Manchester City's Etihad Stadium Expansion Plans Set For Green Light

Plans to add more than 14,000 seats to Manchester's Etihad Stadium "are expected to be approved," according to Adam Jupp of the MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS. Man City wants to add an extra 6,250 seats at both ends of the ground, as well as a further 2,000 seats around the pitch, taking the Etihad's capacity from 47,620 to 62,170. Papers "have been submitted" to Manchester council's planning committee and a report released Thursday "recommends they are approved." A decision "will be made at a meeting" on Thursday. The document says 160 temporary jobs "will be created in the construction of the extension," while 110 extra matchday staff "will be needed on matchdays" at the enlarged arena. The document states, "The expansion of the stadium will provide enhanced facilities which will help to create a stadium of national and international profile and improve the visitor experience" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 2/6).