Advice for first Etihad match

C C

CaunckFan

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2025
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9
Hello and apologies if this content is covered elsewhere.

My daughter is a huge City Fan and as part of our trip to the UK this summer, we plan on attending the home match vs. Spurs. I'd appreciate any advice from the forum on how to maximise the experience for her.

As we are a large family, we will likely get tickets through one of the City Hospitality packages (either Legends or one of the bars, if available). We will be taking making a day trip from London but want to give her a full experience. Some questions I have are:
  • How early should we plan to arrive in Manchester? Are there pre-match activities that we would want to participate in?
  • Where is the best place to buy MCFC stuff, beyond what is available online? She really wants a Foden scarf.
  • Are there must-visit local establishments (pubs, restaurants, retail, etc.) near the stadium that we should visit?
  • How insane will it be post-match in terms of getting to the train station? How much time should we plan?
  • Any other match attendance etiquette we should be aware of? We want to be respectful while maximising the fun.
 
Getting my popcorn out for this thread...

Firstly, be aware the game is unlikely to be 3pm on the Saturday - there's a chance the revised time/day will be announced this week.
The time of the game will have an impact on your plans, especially in sorting a train to/from London.

I'm assuming your daughter is younger ie you don't want to know the best pubs!

For merchandise, there is a store behind the south stand. Not sure what it's like, as it's been moved there due to the construction works to the north stand, which would be worth having a look at to see where they're up to and what it'll look like when done.

Pre-match - will depend on kick off and your plans, but players usually arrive a couple of hours before, although it's a long time to hang around afterwards and not a lot to do due to the construction works which have removed the pre-match entertainment currently. Players usually go out to warm up about 30 minutes before kick off. To date, they use the north stand end of the pitch, so if you're sat at that end, may be interesting to watch.

Etiquette - don't buy a half and half scarf from one of the vendors outside.
 
Apologies for the unintended popcorn moment, but I appreciate the advice. Especially, the potential to reschedule as that is pretty important.
 
As above.

The store is a temporary one but still quite large. Unfortunately on match days it gets crammed full so allow enough time to queue up.

If coming by train from London to Piccadilly then the best way from there is to walk the 1.5 miles. Don’t try to get the tram unless you are 2hrs before kick off. Plus you’ll be amongst the away fans probably.

Same going back, just walk it.

There ain’t much around the ground in terms of eateries but the food stalls outside the stadium are pretty good and if it’s nice weather then outside the East stand entrance is about the best place for a family after watching the players arrive. The food inside isn’t as good imo. But if you’re going hospitality then just stick with their offerings.

If you want food in the town then there’s loads of places around the Northern Quarter but that’s going away from the train station.
 
Blue Since 76 said:
Getting my popcorn out for this thread...

Firstly, be aware the game is unlikely to be 3pm on the Saturday - there's a chance the revised time/day will be announced this week.
The time of the game will have an impact on your plans, especially in sorting a train to/from London.

I'm assuming your daughter is younger ie you don't want to know the best pubs!

For merchandise, there is a store behind the south stand. Not sure what it's like, as it's been moved there due to the construction works to the north stand, which would be worth having a look at to see where they're up to and what it'll look like when done.

Pre-match - will depend on kick off and your plans, but players usually arrive a couple of hours before, although it's a long time to hang around afterwards and not a lot to do due to the construction works which have removed the pre-match entertainment currently. Players usually go out to warm up about 30 minutes before kick off. To date, they use the north stand end of the pitch, so if you're sat at that end, may be interesting to watch.

Etiquette - don't buy a half and half scarf from one of the vendors outside.
Click to expand...
I mean, pub recommendations are also welcome even if she can't legally drink yet
 
Hope you and your daughter have a great time.

1 – If you arrive by train, you will get off at Manchester Piccadilly. From there it’s an easy 30-minute walk to the stadium – possibly along the canal, which is the most scenic route.

Or you can walk to Piccadilly Gardens and take the bus from there – it’s also 30 minutes :-) and 2 pounds each.

In my view, one of the best things before the match is the arrival of the squad bus – outside the Colin Bell stand. Usually, it’s 90 minutes before kick-off.

All in all, I would say – arrive at Manchester Piccadilly 2.5 hours before the game, 30 minutes to walk to the stadium, 30 minutes to walk around and orientate yourself and then watch the bus arrive and the players get off. Much better experience since City installed large screens, everyone in the area gets a good view of the players. Then you have 90 minutes to visit the shop, etc.

I don’t think there is much else in terms of pre-match activities.


