admin Etihad Stadium is being considered as a potential venue to host the Euro 2028 semi-finals.
UEFA on Tuesday officially announced that the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will host the 2028 European Championship, after being the only candidate at this historic competition. Great Britain and Ireland have emerged as favorites to host the tournament after abandoning plans to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, matches are expected to be played in England, Wales, Scotland , Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with 10 stadiums pre-selected to host the matches after a lengthy selection process.
Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was one of 10 stadiums nominated earlier this year, along with Wembley Stadium, Principality Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton Stadium, St James ‘ Park, Villa Park, Hampden Park, Aviva Stadium and Casement Park.
The Etihad Stadium was chosen over Manchester United’s Old Trafford, Manchester City’s ground which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment.
A £300m development is set to increase the capacity of the Etihad Stadium to more than 60,000, with the creation of an extended second tier in the North Stand, expected will open for Euro 2028.
Other New Facilities as part of the proposed “best fan experience and year-round entertainment and relaxation destination” are also expected will be ready for the tournament, with construction work having already begun.
The development, which recently received planning approval, also includes an indoor fan zone at City Square, a club shop, a museum and a 400-bed hotel.
We understand that the new Etihad Stadium is currently being considered to potentially host a Euro 2028 semi-final, although Wembley Stadium has already hosted both Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Stadium Wembley Stadium will host Euro 2028. The final, however, the semi-finals could take place away from the iconic stadium in north-west London, with the Etihad Stadium vying for sovereignty home, if the FA decides to hold the semi-final away from the capital.Euro 2028 will be the last major sporting event to be held at the Etihad Stadium, following the Commonwealth Games, which took place in 2002 before Manchester City moved from Maine Road.
After being officially confirmed as the host venue, Chairman of Manchester City Council, Councilor Bev Craig, said: “This is fantastic news for the UK, Ireland and for Manchester, known around the world as a great football city.
“In addition to giving fans of the sport the opportunity to attend world-class football events in person, this will provide a huge boost to the city’s economy.
“By hosting international matches in Manchester during last year’s ground-breaking UEFA Women’s EURO tournament, we also saw how young players benefited and the positive impact it had for them.
“Our goal for 2028 is to build further on this and help create a tournament to remember with a lasting legacy alongside it that helps further develop the sport from the grassroots up.”
