Manchester City slashes ticket prices after fan protests spark major changes at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City slashes ticket prices after fan protests spark major changes at Etihad Stadium

What started as frustration in the stands has now turned into a major win for Manchester City supporters.

After months of protests, chants, and heated meetings, the club has finally listened—and acted.

Matchday ticket prices are officially coming down, and for many fans, it feels like a well-earned victory.

From Silent Protests to Real Change

Towards the end of last season, thousands of fans made their voices heard—not with noise, but with silence.

Supporters stayed in the concourses of the Etihad Stadium as Premier League matches kicked off, protesting the rising cost of attending games.

This wasn’t just a one-off. It was part of a growing movement that made it clear: something had to give.

Thanks to constant pressure and regular meetings with the club’s fan advisory board—known as City Matters—those efforts finally paid off.

City Cuts Ticket Prices by Up to 43%

In a move that surprised many, Manchester City has agreed to slash matchday ticket prices by as much as 43%.

The new pricing structure will see Category A games—think high-profile clashes like Manchester United and Liverpool—priced between £40 and £60, depending on the seat.

Even better, Category B tickets will drop by an extra £5, and Category C games by £10.

For fans who felt priced out of the stadium, this change is huge.

The biggest price drops come during top-tier games—like those against Arsenal—where the cheapest tickets are now nearly half the previous cost.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak Says He ‘Wasn’t OK’ with How It Unfolded

Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak acknowledged that the way things played out wasn’t ideal.

“I’m not OK with how this issue unfolded in public,” he admitted, adding that both fans and the club needed to rebuild trust. This new ticket policy is part of that effort.

He explained that the club’s management has been working closely with City Matters to truly understand what fans were upset about—and to find real, lasting solutions.

Season Tickets Frozen and TV Game Prices Held

This isn’t just about individual matchday tickets either.

Manchester City has also frozen season ticket prices after years of steady increases.

That alone is a significant gesture, and one fans had been pushing for.

Additionally, the club has promised that ticket prices won’t go up for games that are moved for TV broadcasts—and in some cases, if the new time is especially inconvenient, prices might even go down.

That’s a refreshing shift from what fans have come to expect across the Premier League.

Champions League and Season Ticket Use Still on the Table

While this latest announcement has been met with applause, a few topics are still under review.

One big one: Champions League ticket pricing. Those details are yet to be announced, but the hope is that they’ll follow a similar fan-first approach.

Another issue still being discussed is season ticket occupancy

. City may soon require that holders attend at least 10 matches themselves if they want to renew for the following season.

City Matters Celebrates Fan Victory

The fan advisory board was quick to praise the decision.

In a statement, City Matters said:
“We warmly welcome this announcement. It makes matchday attendance more accessible and helps keep the atmosphere at the Etihad vibrant and strong.”

They also pointed out that this change is just one of several positive steps: a season ticket freeze, new Flexi Gold ticket options, and the release of more season tickets all show the power of open dialogue between fans and the club.

Pep Guardiola Backed the Fans

Even City boss Pep Guardiola publicly supported fans’ right to protest.

While he didn’t wade deep into the politics of ticket pricing, he made it clear that the supporters are the soul of the club—and their concerns matter.

A New Chapter for Fan and Club Relations

This ticket price cut isn’t just about money. It’s a signal that Manchester City is ready to build a better relationship with its fans.

In an era where football often feels driven by corporate interests, this is a reminder of what happens when everyday supporters speak up—and don’t back down.