Manchester City shares concepts for entertainment hub at Etihad Stadium

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Manchester City Etihad Stadium
Image credit: Thomas McAtee via Shutterstock

Manchester City has unveiled structural designs for an entertainment destination at their home venue of Etihad Stadium, with input from fans and the community.

The Premier League side has been conducting feasibility studies since last December, in order to explore ideas for future stadium development that are in accordance with the long-held vision of establishing the Etihad Campus and the surrounding area as a globally relevant and competitive sport, leisure, and entertainment destination.

Designs of several fully integrated all-weather facilities – which are centred around an expanded North Stand with one larger, single upper tier above the existing lower tier will increase the stadium’s capacity to over 60,000. Alongside this, concepts for a covered City Square fan zone will provide fans with a broader range of dynamic matchday and non-matchday activities, with a capacity of 3,000. This will also feature a wide variety of food and drink outlets, a new club shop, museum, and hotel.

Man City is also exploring new travel methods with a vision to enhance existing services and also to develop a sustainable transport strategy for fans to travel to and from the Etihad. A long-term skills academy programme designed to provide qualifications for long-term employment at the Etihad Campus to people of all ages.

City Football Group (CFG), founded in May 2013, is the owner of football-related businesses in major cities around the world, including football clubs such as Man City, Melbourne City and New York City FC – plus academies, technical support, and marketing firms. Their goal is to increase football participation both on and off the field, to find and develop the best footballing talent, and to provide an exciting and forward-thinking game.

Since Manchester City’s takeover in 2008, the club has overseen upwards of $1.2 billion in investment for the Etihad Campus and East Manchester community. Thousands of jobs have been created as a result of this investment, with CFG and its partners constructing a variety of facilities, including the City Football Academy, the Connell Co-op College, the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance, and Co-op Live – the UK’s largest and most sustainable arena which will be open to the public later in the year.

More detailed information outlining City’s concepts is accessible to fans and the local community to view at mancity.com/etihad-stadium-consultation.

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Manchester City open new training centre for Women’s First Team

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Image credit: Manchester City

The training centre opened earlier this week, following years of planning, investment and ambition for Manchester City Women.

State-of-the-art facilities

Recently crowned WSL Champions, Manchester City Women will now be able to train, prepare and recover in a truly special, purpose-built facility.

Covering 17,000 square feet, a world-class gym, strength & conditioning facilities and dressing room, the site will help players  to maximise performances on the pitch.

But given the facilities also received input from players and staff, inspiring added touches like social spaces and recognition for players with over 100 appearances, it is clear that this is a deeply personal project for all involved at Manchester City Women.

As Managing Director of Manchester City Women, Charlotte O’Neill, highlighted, the training centre is a symbol of excellence and ambition.

“This building is about so much more than bricks and mortar,” O’Neill said via press release.

“It is about creating an environment here our players can thrive, where standards are set at the very highest level and where the current squad has everything it needs to continue to compete for and win silverware.”

A winning project, for a winning team. The training centre is sure to propel Manchester City Women to even greater heights in the seasons to come.

 

Continuing investment trends

Furthermore, as the result of an AUD 18.6 million (GBP 10 million) investment and purpose-built for Manchester City Women, it is yet another example of the current strength of WSL investment.

Just a few weeks ago, Brighton & Hove Albion unveiled plans to construct a new venue for its women’s team, delivering on a clear intention to support commercial growth and infrastructure in the women’s game.

But even after winning their first WSL title this season, the message from the board is clear: Manchester City Women are a fundamental part of the club’s long-term vision.

“This new facility marks the next logical step in our long-term commitment to Manchester City Women, and is an important milestone for the club as a whole,” said Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“We have always believed in investing to create the right environment for players and staff to develop and succeed. That approach has underpinned every aspect of our work since the professional relaunch of Manchester City Women in 2014.”

Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

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Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

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