We have had mixed fortunes at the Etihad, now we go these hoping to go one better than last season's narrow defeat, as usual here is all the info for a great day out off the field.
Ironically as the Olympic Stadium in London is the focus of media attention with West Ham moving there, our next trip in the Premier is a visit to a stadium built in similar circumstances, The Etihad was constructed for the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and originally had an athletics track, City took it over for the start of the 2003/04 season after it had been extensively modified.
The ground itself is completely enclosed with the stands on either side having a slight curve to them, a throwback to its initial use, despite now having been tenants for the best part of a decade, its only recently that the Club in line with the council have started to concentrate on improving facilities around the stadium, transport links between the city were/are relatively poor but a metrolink is due to open this year. Â
Getting There
By car
Take the usual routes North and head on to the M6 towards the North West, at Junction 19 exit and follow directions on the A556 to Stockport and then join the M56 in that direction, follow the road as it joins the M60, stay on till junction 19 ane then follow signs to Manchester A635. At the A662 (Ashton New Road) head for Droylsden/Manchester and in approximately 3 miles the ground is on you right.
By Train
From Manchester Piccadilly train station you have several choices, either a 20 minute walk to the ground on a route which is well signposted "Sportcity" or you can get a local train from Piccadilly to Ashbury's station which itself is still a 15 minute walk. Alternatively you can take one of the special match day buses that depart from Piccadilly Gardens a short walk outside the station, these drop you off outside the stadium and then return you after the game for a fare of £1 each way. Going to the stadium a taxi for around £6 is a viable option if there are a few of you, although getting one back after the game wont be so easy.
Parking
There are official car parks available at the stadium itself in the North Car Park at a charge of £10 per car, the advantage being they are well patrolled during the game , the disadvantage is they are notoriously slow to clear after the game, 45 - 60 mins, like many big grounds there are plenty of unnofficial car parks nearby, many at cheaper rates.
The Away Section
Like our past visits we are situated in the South Stand with our allocation split between an upper and lower tier, both have unobstructed views, although sight lines are obviously better from the upper deck, the concourses are pretty decent with plenty of space and flat screen TV's etc and the usual fare etc, after the game you are seperated from home fans by a large fence which can lead to some "banter" with the home fans, as always the advice is to be safety conscious, although the Premier now has a somewhat sanitised reputation, Manchester is still a big city and like many club's City do have a excitable element.
Drinking/Eating Etc.
Most of the pubs in the surrounding area are home fans only so unless you want to have a drink in the ground, then the advice is to stay in the City Centre till nearer kick off, City do however have an area outside the ground called City Square, this comprises a number of food outlets and bars alongside a stage and large TV Screen, although City Square is outdoors I believe some areas are covered and its a lively well policed area to have a drink by the stadium rather than in the concourses.
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