Man City have been mocked by rival fans over their drastic new plans to improve the Etihad Stadium atmosphere on matchdays.
The six-time Premier League champions are installing a DJ booth in the South Stand concourse part of the ground, recruiting DJs to perform for supporters to provide entertainment and help boost the surroundings at games.
They have previously used DJs to entertain supporters outside the stadium ahead of big matches, such as Champions League nights.
But the move inside is a fresh development from the club and comes as part of a wider internal redesign of the South Stand with local DJs are set to perform for fans before matches and at half time using a set list selected by supporters, starting against Bournemouth on Saturday.
No doubt this is also a bid to try and keep the noise levels up in the stands when matches are in play, getting fans to sing chants rather than let the away end do it for them or let the ground fall silent.
Managing director of City operations, Danny Wilson, says the redesign of the South Stand – which includes a new club-themed sports bar ‘Kits’ that includes self-service beer taps [like we see at Tottenham] – will only enhance the match-day experience for supporters.
“Ensuring that our fans have the best experience possible when they visit Manchester City continues to be our priority, and we are delighted to be introducing new developments to the Etihad Stadium to broaden the range of options available to fans on matchday,” he said.
“The enhanced stadium concourse area in the South Stand and the introduction of ‘Kits’ in the East Stand, together with existing offerings have all been designed with fans in mind, to provide them with tailored experiences and the best in entertainment to make their matchday extra special.”
Three years ago, Man City allegedly looked for influencers to big up their ‘great atmosphere’ at the Etihad.
They advertised on an app named ‘Tribe’ for a social media influencer as they face what they have called ‘relatively unknown’ clubs Atalanta, Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb. Eeek.
In the ad City said: “The Champions League this year has given us 3 relatively unknown teams meaning our core fans are less likely to attend.
“We identified students, young professionals and those new to Manchester who are our ideal audiences, however we can’t ignore core fans either as they still account for most ticket sales.
“We want to get across the great atmosphere of the Etihad through the use of influencers who can tell an authentic and genuine story of what it’s like to be at a game.”
“Mancunians and/or Man City fans desirable: Submit a mock shot similar to that you’d create.
“We want content that showcases the electrifying atmosphere that only Champions League live football matches can deliver.
“ The content should be fan-centric which has an element of FOMO at its core. Content needs to be high energy and compelling with attendance to the live event an essential focus. Content does not have be in-stadium however, think group of mates singing and walking to the stadium together.”
Manchester City ended up sacking the Manchester media agency over an advertisement appealing for the social media ‘influencers’ to promote Champions League matches at Etihad Stadium.
It’s understood the ad left the club’s officials furious and embarrassed and has now terminated its relationship with PHD Manchester, based on Chepstow Street in the city centre, as a result.
The agency admitted a brief it sent to a third party supplier ‘fell short’ of its high standards and said it was reviewing its internal processes.
Fans reacted with Man City mocked by rival fans over drastic new plans to improve the stadium atmosphere…
@josephorendo93: “Levitating” playing at HT in the derby. City 6 – 0 United (Haaland 20 minute hattrick 😭😭😭)
@cassjh: gonna be jumping off the stands when i hear wonderwall for the 100th time
@PepDegree: Jamming to dua lipa whilst getting our annual thrashing from spurs
@ChrisCFC03:
Champions league trophy ❌
DJ booth ✅
@JAMES77458423: You mean a DJ to make all the noise the fans can’t
@UTD_Darri: *Plays crowd sounds* wooow the etihad has never been this loud
@_ErikTenHag: City needing a DJ to generate noise for them in the Emptyhad 😭😭😭
@UnitedDNA99: They have also added a petting zoo, fireworks and half time show ! Even after all of that the attendance still won’t be at maximum capacity.
@Cwest_23: Can’t wait for next season City away and we get to hear a drum and bass remix of Blue Moon
@Aunty_Tori: ‘to help provide entertainment’ 🤭
@Olliee_LFC: Hahahahaha the most pathetic club in the country these
@papasombra: All four of them are gunna go wild for this
@mickywint: Entertainment? Is watching them that boring
@ftbImichael: OH MY GOD 😭😭😭😭😭
@CaIIxm_: So unbelievably tinpot lads, don’t help yourselves.
@Caz_Alexander: 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 christ
— Jack🍊 (@JackMCI_) August 11, 2022
being forced to listen to a shite wonderwall dance remix on the concourse or stand up for the champions at my seat https://t.co/zKdD9vfHRO pic.twitter.com/EHY6Hv4Bzm
— Jake (@jakeperry97) August 12, 2022
Etihad on matchdays https://t.co/qaDK6D8JgI pic.twitter.com/QtzQ60A501
— joe🇾🇪 (@jwmutd) August 12, 2022
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