In a major coup for community engagement, Manchester City have unveiled a £10 match ticket initiative that's set to get local residents onside. The trial scheme will see between 100 and 500 discounted tickets available at each home game next season, offering a tantalising opportunity for those living in the surrounding area to feel the buzz of Premier League football at the Etihad.
The discounted tickets will be up for grabs for adults residing in Manchester city council wards including Ancoats & Beswick, Clayton & Openshaw, Gorton & Abbey Hey, Ardwick and Miles Platting & Newton Heath – and proof of postal address will be required to secure a spot. It's the latest move from City to bridge the gap between the club and its community, with managing director of operations Danny Wilson stating: 'We want to make sure those who live closest to our home can still enjoy the experience of attending a game.'
City have frozen ticket prices for three consecutive seasons now, and are introducing a new bracket of adult ticket prices starting at £25 for some midweek Premier League games. The revamped North Stand – rebranded as the Pep Guardiola Stand in tribute to the legendary Spaniard's tenure – has been fully opened since May, and Enzo Maresca will take charge of his first Community Shield match against Arsenal on 16 August before facing Bournemouth at home a week later.