- Man City to rename Etihad Stadium
- Brentford clash chosen for charity showcase
- Ruben Dias involved in matchday takeover
Manchester City will rename the Etihad Stadium for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Brentford.
The Etihad has staged some of the biggest moments in Man City’s modern history. Following their move into the stadium in 2003, the Sky Blues have seen much success in 23 years.
The Citizens will be in action again this Saturday as they face Brentford in their third-to-last home clash this season.
While keeping themselves alive in the Premier League title race, City will also mark the occasion with a special change for their annual Community Matchday.
Man City to rename Etihad Stadium for Brentford game
Manchester Evening News reported that Man City will rename the Etihad Stadium as The City in the Community Etihad Stadium when they host Brentford.
The change is part of the clubs’ annual Community Matchday initiative. It is used to celebrate the work done by their charity arm, City in the Community.
Additionally, the City players will walk out in jackets carrying the charity’s branding. Ruben Dias has also recorded travel announcements for fans using matchday buses and trams.
The club’s social media graphs for the game were drawn up by local schoolchildren, adding to the community focus. Furthermore, the men’s squad recently made a financial donation to CITC for the second year in a row.
“Community Matchday is a moment in the season where everyone connected to Manchester City comes together to celebrate the impact of City in the Community,” Mike Geary, CEO of City in the Community, said.
CITC impact shows Etihad gesture is more than symbolic
The temporary renaming of the Etihad Stadium carries weight considering the actual achievements of CITC.
In their 2024/25 annual report, CITC generated an estimated £43.7m in social value. The charity said that the number worked out to £11.45 of social benefit for every £1 invested.
The charity also delivered 20 programmes to more than 17,000 participants with over 295,000 aggregate attendances and 840 qualifications gained.
These numbers show why the initiative isn’t just mere branding for the club. It has become a major part of Man City’s work across the Greater Manchester area.
Man City showing their identity beyond trophies
Man City have been one of the most successful football clubs in recent years. However, their rise has also seen greater influence in Manchester.
The Community Matchday initiative gives a chance to remind supporters of their local roots. Most modern elite clubs are only judged by money, transfer and silverware.
However, this initiative brings back the spotlight on the things that matter. It is a small way to connect with the wider fanbase of the club.
