Fans and customers at the Etihad Stadium, home of Barclays Premier League Champions Manchester City, are now able to relax in high quality hospitality spaces. Looking back to its roots, the club has completed a striking overhaul to two of its prime hospitality suites. A newly-named Connell Club will replace the club’s fine dining Boardroom offer, while The Mancunian has also been upgraded.
The new Connell Club marks the heritage of Manchester City as the only English football club believed to have been founded by a woman – philanthropist Anna Connell, in 1880.
Available on and off match day, the Connell Club offers exclusive fine dining for up to 220 guests. Rubber stamped with the Connell Club crest, the suite offers booths for a more intimate dining experience, with a gallery entrance paying homage to the club’s legacy.
“We wanted to match what we have achieved on the pitch with our hospitality offer, and we’re thrilled with the look and feel of both spaces”
Justice Ellis, marketing manager at Manchester City football club
Five tables each represent an attribute to the original mark of the club. Each table is inscribed with the reference around its edge and has its own commissioned plaque.
With a modern aesthetic, The Mancunian has space for up to 250 guests. The design encapsulates the stadium’s Manchester location, with its musical and cultural heritage represented through communication touch points – including lyrics from iconic Manchester bands and quotes from prominent Mancunians. Lyrics from classic football chants and bespoke wall art commemorating some of the club’s most iconic players are also displayed.
Manchester City’s marketing manager, Justice Ellis, comments: “We wanted to match what we have achieved on the pitch with our hospitality offer, and we’re thrilled with the look and feel of both spaces.
“Both the Connell Club and The Mancunian have been meticulously planned to represent the aspects on which the club is formed, from a proud history, unique culture and loyal fan base.
“Manchester City is a global brand, proud of its roots. We are taking these spaces onto another level, expressing the character of the club and creating an experience unrivalled anywhere in world football.”
Manchester City football club has also teamed up with official gaming partner, EA Sports, to create an interactive gaming box in place of what was a traditional 8 x 11ft entertaining space.
Available to hire, the fully-interactive gaming box accommodates up to 10 people, and offers EA Sports’ current gaming releases – including the latest version of the bestselling sports franchise, FIFA 13.
The box boasts luxury gaming chairs, a 42in screen and a PlayStation 3 gaming console, and offers a panoramic view of the pitch.
Justice adds: “From the moment you walk in, every detail has been thought of so that guests enjoy a fully customised experience – even boasting its own more informal catering – but with the same usual high standard for a platinum box guest, including your own balcony seating and dedicated waiter or waitress.”
