North Stand expansion - seating, ticketing etc

[Jesus H Gabz]

So. In simple terms. What are the chances of me being able to get a ST - a ticket for every home game, not a raffle - for my 5 year old? I’ve been a ST holder since 2000.

Great chance, 2000 tickets ring fenced for junior blues, if he’s not got a membership you’ll need to get him one now, criteria for new Flexi’s is 35 home games over last 3 years, but there’ll be a junior pull through for STH. Some people will piss & moan, but we are where we are, get the membership, you’ll have a great chance of a flexi, which will lead to a full ST eventually, they’re easy to manage

 

[HelloCity]

Without unravelling the whole GA+ all over again (at least not on this thread as there is another for allocation), the area highlighted on yellow in my previous post has always been planned in. It is by all accounts the equivalent to current Joes offerings, and while a hospitality level, it is not 'true' corporate, in the sense it is still for regular blues, but those that pay more for prime seats and a more dedicated bar.

Unless the emails refer to something else, hence trying to establish which area that is.

Sounds like:

• Cross Bar: Basically Joe's.
• City Hall: Basically 93:20

-----

• Cross Bar: Located at the start of the expanded section, this space will welcome around 300 fans and offer a relaxed, social atmosphere.
• City Hall: A new experience for around 500 fans on matchdays, and a hub for events on non-matchdays. This enhanced bar experience will be located at the back of Level 0 (formerly known as Level 1).

 

[Jesus H Gabz]

Are they planning on some sort of half seasont ticket for the north stand ope ign in Jan to the end of the season?
Think that would do well

They would, but I reckon they’ll want as many different people giving them a try, and will quite possibly offer seat relocation for individual matches for season ticket holders

 

[Coatigan]

Sounds like the GA+ seats will be in-between the old the new sections now (where they haven't put the new seats in yet) rather than the front rows of tier 2 as was in the planning.

I think the club have tried to be clever here. Which is confusing people.

The way I read it, the cross bar is the GA+ bar. The location and the capacity adds up, this we know to date. It also ties in with the GA+ seat location and numbers.

I think the club have tried to 'lessen the blow of this publicly', by claiming the seats that need relocated are for the City Hall, rather than Cross Bar, because that sounds more pallatable. And because the city hall straddles the cross bar, technically, it is not 'wrong'. But in emails to those affected, it is seemingly the same seats and location.

In reality, there hasn't been any change, it is just how it is presented causing confusion. That's how I read it, at this point at least, I note I could be wrong.

 

[blueparrot]

Sounds like:

• Cross Bar: Basically Joe's.
• City Hall: Basically 93:20

-----

• Cross Bar: Located at the start of the expanded section, this space will welcome around 300 fans and offer a relaxed, social atmosphere.
• City Hall: A new experience for around 500 fans on matchdays, and a hub for events on non-matchdays. This enhanced bar experience will be located at the back of Level 0 (formerly known as Level 1).

Pretty much, GA + as you say 500 93:20 AND 300 Joes type offereing. Not corporate,just regular premium S/C holders, with dedicated bar/catering areas.

 

[Coatigan]

Pretty much, GA + as you say 500 93:20 AND 300 Joes type offereing. Not corporate,just regular premium S/C holders, with dedicated bar/catering areas.

Agree, other than I don't see anything to suggest the 500 is 93.20 or any more than the standard GA offering. Think that assumption might have come out of the confusion around the wording by the club.

 

[HelloCity]

I think the club have tried to be clever here. Which is confusing people.

The way I read it, the cross bar is the GA+ bar. The location and the capacity adds up, this we know to date. It also ties in with the GA+ seat location and numbers.

I think the club have tried to 'lessen the blow of this publicly', by claiming the seats that need relocated are for the City Hall, rather than Cross Bar, because that sounds more pallatable. And because the city hall straddles the cross bar, technically, it is not 'wrong'. But in emails to those affected, it is seemingly the same seats and location.

In reality, there hasn't been any change, it is just how it is presented causing confusion. That's how I read it, at this point at least, I note I could be wrong.

Yellow is Cross Bar
Pink is City Hall

Note - Sizes of the seating locations aren't to scale. The highlights are just to show the general location of the new GA+ seating.



"Cross Bar: Located at the start of the expanded section"

Explains why they've not put the seats in yet where the divide between old and new is. They'll be putting in comfy seats instead.

 

[Jesus H Gabz]

I did suggest way back when that the corporate offering (if we were to have one) should’ve been placed under the lip of what is now 0, whether that was boxes or something similar to the sky bar, now we’ve ended up with 3 areas which is crazy, it’s trying to be too many things. The only thing that can drag it back is some decent pricing & more safe standing

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

They are forcing out 500 season ticket holders from behind the goal to make way for a corporate ticket for City Hall. Another example of our great clubs disregard for "Legacy Fans"

Shocking if that’s true. So even more corporate areas and behind the goal as well. The idea this is going to help the atmosphere seems like a myth right now.

It’s looking like a stand/ idea for corporates more than anything

 

[wolfie1988]

Sounds like the GA+ seats will be in-between the old the new sections now (where they haven't put the new seats in yet) rather than the front rows of tier 2 as was in the planning.

I actually think they are at the back of the existing level 0. Or am I reading it wrong?

 

[HelloCity]

I actually think they are at the back of the existing level 0. Or am I reading it wrong?

