Manchester City has announced that the newly developed and expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be named ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’. This Sunday, the expanded stand will be fully open for the first time for the Manager’s final game in charge at the Club, and the team’s concluding game of the season against Aston Villa.
The Catalan, who joined Manchester City in July 2016, will leave having won 20 major trophies – making him the most successful manager in the Club’s history. He leaves as Manchester City’s longest-serving manager, surpassing Les McDowall when he takes charge of his 593rd and final game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour has bestowed this honour in recognition of the incredible contribution Pep has made during his ten historic years as manager of the Club. As part of the renaming, a statue of Pep will also be commissioned and feature on the approach to The Pep Guardiola Stand.
“He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the Club.”
His Highness Sheikh Mansour said, “I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years, Pep has been the personification of that ambition.
“He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the Club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted. He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”
The Pep Guardiola Stand adds over 7,000 new seats to Etihad Stadium
Earlier this week, the Club confirmed that the expanded section of the North Stand had passed all operational checks following a successful test event. Under development since late 2023, the newly expanded stand adds over 7,000 new seats to Etihad Stadium, bringing the stadium capacity to over 61,000.
Located at the end of Joe Mercer Way, The Pep Guardiola Stand will be one part of the new multi-element entertainment district, which also includes the new matchday fan activation space named Medlock Square, a 401-room hotel, a new club museum, retail stores, office space and a variety of restaurants and bars.
“Pep’s legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football”
Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said: “The Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep’s legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football.
“The unique relationship that he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his ten seasons fighting to bring them success. The Pep Guardiola Stand is a fitting and permanent reminder of that relationship, the most successful period in our Club’s history, and the unique football genius at its heart.”