Etihad Stadium Sports Fan Tips

Etihad Stadium is a venue in or near Manchester that is most often used for Soccer

Best Food and Drink at Etihad Stadium?

At the venue itself, it's the usual fair in terms of food or drink. It's £4 for a pie, though there's a decent selection (steak, chicken Balti and veggie) and hot dogs fetch a hefty £4.50 each. In terms of drink, you are expressly forbidden from bring your own. It's only £4 for a pint of lager or cider, which is a lot better than many stadiums these days. If you're feeling classy, it's £5.50 for a small bottle of wine.

How do I get to Etihad Stadium?

For drivers, there are two parking options: official and unofficial car parks! The official ones cost £10 per car and are right next to the stadium. However, it's absolute chaos trying to leave, with some fans claiming up to an hour spent in the car park after the game.There are a few 'unofficial' ones in the area which cost about a fiver per car, but might be a mile or so from the stadium. The upside is that they clear out much faster.For public transport, try to catch the metrolink to the 'Etihad Campus'; you can get the tram from Piccadilly or Victoria, so shouldn't be too tricky once you're in the city!

What to expect from the Etihad Stadium crowd?

The Etihad has potential for a bit of argy bargy between home and away fans. Sometimes it's just profane language, or times attempted violence or serious slander. There's space for 3,000 away fans in the South Stand, over all 3 tiers with very little space separating the two sides. Whatever you do, don't react to any taunting from the home fans, as you're the one that's likely to be ejected.The overall atmosphere fluctuates from game to game. Sometimes, when City aren't playing 'magisterially' well, the crowd will groan or stay quiet. Fingers crossed you go on a good day!

Things to check out around Etihad Stadium?

Because it's a little out-of-the-way, you're probably best catching a tram back into town and going from there. A favourite attraction has got to be the "Lockin Real Escape”, where you are locked in a specially themed room with a few friends, and have to solve riddles and puzzles, piece together the intel and find your way out! Of course, you're against the clock, and with only an hour to find the solution, every minute counts! Great day out for friends and family alike.

Best restaurants near Etihad Stadium?

There's not a lot on offer in the immediate vicinity, since the stadium is a little way from the city, so head back to town first. Once there, you're only limited by your taste buds; Manchester has it all! If you're looking for quantity and taste combined, try Alabama's All American Eatery: it's American classics as far as the eye can see! Perfect post-game grub. For a little more class, Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza is all fresh, all organic and all delicious.

Etihad Stadium seating?

The seating is, for the most part, great. It's a new stadium and the South Stand offers great views for all the away fans (up to 4,500 for a cup game!) but there are some seats (farthest from the action, but also the cheapest) which do not exactly offer a commanding view of the game. Since the stadium has a (mostly) closed roof, the temperamental British weather isn't a factor. City don't like showcasing their ticket prices, so you'll have to do some digging if you're a home fan. Otherwise, it's £30 for an away adult ticket.

Best Insider tip at Etihad Stadium?

If you really want to immerse yourself in the Manchester City experience, there's nothing better than their famous stadium tours. There are 3 options: The Matchday Tour, Meet the Greats and Behind-the-Scenes. Each tour offers an insight to the club's history, their rises and falls and the iconic players and managers who have contributed to their scintillating history. They're suitable for all the family, so even Granny and the babe can come along!

Best Pubs around Etihad Stadium?

The Etihad is one of those venues where away pubs can be tricky to track down. The Townley is only five minutes from the stadium, and is pretty welcoming. Another option is the acclaimed sports bar The Green. It has everything you want from a matchday pub, plus it welcomes all fans (no club colours on Manchester derby days!) and is only 12 minutes' tram ride to the stadium.If you want a bit more flexibility, head to the Printworks in town: loads of bars with good drinks and food menus. You can't really go wrong. Home fans are welcome pretty much anywhere, so check out any of the puns around Piccadilly itself!