive consultation is now necessary. After all, the individuals who are most impacted by any redevelopment plans are the fans who already enter the North Stand. There is still time to accomplish this.

“Fans desire an atmospheric conclusion.” This development offers the final genuine opportunity to accomplish that. We are of the opinion that the following is a viable vision, as indicated by the feedback provided by fans:

– North Stand Level 2 will be designated as a “new Kippax” and have rail seating for 7,000, serving as a designated choral section.
– Level 1 of the North Stand will remain unchanged.
– South Stand Level 1 will remain unchanged; however, rail seating will be increased in South Level 3 in 314 and 315.
“That means we’d still have a family stand but with two ends that can hear each other generating atmosphere.”