After many failed attempts to go with my friend, Elle, in the end i extended the voucher for a second time and finally booked in for the tour on my own for my 31st birthday. One work perk is getting a day off for your birthday, so I really wanted to make the most of it.
After a chill morning, I jumped the bus into the city centre and jumped another bus bound for the Etihad Stadium (for my 2nd visit there in less than 24 hours). For those who know me, you know what a true rarity me bussing it to the stadium is, but that’s the perks of heading there on a non-match day. Upon arrival, i felt nervous, it’s truly bonkers and I still don’t understand why. Once upon a time that would have made sense, one place that used to terrify me visiting alone, is now my comfort place, I spend so much time there on match days that it really does feel like my home away from home. So the anxiety and the knots in my stomach didn’t make much sense. This may have been the first time I’d done this tour, but it wasn’t my first stadium tour, if I can handle the Wembley Stadium tour alone, I can definitely handle this one.
Upon arrival (ridiculously early because hello anxiety, yes you’ve made your presence known, no I wish you weren’t here actually) I headed over to the tour entrance, had my bag checked and followed the cardboard cut out players trail up the stairs to the waiting area and cafe where I had a terrible photo with the Champions League photo (as seen in the stadium store later that day, top tip, if standing in front of a green screen background, take off your multicoloured screen before taking the photo, because you will have weird count out blank spots on your photo where the green check should be. At least that saved me wasting £15 on a souvenir photo for the fun of it). It’s funny frivolous you can be when you’re early and nervous. Cup of tea? Yes please. Souvenir coins? Oh why not.
The staff were all super lovely, so I refuse to be even mildly offended by them thinking I’d stumbled across this tour and found myself somewhere I shouldn’t be. I suppose the full face of makeup, curled hair, patent boots and oversized Coach bag did make me stick out like a sore thumb on a football tour, it was definitely a far cry from my 2 coats, skinny jeans (and tights) and football shirt I’d worn to the match the night before. But it was my birthday and I wasn’t letting that stop me. The funniest thing was the majority of visitors around me weren’t really even fans of City, I was one of the biggest ones there.
A lovely little touch from the staff though was handing out programmes from the previous nights match. Sheer coincidence, but I hadn’t had chance to grab one from one of the many kiosks that night (and I collect them from every game I attend) and as I was waiting for the tour to start, a lady stopped by my table to ask if I wanted one (for free) as I was scrolling through eBay looking for one! I can’t tell you how chuffed I was.
Regardless of whether you’re a City fan of not, if you’re a fan of football then this tour is a must visit. It was around 1.5 hours in length and took you everywhere you could possibly want to go. This definitely varies on what day you attend, I believe the odd room was closed off when I went simply because of UEFA protocols as this was the day after a Champions League game, other days (such as match days) some of the more key areas are closed off too, so it’s definitely worth checking that out first before you book.
Areas covered on the tour;
- Starting area with a video of the history of the club from 1894 to present day, Maine Road to Etihad Stadium
- Sitting in the stands of the stadium (finding out which player has a box where, present day info on the club etc)
- Changing rooms
- Players tunnel (leading to the pitch)
- Dug out (edge of the pitch, subs bench, Pep’s chair!)
- Press room
- Take everything in your stride.
- Get there early, take a seat and have a drink in the cafe, this can calm you down and stop you stressing about being late.
- No one is focusing on you, they’re too busy with their own experience to even notice you.
- You won’t be singled out or picked on by the tour guides to answer questions in front of everyone unless you want to be and make your presence known. As I was stood on my own, both tour guides did come over and talk to me in quiet moments but if I didn’t react in a chatty and friendly way, I know they would have left me alone. It was nice that they didn’t want to make me feel like I needed to be alone though and asked questions about my birthday.
- Stick to the back of the group if you're nervous and want to blend in, but you'll be fine wherever you stand.
- You’re all there for the same reason, so don’t overthink it and just enjoy yourself.
Have you done a stadium tour yet, if so what did you think?
I really hope this guide was helpful for you, where would you like to see me go next?
S xo
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