2 – You can try the City shop at the stadium or the one in Arndale, it’s a mall in the city centre quite close to Piccadilly Gardens. Street vendors near the stadium will also sell you scarves and other stuff... from memory, last year, a scarf was 10 pounds, card or cash


3 – You may want to research a local pub called Mary D’s... people have different views and I would skip it, that’s just me. I don’t think there’s any “must-visit” establishment near the stadium, frankly.


4 – As above – walk 30 minutes (max) and you’ll get to the station. If you’re all able to walk, don’t bother with the bus or the Metrolink – see posts on this forum. But it’s really all quite civilised, nothing insane going on.


5 – The only thing I can think of is to resist the temptation to buy a half-&-half scarf. Or, if you buy one as a souvenir, keep it in the bag... don’t wear it inside the stadium. It will immediately signal you’re a tourist fan (no offence).

Other things to note:

  • If you want to buy merchandise, have a look at the website, the clearance/sale section is surprisingly full of good stuff (e.g. replica shirts).
  • If you buy hospitality, I would avoid the packages with a meal outside... even the Vermillion (which is close to the stadium) is not worth it, in my view.
  • If you’re travelling from London, trains will be busy with Spurs’ away fans. It should be OK, though... no bad blood with them. Just trains may be more crowded (and expensive) than usual.
  • Monday 25 is a bank holiday in the UK. And it’s the Pride week-end in Manchester, the city centre will be quite busy, especially the area around the gay village. Again, nothing to worry about, just to keep in mind for the logistics.
Out of curiosity – how did your daughter become a City fan?

Hope you have a great time! Last year it was a carnage (0-4), but I am hopeful this year we’ll do much better! Cmon City!
 
TBH my friend the first warning you were advised of is critical. The game could be Friday night, early or late on Saturday or various times on Sunday, including the 4pm slot. Some of these KO's would possibly mean an overnight stay in M/c. I would do absolutely nothing until the time and date are confirmed.
Sadly most pre game entertainment is curtailed during the building works, even the shop is a shadow of its normal size with limited goods on sale. On line is probably a better option.
Depending on your travel plans the football museum is probably an option and I'd recommend seeing the sights in M/c centre rather than round the ground, which is basically a building site atm.
Hope you all have a fantastic trip and don't be the slightest bit concerned that if anyone is our bogey, guaranteed to do us over, its spuds.
Incidentally Caunck? Bit early to be on the ale buddy!
 
Last edited:
Dependent on age I take my two teenage girls to the fanzone which is over the road from the stadium. It's free but you have to pre-book on the City web site. It's got kids'indoor activities and competitions. It usually starts around 3 hours before kick off but you can enter at any point.
 
adopted_manc said:
Hope you and your daughter have a great time.

1 – If you arrive by train, you will get off at Manchester Piccadilly. From there it’s an easy 30-minute walk to the stadium – possibly along the canal, which is the most scenic route.

Or you can walk to Piccadilly Gardens and take the bus from there – it’s also 30 minutes :-) and 2 pounds each.

In my view, one of the best things before the match is the arrival of the squad bus – outside the Colin Bell stand. Usually, it’s 90 minutes before kick-off.

All in all, I would say – arrive at Manchester Piccadilly 2.5 hours before the game, 30 minutes to walk to the stadium, 30 minutes to walk around and orientate yourself and then watch the bus arrive and the players get off. Much better experience since City installed large screens, everyone in the area gets a good view of the players. Then you have 90 minutes to visit the shop, etc.

I don’t think there is much else in terms of pre-match activities.


2 – You can try the City shop at the stadium or the one in Arndale, it’s a mall in the city centre quite close to Piccadilly Gardens. Street vendors near the stadium will also sell you scarves and other stuff... from memory, last year, a scarf was 10 pounds, card or cash


3 – You may want to research a local pub called Mary D’s... people have different views and I would skip it, that’s just me. I don’t think there’s any “must-visit” establishment near the stadium, frankly.


4 – As above – walk 30 minutes (max) and you’ll get to the station. If you’re all able to walk, don’t bother with the bus or the Metrolink – see posts on this forum. But it’s really all quite civilised, nothing insane going on.


5 – The only thing I can think of is to resist the temptation to buy a half-&-half scarf. Or, if you buy one as a souvenir, keep it in the bag... don’t wear it inside the stadium. It will immediately signal you’re a tourist fan (no offence).

