Etihad Stadium Tour Guide

If you’re a Manchester City supporter or simply interested in football, a tour of the Etihad Stadium is an opportunity to see parts of the ground that you wouldn’t normally get to visit on matchday.

The tour takes you behind the scenes at the stadium, including areas associated with the players, media and matchday operation. There are also displays and interactive elements along the way, making it more than simply a walk around the ground.

This guide looks at what the Etihad Stadium Tour involves, what you can expect to see and some practical things worth knowing before you book.

Check dates and current ticket information: Manchester City Stadium Tours

What Do You See on the Etihad Stadium Tour?

The exact tour experience can vary, but the attraction gives visitors the chance to see parts of the stadium that are normally restricted on matchdays.

Depending on the tour and current arrangements, areas can include the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, pitchside areas, press conference facilities and club exhibition spaces.

Exhibition areas: Displays covering Manchester City’s history and major moments.
Home dressing room: An opportunity to see the area used by the first-team players.
Players’ tunnel: Walk through the tunnel used by the teams on matchday.
Pitchside: Get a different view of the stadium and the pitch from areas normally restricted to matchday staff and players.
Press facilities: See where interviews and press conferences take place.

There are also interactive and multimedia elements included in the experience, so it isn’t simply a conventional guided walk around the stadium.

How Long Does the Tour Take?

Allow around an hour and a half for the experience, although the exact duration can vary depending on the tour you’ve booked and the arrangements on the day.

It’s worth arriving with enough time to check in rather than planning to arrive just as your tour is due to start.

Where Does the Etihad Stadium Tour Start?

The tour starts at the Etihad Campus, with visitors checking in through the CityStore area. Your booking confirmation should provide the latest arrival and check-in instructions.

If you’re travelling by public transport, the Etihad Campus area is well served by Metrolink. From Manchester city centre, you can travel from the Piccadilly area towards the stadium.

If you’re arriving by train at Manchester Piccadilly, the tram is an easy option. You can also walk to the stadium if you don’t mind the distance.

Parking for the Stadium Tour

Parking arrangements can be different on a normal tour day compared with a Manchester City matchday or a major event.

If you’re driving, check the latest information supplied with your tour booking before setting off. Don’t assume that parking arrangements available on a quiet weekday will also apply when there is a match or concert taking place.

For more information about getting to the Etihad, including parking and public transport options, see our Etihad Stadium Parking & Transport Guide.

Can You Visit on a Matchday?

Manchester City offers different tour experiences depending on the matchday schedule. The route and areas available can be different when the stadium is being prepared for a game.

If you’re specifically interested in a matchday tour, check the current details when booking rather than assuming that the standard tour will follow exactly the same route.

Matchdays can also make travelling to the stadium considerably busier, so allow extra time if you are visiting before a game.

Is the Etihad Stadium Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour can be a good option for young Manchester City supporters who want to see behind the scenes at the stadium.

There are plenty of things to look at along the route, and younger visitors who are interested in football will probably get more from the experience than someone simply interested in the architecture of the stadium.

Check the current ticket information for age requirements and family pricing before booking.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements, check the latest information with Manchester City when booking. Stadium facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with different mobility needs, but specific arrangements can depend on the tour and the areas being visited.

It is always better to discuss any particular requirements with the club in advance rather than relying on a general description of accessibility.

Is the Etihad Stadium Tour Worth It?

That will depend largely on what you want from the visit.

If you’re a Manchester City supporter, seeing areas such as the dressing room, tunnel and press facilities gives you a different perspective on a stadium you may normally only experience from the stands.

For a neutral football fan, the tour is still interesting if you’re interested in how a modern Premier League stadium operates behind the scenes.

I wouldn’t describe it as something everyone visiting Manchester has to do. But if you’re already interested in Manchester City or football, it makes sense to consider adding it to your visit.

Plan Your Visit

Tour times, prices, available routes and special experiences can change, so the best place to check the current information is Manchester City’s official Stadium Tours page.

It’s also worth checking what is happening at the Etihad on the day you’re visiting. A match, concert or other event can affect parking, traffic and access around the stadium.

For more practical information, see our Etihad Stadium Parking & Transport Guide or find somewhere to eat and drink with our guide to the Best Matchday Pubs Around the Etihad.