Etihad Stadium (City of Manchester Stadium)

To enjoy a soccer (football) match at the stadium, book tickets well in advance for either the men’s or women’s season, and choose from regular seats or VIP packages. If you’re not up for the crowds or costs of a match-day experience, opt for a stadium tour and get behind-the-scenes access to areas like the manager’s dugout and the changing rooms.

• You will have to go through stadium security checks on arrival, and only small bags are permitted on match days.

• Accessible tours are offered for wheelchair users and guests with other requirements; contact the stadium directly to make arrangements.

• Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on match days.

The stadium is roughly a 25-minute walk from central Manchester. Trams from Manchester Piccadilly stop directly outside the stadium at Etihad Campus stop. Several local buses, including the 216, 230, and 231, also serve the area.

There’s nothing quite like a match-day experience at one of the UK’s Premier League grounds, but to attend, you’ll need to plan well in advance as tickets usually sell out quickly. Stadium tours are available daily, including on match days (though the changing rooms and tunnel are not included on tours when they are in use).

The famous rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United creates an electric atmosphere on “derby days,” when the two teams meet on their respective pitches to play in front of a passionate hometown crowd. Man U’s home ground, Old Trafford, is located just 4 miles from the Etihad and is the largest club stadium in the UK. To learn about its long history, book a tour of the stadium before or after visiting Etihad.