Manchester City have sold out a fresh allocation of more than 4,000 Flexi season tickets as part of a new scheme aimed at local residents, despite online jokes about empty seats. The club, which recently expanded the Etihad Stadium to over 60,000 capacity, now has over 40,000 season ticket holders attending every home game, with half of those tickets ringfenced for junior Blues.
New £10 Ticket Scheme for Local Fans
The club introduced a scheme offering £10 tickets for adults living in five wards surrounding the Etihad, with between 100 and 500 tickets available per game. The cap of 500 was set after negotiations with fan board City Matters to avoid diluting the existing fanbase. According to the club, the initiative aims to improve atmosphere for less popular midweek fixtures and reverse the trend of families being priced out.
Stadium Expansion and Ticket Sales
The expansion of the Pep Guardiola stand has allowed more local supporters to attend matches. The club notes that the Flexi ticket scheme is part of a broader effort to keep prices affordable, contrasting with many rivals who have increased ticket costs. A club spokesperson said, "We want people to be excited to come and support the team rather than resent the price."
City have also responded to fan feedback on season tickets and transfer policies, earning goodwill among supporters. The new scheme has drawn positive reactions from fans of other clubs, with many expressing jealousy over the affordable pricing.