Other things to note:

  • If you want to buy merchandise, have a look at the website, the clearance/sale section is surprisingly full of good stuff (e.g. replica shirts).
  • If you buy hospitality, I would avoid the packages with a meal outside... even the Vermillion (which is close to the stadium) is not worth it, in my view.
  • If you’re travelling from London, trains will be busy with Spurs’ away fans. It should be OK, though... no bad blood with them. Just trains may be more crowded (and expensive) than usual.
  • Monday 25 is a bank holiday in the UK. And it’s the Pride week-end in Manchester, the city centre will be quite busy, especially the area around the gay village. Again, nothing to worry about, just to keep in mind for the logistics.
Out of curiosity – how did your daughter become a City fan?

Hope you have a great time! Last year it was a carnage (0-4), but I am hopeful this year we’ll do much better! Cmon City!
Click to expand...
Super helpful. Thank you.

As for my daughter, she started playing FIFA and chose City as her club. Probably to antagonise some boys who were United fans. She plays football at a fairly high level in Canada, where we live. She is a huge Foden fan and had her own ACL reconstruction surgery two days before Rodri injured his. She frequently gets up at 4:30 a.m. to watch City matches and talks non-stop about going to see a match at The Etihad. I was unaware that Week 2 could be rescheduled and hope it still works out for our trip.
 
CaunckFan said:
Super helpful. Thank you.

As for my daughter, she started playing FIFA and chose City as her club. Probably to antagonise some boys who were United fans. She plays football at a fairly high level in Canada, where we live. She is a huge Foden fan and had her own ACL reconstruction surgery two days before Rodri injured his. She frequently gets up at 4:30 a.m. to watch City matches and talks non-stop about going to see a match at The Etihad. I was unaware that Week 2 could be rescheduled and hope it still works out for our trip.
Click to expand...
I'm sure she'll have a great time at the Etihad.
 
With pride & Spurs+travelling from London, and the vagaries of the actual kickoff date & time…. I’d certainly not book anything, unless you can be quite flexible on what you are doing… please dear god say you aren’t just staying in the world’s biggest tourist trap - London - for your stay?
I’d suggest planning to stay at least one night in Manchester and maybe 2 would make logistics far easier - there’s enough to do in Manchester for a couple of days easily.
 
CaunckFan said:
Hello and apologies if this content is covered elsewhere.

My daughter is a huge City Fan and as part of our trip to the UK this summer, we plan on attending the home match vs. Spurs. I'd appreciate any advice from the forum on how to maximise the experience for her.

As we are a large family, we will likely get tickets through one of the City Hospitality packages (either Legends or one of the bars, if available). We will be taking making a day trip from London but want to give her a full experience. Some questions I have are:
  • How early should we plan to arrive in Manchester? Are there pre-match activities that we would want to participate in?
  • Where is the best place to buy MCFC stuff, beyond what is available online? She really wants a Foden scarf.
  • Are there must-visit local establishments (pubs, restaurants, retail, etc.) near the stadium that we should visit?
  • How insane will it be post-match in terms of getting to the train station? How much time should we plan?
  • Any other match attendance etiquette we should be aware of? We want to be respectful while maximising the fun.
Click to expand...

I would stay overnight before in Manchester because the trains especially Avanti West Coast are unreliable as well as extortionate and you want to get the best out of the day. I'd hate you to miss kick off. Rooms should be less expensive in Manchester than London, especially if you shop around.
 
adopted_manc said:
Hope you and your daughter have a great time.

1 – If you arrive by train, you will get off at Manchester Piccadilly. From there it’s an easy 30-minute walk to the stadium – possibly along the canal, which is the most scenic route.

Or you can walk to Piccadilly Gardens and take the bus from there – it’s also 30 minutes :-) and 2 pounds each.

In my view, one of the best things before the match is the arrival of the squad bus – outside the Colin Bell stand. Usually, it’s 90 minutes before kick-off.

All in all, I would say – arrive at Manchester Piccadilly 2.5 hours before the game, 30 minutes to walk to the stadium, 30 minutes to walk around and orientate yourself and then watch the bus arrive and the players get off. Much better experience since City installed large screens, everyone in the area gets a good view of the players. Then you have 90 minutes to visit the shop, etc.

I don’t think there is much else in terms of pre-match activities.


2 – You can try the City shop at the stadium or the one in Arndale, it’s a mall in the city centre quite close to Piccadilly Gardens. Street vendors near the stadium will also sell you scarves and other stuff... from memory, last year, a scarf was 10 pounds, card or cash


3 – You may want to research a local pub called Mary D’s... people have different views and I would skip it, that’s just me. I don’t think there’s any “must-visit” establishment near the stadium, frankly.


4 – As above – walk 30 minutes (max) and you’ll get to the station. If you’re all able to walk, don’t bother with the bus or the Metrolink – see posts on this forum. But it’s really all quite civilised, nothing insane going on.


