Etihad Campus, Stadium Development and Collar Site

[simonmdm]

While that football world sounds awesome, I would have thought there would be something else to go around the stadium as well. Surely to maximise footfall with 'an attraction of national significance', you are going to want something a bit different to just football related attractions. Not everybody likes football and just having football related attractions narrows the market quite a lot for all involved.

 

[jonmcity]

While that football world sounds awesome, I would have thought there would be something else to go around the stadium as well. Surely to maximise footfall with 'an attraction of national significance', you are going to want something a bit different to just football related attractions. Not everybody likes football and just having football related attractions narrows the market quite a lot for all involved.

Correct, i like Lacrosse as well. How about a massive Hacienda. Seriously though i think we need to replace the Apollo with an all year round concert venue with a hotel.

 

[BLUE THUNDER]

With the recent media announcement regarding council approval for stadium expansion, does this confirm that both the North and South end will be built simultaneously or are we still waiting on confirmation ? The media stories don't seem to have a timeline for the stadium expansion.

 

[Falastur]

With the recent media announcement regarding council approval for stadium expansion, does this confirm that both the North and South end will be built simultaneously or are we still waiting on confirmation ? The media stories don't seem to have a timeline for the stadium expansion.

It means nothing. We are applying for planning permission for both ends, and logically if we get it for one we will get it for both. However, that just gives us the legal support to start making changes whenever we feel ready to do so. It doesn't suggest whether the club will do one end or both at the same time. It's a bit like passing your theory test - you need to get it done to pass your driving licence, but there's no obligation to book your test the second you pass the theory.

The club likely knows exactly what they're planning on doing, but are keeping their hands close to their chest, hence no timeline.

 

[unexpected item]

Maybe there will be something to do with UFC on the collar site?

 

[Anonymous]

Garry Cook?

 

[CitizenTID]

Interesting he has the badge on a UFC top. Is he involved with the UFC in anyway or Garry Cook still?

 

[Damocles]

Is that picture real?

 

[Falastur]

Is that picture real?

It's real. It's on his official Instagram page (the one that leaks the pictures of his kids with City cakes wearing City kits).

<a class="postlink" href="http://instagram.com/hhmansoor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://instagram.com/hhmansoor</a>

You need to go to the bottom and load a few more pages to find it. Clearly that account uploads a lot of pictures...

 

[Anonymous]

Interesting he has the badge on a UFC top. Is he involved with the UFC in anyway or Garry Cook still?

Just had wee dander around the web and discovered:

- Cookie's grand title is "Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa for the UFC"
- UFC's parent organisation is Zuffa LLC
- Zuffa is "owned" by Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta, Flash Entertainment and Dana White
- Flash Entertainment's stake in Zuffa LLC is 10%
- Flash Entertainment was formed in 2008 by the Abu Dhabi government’s Executive Affairs Authority

 

[Sigh]

I think he works out. Pretty obvious really.

 

[Falastur]

Interesting that the crest on his arm has UFC written inside the City badge...

 

[Anonymous]

Do you think this might be part of the mystery around the selling of IP?

 

[EricBrooksGhost]

Yes entertainment for the collar site; no cheetah racing but pre-match UFC fighter versus random rag/obnoxious journo

 

[Sigh]

Garry Cook, executive vice president and managing director of UFC EMEA, said: “This agreement is a major step in our strategic expansion across EMEA and, in particular, will see our audience grow dramatically across the region. There is a huge market for the UFC in the Middle East; the fans want live events and can now look forward to local tailored content in the region.” -

See more at: <a class="postlink" href="http://blogs.thenational.ae/sport/kit-bag/ufc-announces-fight-on-yas-island-in-abu-dhabi#sthash.3Z4j433O.dpuf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://blogs.thenational.ae/sport/kit-b ... j433O.dpuf</a>

from:

<a class="postlink" href="http://blogs.thenational.ae/sport/kit-bag/ufc-announces-fight-on-yas-island-in-abu-dhabi" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://blogs.thenational.ae/sport/kit-b ... -abu-dhabi</a>

edit:
The first EMEA [Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Fight Night] event of 2014 takes place in London, England on March 8. UFC Fight Night London 2014 will see Sweden’s light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson take on England’s undefeated Jimi Manuwa in the main event at the city’s O2 Arena. - See more at: <a class="postlink" href="http://blogs.thenational.ae/sport/kit-bag/ufc-announces-fight-on-yas-island-in-abu-dhabi#sthash.R5SN6nKn.dpuf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://blogs.thenational.ae/sport/kit-b ... N6nKn.dpuf</a>

I suppose these'll in be IN Manchester eventually? Is that the plan?

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/9/30/3431748/ufc-introducing-gary-cook-new-vp-vice-president-uk-europe-middle-east-africa-dana-white" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/9/30/34 ... dana-white</a>

 

[Sigh]

Yes entertainment for the collar site; no cheetah racing but pre-match UFC fighter versus random rag/obnoxious journo

If we painted our whippets cheetah-style we might be able to get away with it. I still think authentic cheetah racing has potential. The global audience and betting would be huge.

 

[Damocles]

I think he works out. Pretty obvious really.

That's the biggest clue we've seen.

City badge with UFC on it? Hardly an accident.

 

[Why Always Ste]

News on this UFC investment was posted on BM a few years back. There has already been an event in Abu Dhabi and events in Manchester (MEN arena)

The size of UFC is just crazy when I think back to years ago before people like Dana White even invested in it.

I'd like to see an indoor events arena, and would love Ice Hockey and MMA there.

 

[CitizenTID]

Interesting he has the badge on a UFC top. Is he involved with the UFC in anyway or Garry Cook still?

Just had wee dander around the web and discovered:

- Cookie's grand title is "Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa for the UFC"
- UFC's parent organisation is Zuffa LLC
- Zuffa is "owned" by Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta, Flash Entertainment and Dana White
- Flash Entertainment's stake in Zuffa LLC is 10%
- Flash Entertainment was formed in 2008 by the Abu Dhabi government’s Executive Affairs Authority

Cheers for that!

 

[fbloke]

Its a fantastic way of letting news leak out.

I think we covered the links to AD and UFC on here quite well both before and after Garry Cook's employment.

And there are enough of us who expect that "mini"-multi purpose arena on the collar site now.

Its an ideal marriage and no doubt just one of a few similar projects that will involve IP sales.

Remember that anything that uses the MCFC badge or brand is OK for FFP revenue purposes wherever it happens globally.