First Trip to Etihad!

Benjani56 said:
Imperial War Museum North is a must if you're into history
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I was just thinking, after reading the thread, that if he was here longer, he should check out the Science and Industry Museum and Ordsall Hall Museum as it's been stood since the 1700s (and maybe Tatton Hall if they could be arsed travelling that far!).
 
Enjoy the trip! I've been going over from the Boston area for matches since 2016 and can't wait for my next trip which might also be for the Forrest match. I fly into Manchester, get the train into Manchester Piccadilly and stay at the Premier Inn that is about a 5 minute walk from the train station. No need for a car. Premier Inn is nothing special, but it is good and convenient. About a 20-25 minute walk from there to the Etihad, and I recommend walking to and from with the crowds.

I always try to get tickets in the third tier and can usually get seats around midfield for a match like Forrest. I like the view from higher up where I can watch the whole pitch. Also, you are protected from the rain up there. I'd recommend combining the Etihad tour and shopping on a non match day.

The Piccadilly Tap, located between the train station and the Premier Inn, is a great place for a pint or two and has a good selection of ales and beers on tap. The Crown and Anchor is also a great spot for a pint. Some good restaurants around depending on what you like for food.

The Football Museum is a must as others have said as well as the People's History Museum. Glad to recommend a few others depending on your interests. The canal walks are nice on a good day. If you like to hike/walk/ramble, the Peak District is a 45 minute train ride away. Take the train to Edale and walk 10 minutes and your in the hills. On your way back to the train stop in at the Rambler Inn for a pint before you get back on the train.

Well, that's all for now. Glad to answer any questions I can. Cheers!
 
If you're into your city history, take a taxi to Maine Road about 15 minute drive from the Etihad, the center circle and spot have been preserved from the pitch, although I'd make sure you're outta there by dark, mosside can be comparable to what you guys call the housing projects at night [emoji38]FB_IMG_1687303612620.jpg
 
I'm not really here said:
If you're into your city history, take a taxi to Maine Road about 15 minute drive from the Etihad, the center circle and spot have been preserved from the pitch, although I'd make sure you're outta there by dark, mosside can be comparable to what you guys call the housing projects at night [emoji38]View attachment 84036
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Took my lad who has never been to Manchester there when we were at the Newcastle match in March. (We live outside Boston MA now.) A bit of history for the boy. Then onto Rusholme for curry. Although that has changed a lot since I was there last...
 
YanktoManc said:
Thank you so much for all this info. It will be extremely helpful as I plan. I am looking into some Airbnb's in the City Centre or anywhere I can get to the stadium quickly from. It'll just be my wife and I and we plan to arrive on a Thursday and leave on Sunday. I will most definitely be doing a tour before leaving. Thank you again for taking the time out to help. Much appreciated.
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You can book the tours online on the City website. But as others have said, the TV companies can change the match days. I would advise a Thursday to Monday stay as the game could be switched to a Sunday.
You could also look into a hospitality deal. Very expensive but if you don't make a habit of it every visit, the experience is great. My son and I did the Legends Lounge at the Newcastle match in March. Excellent service and food and drinks waiting for us at half time and full time. Plus some old City players roaming around talking to people. Brilliant experience overall. Either way, enjoy your trip. You won't regret it. Especially as Manchester is a damn great city.
 
I'm not really here said:
If you're into your city history, take a taxi to Maine Road about 15 minute drive from the Etihad, the center circle and spot have been preserved from the pitch, although I'd make sure you're outta there by dark, mosside can be comparable to what you guys call the housing projects at night [emoji38]View attachment 84036
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It’s not rough at all around that new housing estate where Maine road was. Probably because considering it was built as “social housing” the houses on it are actually quite expensive.

And the people who live there are pretty used to City fans taking photos etc.
 
YanktoManc said:
Why is that? Bad experience?
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Mancunian humour.

