The Chief Operating Officer of City Football Group, overseeing Manchester City, has raised concerns about the future of Etihad Stadium. Despite the ongoing success of the 2023/24 campaign, fueled by the historic Treble-winning season last year, concerns arise regarding the stadium’s capacity and potential impacts on ticket prices.
The reigning Premier League champions achieved a remarkable feat, selling out all 19 top-flight home matches by mid-September. The demand to witness stars like Erling Haaland in action is evident. There are a staggering 120,000 supporters on the season ticket waiting list for the Etihad Stadium.
However, behind the scenes, Roel De Vries, City Group’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes the need for increased revenue from the home stadium to maintain competitiveness in football. Facing a limitation in expanding the Etihad beyond 60,000, De Vries poses the question,
“How can we squeeze a lot more out of the stadium?”
Man City fans voice concerns for the Etihad Stadium
These remarks have sparked concern among Manchester City fans, particularly regarding the potential impact on season ticket prices. De Vries’ statements hint at the necessity to enhance revenue streams for sustained competitiveness.
On social media platform X, some fans expressed their worries. One user mentioned,
“The atmosphere this season has been the worst I can remember. While there are various reasons for it, the most prevalent is the genuine ‘loud and loyal support’ being priced out season after season.”
Another supporter echoed these sentiments, pleading with the club:
“Please ManCity, you already increased season ticket prices during a cost of living crisis, please don’t do it again for a while. Your local support base’s wages haven’t miraculously increased just because City = good.”
As Manchester City continues its pursuit of success, balancing financial considerations with fan accessibility becomes crucial. The potential impact on loyal local supporters raises valid concerns, emphasizing the delicate balance required for a thriving and inclusive football experience at the Etihad Stadium.
For more sports updates, follow us on Twitter.