They're at the back of level 0 (City Hall seats) AND at the front of the expanded section (Cross Bar seats)

:)

 

[Coatigan]

Yellow is Cross Bar
Pink is City Hall

Note - Sizes of the seating locations aren't to scale. The highlights are just to show the general location of the new GA+ seating.

View attachment 172955

"Cross Bar: Located at the start of the expanded section"

Explains why they've not put the seats in yet where the divide between old and new is. They'll be putting in comfy seats instead.

Not sure you have got that right. The yellow is too high up, and the pink too low.

Edit. You are interpreting the current wording rather than the approval, noted.

 

[Coatigan]

Sounds like the GA+ seats will be in-between the old the new sections now (where they haven't put the new seats in yet) rather than the front rows of tier 2 as was in the planning.

I get why you would take that from how it is worded.

But I think it is badly worded, and not right. I don't think anything has actually changed fwiw, poor description aside.

Could of course be wrong.

 

[HelloCity]

Not sure younhave got that right. The yellow is too high up, and the pink too low.

Club are stating now that the Cross Bar seats are "Located at the start of the expanded section".

There also a noticeable seating gap where these seats are going when viewing on the done videos, likely because comfy seats are going there.

The club also say no one is moving seats, so no one from Family Stand level 2, apart from people making way on level 0 for City Hall seats.

"No fans will need to move to accommodate Cross Bar."

 

[Jesus H Gabz]

I found the below interesting, seems those meeting the criteria for new flexi’s will be given an early heads up, which is great, and means they are actually listening, and the 1894 guys are still getting some decent results out of the club


As we shared last season, the expanded North Stand will include a minimum of 3,000 rail seats, but this can increase depending on demand. These seats offer a safe standing experience, and we will be asking existing Season Ticket Members and fans who have met the 35-match criteria for new Season Tickets if they are interested in moving to this area.

 

[Dogtanian]

Still no news on pricing though

 

[Coatigan]

I did suggest way back when that the corporate offering (if we were to have one) should’ve been placed under the lip of what is now 0, whether that was boxes or something similar to the sky bar, now we’ve ended up with 3 areas which is crazy, it’s trying to be too many things. The only thing that can drag it back is some decent pricing & more safe standing

We don't yet know we are ending up with 3 areas. That is being bourne out of the confusion around the wording.

It doesn't tie up with the sections though (i'll post when I get the chance to overmark), which is why I think it is wrong.

 

[Chid]

I sit in the circled section with my son and this is the email i received this morning.

It is very confusing, do we have to relocate or not?

We are getting in touch with some important information regarding your Season Ticket at the Etihad Stadium.

Later today, the Club will be sharing news about the North Stand expansion - including key ticketing updates and details of new matchday experiences. This announcement will include details of City Hall, a new enhanced bar experience for around 500 fans on matchdays, and a hub for events on non-matchdays. This will be located at the back of Level 0 (formerly known as Level 1).

To accommodate this ground-floor space, seating at the back of North Stand Level 0 (formerly known as Level 1) will be allocated to City Hall ticket holders from the 2026/27 season onwards. This includes your current seat.

We understand this is unsettling news, so we wanted you to be the first to know.

And while you do not need to make any decisions until later in the season, we want to take this moment to assure you we’re here to make this process as smooth as possible.

To help with this, you can find information below about the options available to you.

Priority relocation window: You will have first choice on any available general admission seat in the Etihad Stadium. This includes the option to relocate to the expanded North Stand or stay within Level 0 (formerly known as Level 1).

Regardless of where you relocate — even if it’s to a more expensive general admission area - your ticket price will remain the same for the next two seasons (2026/27 and 2027/28).

Option to remain in your current seat: You have first refusal on your seat and are welcome to enjoy the new enhanced bar experience. Please note, the standard rate for this space will apply.

Friends and Family: We recognise that matchdays are about more than just football — they’re about spending time with those around you. With this in mind, we’re making it possible for you to relocate alongside friends or family, even if they’re not directly affected by the changes.

As stated above, you do not need to make any decisions at this moment in time. In early 2026, we will share further information about the specific seats available to you. You will then choose your selected seat during the 2026/27 Season Ticket Renewal Window later in the season.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to speak with someone directly, our Fan Support team is available to assist. We can also arrange an in-person conversation at the Etihad Stadium should you prefer to discuss your options face-to-face.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We’re committed to making this transition as smooth as possible by finding a solution which works for you.

 

[Coatigan]

Club are stating now that the Cross Bar seats are "Located at the start of the expanded section".

There also a noticeable seating gap where these seats are going when viewing on the done videos, likely because comfy seats are going there.

The club also say no one is moving seats, so no one from Family Stand level 2, apart from people making way on level 0 for City Hall seats.

"No fans will need to move to accommodate Cross Bar."

Edited post, realising you are highlighting how you read the current wording.

I'm not convinced though. Between renumbering the levels and new descriptions, think it is confusion snowballing a bit.

It tie in with the physical arrangement.
The city hall doesn't directly access seats directly so makes little sense to dedicate that as any form of corporate. Moving the GA+ seats up as you suggest then loses access to the GA+ (cross) bar, and shifts them to the concourse above which is one open bar with a whole other capacity.

Once you see it in section, it should make more sense.

 

[HelloCity]

Sorry, forgot to add in the sky bar :)

Green - Sky Bar seats
Yellow - Cross Bar seats
Pink - City Hall seats