Manchester City Re-enters Concert Promotion, Eyes Oasis Homecoming & Wider Economic Boost
MANCHESTER, UK – Manchester City Football Club is actively pursuing a return to large-scale event hosting, beginning with concerts at the Etihad Stadium, a move officials say is designed to benefit both the club and the wider Manchester economy. After a hiatus, the club is leveraging its venues – the Etihad and the Co-op Live arena – to attract major events, including music, sports, and awards shows.
The renewed focus on events was highlighted following a recent tribute to boxing legend Ricky hatton, a lifelong City supporter, whose funeral procession included a final pass by the Etihad, where he once fought in 2008. This event underscored the stadium’s place in the city’s cultural landscape.
A key ambition is to secure a performance by Manchester band Oasis, whose reunion after a 15-year split has been a major music story. liam Gallagher has hinted at a tour, sparking speculation about a potential Etihad homecoming for the City-loving Gallagher brothers, who were regular attendees at their former home ground, Maine Road, and even played there previously.
“If Oasis are the musical equivalent of Erling Haaland: if you get the chance for them to play for you, why wouldn’t you take it?” the article notes, reflecting the club’s enthusiasm.
City’s plans extend beyond Oasis. The club is already hosting events like the MTV Music Awards at the Co-op Live arena, and will welcome the Brit Awards for the first time outside of London in 2025. the NBA is scheduled to hold games at the venue in 2027, and the Etihad is set to host five matches during the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament. City is also actively bidding for othre sporting events.
According to club official Wilson, the strategy is about more than just venue utilization. “What better vote of confidence for the city than a football club that play in and host high-profile matches?” he explained. “It’s not just about the site and the venues and how they benefit, it’s the wider economic benefits to the city of people coming in and eating in the restaurants in the day, staying in hotels…the more events you get, the more people you get into the city, the more the economy starts to thrive, the more jobs that come.”
The club is also committed to creating opportunities for local residents through job creation, reskilling, and upskilling programs.The ultimate goal, Wilson stated, is to establish Manchester as a year-round destination.
While securing another Champions league title remains a priority, the club views its expanded event hosting strategy as a notable step towards broader success for both the club and the city.
