Manchester City have announced plans to immortalise outgoing manager Pep Guardiola by renaming the expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium in his honour.
The newly upgraded section of the stadium will now be known as “The Pep Guardiola Stand” and is set to officially open during Guardiola’s final match in charge against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The club confirmed the development in a statement released on May 22, with owner Sheikh Mansour paying tribute to Guardiola’s remarkable impact during his decade-long reign in Manchester.
“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years Pep has embodied that ambition,” Sheikh Mansour said.
“He has left a lasting mark on the DNA of this football club, not only because of the trophies he won, but because of the manner in which he achieved success.
“He has the endless gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family he will always remain part of.”
In addition to the renamed stand, a statue of Guardiola will also be erected outside the stadium along Joe Mercer Way as part of the club’s wider Etihad redevelopment project.
The redevelopment includes the creation of a new fan zone known as Medlock Square, a 401-room hotel, a club museum, retail stores, office spaces, restaurants, and bars.
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described the honour as a lasting symbol of Guardiola’s influence on both the club and English football.
“The Pep Guardiola Stand and the statue outside it will ensure Pep’s legacy remains permanently woven into the history of this club, the city of Manchester and English football,” he said.
“The special connection he shares with our supporters has been built through ten years of passion, honesty and success. This stand is a permanent reminder of the greatest period in our club’s history and the football genius behind it.”
The North Stand expansion project, which began in late 2023, adds more than 7,000 seats to the stadium, taking the Etihad’s overall capacity beyond 61,000.
Chief executive officer Ferran Soriano said Guardiola’s final home game would give supporters a chance to celebrate his extraordinary achievements.
“It is fitting that Pep’s final game as Manchester City manager will also mark the first time the new Pep Guardiola Stand welcomes 7,000 additional City fans,” Soriano said.
“Sunday will be a celebration of everything he has achieved, and Sheikh Mansour’s tribute ensures fans can honour Pep’s legacy every time they visit the stadium.”