My recs are head to Cutting Room Square in Ancoats earlyish before or after. Nice clean area if you’re there with the missus. Loads of independent beer houses (7 Brothers, nice pint), blues around, pizza at Rudy’s next door. About a 25 minute walk from there, follow the herds.
I‘d walk back to town after also rather than queue for a tram.

as a tourist there are walking tours. I can’t vouch for them though but should give you an insight that most of us locals probably miss.

Friday, Saturday nightlife, food, take your pick. Enjoy!
 
Contact the club in advance of your trip and tell them you plans. They love the overseas support, it's very en vogue, great publicity and has a lot of reach for the "brand". None of this is meant to sound cynical, just the way the club seem to want to go, and coming from the USA you're definitely part of their target audience. Whatever you do, I hope the experience lives up to the expectation (it will).
 
I think I’m right in saying that you cant actually buy tickets unless you’ve kicked a rag in the bollocks and have video evidence to show at the ticket office? Think of it like a visa application.
 
Lots of good advice. The easiest way to get the tickets will be by joining your local Supporters Club Branch. The Branch Secretary can give Kevin Parker the heads up that you will need 4 tickets together.

Purely for info, the Branch I run has several members from the States because we are connected to a US Base in Yorkshire.

I agree that Mary D’s is the place to be before or after the game. Try Tony’s Chippy if it’s open too. I agree with the National Football Museum.

If you have time to get a gist of what we are about there are the Science and Technology and Industry Museums in Castlefields. There’s also the Lowry museum nest the swamp.
 
Here are links to Travelodge and Premier Inn websites,like some have said,nothing special
but perfectly ok for a few nights,I use them for away games.

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Premier Inn hotels | Book direct

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YanktoManc said:
Hello to all!

I wanted to join this Forum because I'm planning a trip to Manchester for my first game at Etihad this upcoming season and wanted a very authentic and genuine experience.

My goal is to meet people here who can direct me and advise what places I should visit on my trip for the real Manchester City experience. Fan clubs, pubs, gift shops etc. What are the best sections to sit in? Pretty much all things City.

I've never purchased tickets to a game outside of the US, so if there is anything I need to look out for I'd appreciate the heads up. I know in England many like to make fun of Americans for being "fake soccer" fans, but I love football and more importantly I love Man City.

I look forward to maybe even meeting a few of you and having a beer when I'm in town. Take care everyone, and thanks in advance for any help with this.
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Do we have our own version of Ste Howson to help this blue out?
 
YanktoManc said:
Hello to all!

I wanted to join this Forum because I'm planning a trip to Manchester for my first game at Etihad this upcoming season and wanted a very authentic and genuine experience.

My goal is to meet people here who can direct me and advise what places I should visit on my trip for the real Manchester City experience. Fan clubs, pubs, gift shops etc. What are the best sections to sit in? Pretty much all things City.

I've never purchased tickets to a game outside of the US, so if there is anything I need to look out for I'd appreciate the heads up. I know in England many like to make fun of Americans for being "fake soccer" fans, but I love football and more importantly I love Man City.

I look forward to maybe even meeting a few of you and having a beer when I'm in town. Take care everyone, and thanks in advance for any help with this.
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I’ve had a season ticket since we moved to the ground in 2003. If I was you I’d do a pub crawl, us blues love a drink on match day.

The Northern Quater - a lot of blues go to the pubs there on match days before and after, although it’ll be busier before the game. The good City pubs are, Mothers Mac which is a small pub in the back streets, the Crown and Anchor is good for atmosphere, the Crown and Kettle has lots of different beers, and Pie and Ale which is the best for different types of beer and great for sport if there’s anything on beforehand. All walking distance from Picadilly station, but you’ll have to Google map it.

There’s lot of pubs close to the ground obviously. Mary Ds is the famous one, but it gets very busy. I’ve not been there for years, I prefer the corner shop pub, as it’s a bit quieter, although still loads of blues and there’s a big space outside.

There’s also City square before the match, but I’ve only ever been there once myself. Might be worth doing the stadium tour the day before the game too as I believe it’s a good experience, you get to see the Academy too so I’ve heard.
 
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