5 – The only thing I can think of is to resist the temptation to buy a half-&-half scarf. Or, if you buy one as a souvenir, keep it in the bag... don’t wear it inside the stadium. It will immediately signal you’re a tourist fan (no offence).

Other things to note:

  • If you want to buy merchandise, have a look at the website, the clearance/sale section is surprisingly full of good stuff (e.g. replica shirts).
  • If you buy hospitality, I would avoid the packages with a meal outside... even the Vermillion (which is close to the stadium) is not worth it, in my view.
  • If you’re travelling from London, trains will be busy with Spurs’ away fans. It should be OK, though... no bad blood with them. Just trains may be more crowded (and expensive) than usual.
  • Monday 25 is a bank holiday in the UK. And it’s the Pride week-end in Manchester, the city centre will be quite busy, especially the area around the gay village. Again, nothing to worry about, just to keep in mind for the logistics.
Out of curiosity – how did your daughter become a City fan?

Hope you have a great time! Last year it was a carnage (0-4), but I am hopeful this year we’ll do much better! Cmon City!
Click to expand...
No bad blood with Spurs? Were you at Wembley in 1981?
 
JASR said:
With pride & Spurs+travelling from London, and the vagaries of the actual kickoff date & time…. I’d certainly not book anything, unless you can be quite flexible on what you are doing… please dear god say you aren’t just staying in the world’s biggest tourist trap - London - for your stay?
I’d suggest planning to stay at least one night in Manchester and maybe 2 would make logistics far easier - there’s enough to do in Manchester for a couple of days easily.
Click to expand...
I second that (staying in Manchester for one or two days), with the caveat that pride will make everything expensive. Also consider staying in Stockport, which is one train stop away from Manchester (10 minutes by train) and all trains to London stop there as well.

If I am not mistaken, the broadcasters (Sky) will pick their fixtures on Wednesday 9 July, so wait until then before booking anything - as others have said.
 
CaunckFan said:
Hello and apologies if this content is covered elsewhere.

My daughter is a huge City Fan and as part of our trip to the UK this summer, we plan on attending the home match vs. Spurs. I'd appreciate any advice from the forum on how to maximise the experience for her.

As we are a large family, we will likely get tickets through one of the City Hospitality packages (either Legends or one of the bars, if available). We will be taking making a day trip from London but want to give her a full experience. Some questions I have are:
  • How early should we plan to arrive in Manchester? Are there pre-match activities that we would want to participate in?

    I would instead look around Manchester City centre. It is a small City centre but lots to see. Deansgate is a good place to go.

  • Where is the best place to buy MCFC stuff, beyond what is available online? She really wants a Foden scarf.

    If you have time you can visit the Manchester City store in the Arndale centre. That's the main shopping centre in Manchester City centre. There is also a store at the ground but it is a temporary store due to the construction at the ground.
  • Are there must-visit local establishments (pubs, restaurants, retail, etc.) near the stadium that we should visit?

    Not really. I'd stick to Manchester City centre. There are a few places but not really very welcoming and very busy.

  • How insane will it be post-match in terms of getting to the train station? How much time should we plan?

    Very simple walk back along main roads. 25 minutes. You can queue for a tram or bus but you will waste time queueing. Immediately outside the ground it will be very congested so best to work out in advance which was you are going.
  • Any other match attendance etiquette we should be aware of? We want to be respectful while maximising the fun.

    Most atmospheric parts of the ground are the first tier next to the away fans but I would avoid the South Stand. You will be expected to stand if you go there. Avoid half and half scarfs as regulars don't like them. Don't bring bags because large bags are banned. Prepare for lots of construction work. Concourse is very packed at half-time. If you want drinks / food it will take all of half time.
Click to expand...
 
CaunckFan said:
Super helpful. Thank you.

As for my daughter, she started playing FIFA and chose City as her club. Probably to antagonise some boys who were United fans. She plays football at a fairly high level in Canada, where we live. She is a huge Foden fan and had her own ACL reconstruction surgery two days before Rodri injured his. She frequently gets up at 4:30 a.m. to watch City matches and talks non-stop about going to see a match at The Etihad. I was unaware that Week 2 could be rescheduled and hope it still works out for our trip.
Click to expand...
Cool. She couldn't have made a better choice. Hope her football career progresses well.

One more thing to consider - the stadium tour (available on matchday as well), which is quite good. A bit overpriced, but will help appreciate the stadium more.

Before buying hospitality, if you all have a Matchday membership, remember matchday tickets will be on sale in July, possibly second half. Could be feasible to get a few tickets sat together.

Or try contacting the supporters' club near you (if there is one in Canada) and see if they can help, for a special occasion.
 
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