No we were tickets only and like mentioned we already have ours.

LOL well hopefully they will turn up soon!!!

I am sure they will, probably a bit more complex sorting hotel out etc

We're in the hotel too. Taking my boots just in case

They'll be putting you in a right trendy establishment. There's no shortage of them near the Etihad Stadium.

Don't take your car.

It's in Ashton

That would be about the right size stadium! Be better to play to a packd house than a 3/4 empty souless soccer ground!

its a bit dodgy to the east of the stadium - newton heath area, but the main problem is there isnt much of anything outside the stadium, except an asda. its a real pity that the tram link isnt open yet for a quick dash to the city centre - should have been open by now but (inevitably in this country) it has hit delays

I do hope so. It'd be nice to only have a 20 minute drive to a game again.

We've gone for the Hotel package as well. Looking forward to meeting Chris28 and Wilsonshull.
For their information I contacted the hotel and they are going to do a snack menu until 11.00pm on the Saturday night so we can have something to eat when we get there from the ground.
Also the Gym is open from 8.00am in the morning if you want to join me!!

Will see you there trawlerman and chris28! any ideas for pubs near by?? Struggling at minute as mentioned no pubs near!!

You got reserved or unreserved seats. We went for reserved.

Info about pubs in the area of the stafium Quote: "There are not a great deal of pubs around the stadium, and the few available are predominantly for home support. However, 'The Stanley' (aka Sports Bar) pub does let in away fans in small numbers. It is about a ten minute walk away from the stadium, just set back from the main A6010 (Pottery Lane), going towards Ashburys train station. The easiest way to find it is to locate the large Asda store behind one side of the stadium (there is also a McDonalds outlet next door to the store, plus there is a cafe located inside it) and on facing the superstore turn right and proceed down the main road, you will come to the pub on the left. It does cost £1 for adults to enter the pub, (they even stamp your hand as if you were entering a night club) but children are at least admitted free. Inside there is a large screen showing SKY Sports, good service and a good mix of home and away support. Alan Finneran informs me; 'I would recommend the Townley on Albert Street, which is only a five minute walk away from the stadium. The pub has a good atmosphere and as long as away fans arrive early and are discrete (i.e. no colours) then they should be okay. Also the Manchester City Supporters Club have their own City Social bar opposite the North Stand. I have seen opposition supporters in there now and again, so if you are a member of your own team's supporters club, then your branch secretary may be able to arrange a visit to the Social bar in advance'. Dave Clinton adds; 'If you want a pint beforehand then it is probably best to drink in the city centre. My tip, would be to head to the Printworks in Manchester, near Victoria station. There is a connecting tram service from Piccadilly. There are loads of pubs at the Printworks, with plenty of choice of food. The pubs around Piccadilly itself are not too clever. However Deansgate or around the Town Hall, would be a good place to head for if you are taking in the City centre. This is about a 30 minute walk away from the stadium'. A taxi to the ground would then cost in the region of £7. Chris Fogarty warns; 'away fans should avoid the Queen Victoria pub at the bottom of Grey Mare Lane'. Also Mary D's on Grey Mare Lane is also not recommended for away supporters as well as pubs on Ashton New Road (both these roads are in the area behind the away end of the stadium). Otherwise alcohol is available inside the stadium (Singha £3.50, Fosters £3.20, Strongbow £3.20, John Smiths bitter £3).'" Source of Info www.footballgroundguide.com/manc ... ester-Pubs

Info about pubs in the area of the stafium Quote: "There are not a great deal of pubs around the stadium, and the few available are predominantly for home support. However, 'The Stanley' (aka Sports Bar) pub does let in away fans in small numbers. It is about a ten minute walk away from the stadium, just set back from the main A6010 (Pottery Lane), going towards Ashburys train station. The easiest way to find it is to locate the large Asda store behind one side of the stadium (there is also a McDonalds outlet next door to the store, plus there is a cafe located inside it) and on facing the superstore turn right and proceed down the main road, you will come to the pub on the left. It does cost £1 for adults to enter the pub, (they even stamp your hand as if you were entering a night club) but children are at least admitted free. Inside there is a large screen showing SKY Sports, good service and a good mix of home and away support. Alan Finneran informs me; 'I would recommend the Townley on Albert Street, which is only a five minute walk away from the stadium. The pub has a good atmosphere and as long as away fans arrive early and are discrete (i.e. no colours) then they should be okay. Also the Manchester City Supporters Club have their own City Social bar opposite the North Stand. I have seen opposition supporters in there now and again, so if you are a member of your own team's supporters club, then your branch secretary may be able to arrange a visit to the Social bar in advance'. Dave Clinton adds; 'If you want a pint beforehand then it is probably best to drink in the city centre. My tip, would be to head to the Printworks in Manchester, near Victoria station. There is a connecting tram service from Piccadilly. There are loads of pubs at the Printworks, with plenty of choice of food. The pubs around Piccadilly itself are not too clever. However Deansgate or around the Town Hall, would be a good place to head for if you are taking in the City centre. This is about a 30 minute walk away from the stadium'. A taxi to the ground would then cost in the region of £7. Chris Fogarty warns; 'away fans should avoid the Queen Victoria pub at the bottom of Grey Mare Lane'. Also Mary D's on Grey Mare Lane is also not recommended for away supporters as well as pubs on Ashton New Road (both these roads are in the area behind the away end of the stadium). Otherwise alcohol is available inside the stadium (Singha £3.50, Fosters £3.20, Strongbow £3.20, John Smiths bitter £3).'" Source of Info www.footballgroundguide.com/manc ... ester-Pubs