Manchester City apply to expand Etihad Stadium capacity to over 60,000

Manchester City have submitted a planning application to expand the capacity of the Etihad Stadium to more than 60,000 while adding a hotel, museum and other facilities.

The plans will add around 7,000 new seats to the stadium by expanding the north stand with a larger, single upper tier, following a different design to the expansion of the south stand which opened in 2015.

Last week, the Etihad was included on the list of 10 stadia which would host matches if the UK and Ireland's joint bid for organising Euro 2028 is successful, with the bid quoting a planned new capacity of 61,000.

City's plans also include a new covered fan zone, integrated into the stadium behind the north stand, a new club shop, museum and 400-bed hotel, which would also attract business from the new 23,500-capacity Co-op Live Arena which is already under construction next to the stadium.

The club estimate the plans will take up to three years to complete as part of a £300million investment plan in east Manchester.

The biggest ground in the Premier League is the Old Trafford home of Manchester rivals United (74,310), followed by the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,850). Work is underway to bring the capacity of Liverpool's Anfield to more than 61,000 by 2023/24.

City’s managing director of operations Danny Wilson said: "Over several months we have been developing concepts and designs for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium and are delighted to have now submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our fans and the local community for their participation in our recent consultation, not only for completing the questionnaire but