Screen grabbed this from the PA.
Click to enlarge so the picture and image are bigger and clearer.
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That graphic makes it easier to understand the concept and implementation behind the North Stand development, rather than it being just a botch or South Stand copy. It will additionally provide unrivalled fans facilities shared with Co-op live to become the foundation for a true destination attraction unlike any other.
Wembley ihas been a template showcase stadium that has proved hard to sustain economically. Arsenal built a budget version based on premium price admission. Spurs built a similar multi-purpose stadium to increase use and exploit London demand that has gained plaudits but it still has limitations on its use.
West Hams London Stadium shows how not to develop a legacy Olympic athletics event, despite every advantage being gifted in place with land and infrastructure?
The much vaunted Old Trafford and Anfield stadiums offer capacity with nostalgia but little else. Both are history clubs offering an outdated past experience that modern fans will not be keen to repeat. Any development of St James Park or Villa Park will be costly steps into the unknown albeit currently under review. Attending at the Etihad offers unrivalled facilities, comfort and views for all.
Looking at major European stadiums. Germany has updated traditional grounds particularly at Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Schalke with the Berlin Stadium still with echoes of the pre-war Olympics including an athletics track. The German model is failing economically and competitively.
The Spanish giants are also going for showcase stadia whilst the Italians have been left behind. Of the other major leagues, France has no solutions.
The English climate and latitude pose different problems with light and weather issues, especially in Manchester which is also without the economic and other advantages of London and many of our European competitors.
It was hard to envisage the CFA being built on contaminated derelict ground next to the Etihad rather than on out of town green field land as the usual option. It has become recognised as a World Class facility and a template for others. The concept behind the North Stand is looks even more revolutionary.
It is 10 years since the South Stand Development. The North Stand Development is a different scale. If City continue on this trajectory, no doubt in 10 years we can expect a 80k stadium as well as stuff our owners are already planning.
The golf saying “drive for show, put for dough” comes to mind. Setting apart design aesthetics, the North Stand development increasingly looks like it will be best in class for fans as well as for MCFC/CFG and as a part of a destination to benefit Manchester.