Location and Opening Times
Located adjacent to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, City Square serves as the official fan zone for Manchester City supporters, operating three hours before kickoff on match days. You'll find this vibrant space at the intersection of Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way, providing easy access from multiple public transportation routes.
During Premier League matches, you can enter the fan zone from 11:30 AM for 2:00 PM kickoffs, and 4:30 PM for 7:30 PM fixtures. For Champions League evenings, the zone typically opens at 4:00 PM for 7:00 PM starts. While the area closes 30 minutes before kickoff to allow fans to take their seats, it reopens immediately after the final whistle for post-match entertainment, staying open for approximately two hours following the game's conclusion.
Pre-Match Entertainment and Live Shows
While you wait for kickoff, City Square's entertainment program delivers an engaging mix of live music performances, player interviews, and interactive fan activities that create an electric pre-match atmosphere.
You'll find local bands performing on the main stage, showcasing Manchester's rich musical heritage, while club legends regularly appear for Q&A sessions that provide unique insights into City's history. The Fan Zone's interactive elements include skill challenges, virtual reality experiences, and football-themed games that'll test your sporting knowledge. You can also catch live broadcasts of the City Square presenters, who'll update you on team news, match predictions, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Professional dance crews and the City mascots, Moonchester and Moonbeam, make regular appearances to entertain fans of all ages.
Food and Beverage Options
The Fan Zone's extensive food and beverage selection complements its vibrant entertainment offerings, featuring both local Manchester favorites and international cuisine options. You'll find traditional pies from local vendors, gourmet burgers, and diverse street food stalls that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and halal options.
For beverages, you can choose from multiple bars serving draft beers, craft ales, and signature cocktails, while non-alcoholic options include fresh smoothies and premium coffee stations. The Fan Zone's partnership with local breweries and food artisans guarantees you're getting authentic Manchester flavors. You'll notice efficient service at peak times through multiple serving points and contactless payment systems, while digital menu boards display real-time availability and waiting times for each food station.
Interactive Games and Family Activities
Visitors seeking entertainment at Manchester City's Fan Zone will uncover an extensive array of interactive gaming stations and family-friendly activities spread across dedicated zones.
You'll find state-of-the-art FIFA gaming consoles where you can compete against fellow fans, while virtual reality pods let you experience match-day intensity from a player's perspective. The skills zone offers you opportunities to test your passing accuracy, shooting power, and dribbling abilities through automated measurement systems. For younger fans, there's a supervised Mini-Citizens area featuring a soft play zone, face painting stations, and football-themed carnival games. You can also participate in the digital Fan Wall, where you'll interact with real-time match statistics and create personalized digital content using the club's augmented reality technology.
Big Screen Highlights and Match Coverage
Beyond the interactive gaming stations, Manchester City's Fan Zone features a massive LED display screen that broadcasts live matches and curated highlight reels throughout the day. You'll experience crystal-clear 4K resolution that brings every tackle, goal, and celebration to life on the 40-foot display.
During match days, you can watch pre-game analysis, exclusive team footage, and real-time statistics that aren't available on standard broadcasts. The screen's positioning guarantees ideal viewing angles from multiple zones within the fan area, while the built-in sound system delivers stadium-quality audio. When there's no live match, you'll see a rotating selection of classic City moments, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that's been carefully curated by the club's media team, keeping you connected to your team's rich history.
Club Legend Appearances
Throughout each season, Manchester City's Fan Zone hosts scheduled appearances by club legends who've left an indelible mark on the team's history. You'll have the chance to meet iconic figures like Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee, and Paul Dickov, who regularly participate in Q&A sessions and autograph signings before selected matches.
You can expect to see these club ambassadors sharing their memorable experiences, including historic victories, championship campaigns, and behind-the-scenes stories from their playing days. The Fan Zone's legend appearances typically last 30-45 minutes, during which you'll have opportunities for photographs and personal interactions. To guarantee you don't miss these special events, you'll find the schedule of appearances posted on the club's website and social media channels two weeks in advance.
Getting There and Parking Information
The Fan Zone's location at the Etihad Stadium complex offers multiple transportation options and parking solutions for match days and special events. You'll find direct transport links via the Etihad Campus Metrolink station, which connects to Manchester city center in under 10 minutes. If you're driving, you can access dedicated parking areas in the Blue, Green, and Purple car parks, with pre-booking available through the club's official website.
For those using ride-share services, there's a designated drop-off point at Joe Mercer Way, while regular bus services (216, 217, and 231) stop directly outside the stadium. Bicycle parking facilities are available near Gate 11, and you'll find clear signage from all approaches to help guide you to your preferred parking area or entrance point.
