Man City is "considering introducing safe standing" at Etihad Stadium as "part of plans for a stadium expansion," according to Charlotte Duncker of the MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS. The club has planning permission to expand the North Stand, which would increase the capacity of the stadium from 55,000 to 63,000, and Man City has "begun consulting fans over the plans." An email sent to supporters "asked for their opinion on a number of options including introducing rail seating." The survey said, "As a club Manchester City is open to the option of safe standing, in the right circumstances that ensure the safety of everyone in the stadium" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 11/29). In London, Jack Gaughan reported the club also "asked for opinions on proposed changes to two stadium bars" -- called Joe's, after late former player Joe Mercer, and 93:20, the minutes on the clock when Sergio Agüero scored to win the '11-12 EPL title -- including "alterations to season-ticket and hospitality packages." A government review "may be completed in the near future" and Man City asked fans which areas of the stadium, and at what price, "would be most appealing." The club also suggested it will "cut prices of tickets in the North Stand" should it press ahead and add 8,000 seats. An expanded "singing section has also been mooted" (DAILY MAIL, 11/29).
EVERYTHING FOR A PRICE: The Scotland DAILY RECORD reported there are "five options given for safe-standing season tickets" ranging from £580 ($741) in levels one or two of the South Stand, where the club's "most vocal supporters and away fans are currently housed," to £280 ($358) for a safe-standing section at the top of the expanded North Stand. The other options for safe-standing sections are "at the front of the North Stand's second tier or pitchside in the South Stand." Elsewhere in the stadium, the club is "offering two classes of premium seats in the East and West Stands." The top price for these "premium padded" seats is £1,700 ($2,172) but there "could be seats available in the North Stand for as little" as £280 a season (DAILY RECORD, 11/29).
