Inside Manchester City's Etihad Stadium: Exclusive Images from Behind the Scenes
As part of Manchester City week here on Bleacher Report, the Premier League's reigning champions kindly allowed us behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium to offer readers a glimpse at what the stadium looks like beyond the painted white lines.
From the hospitality rooms to the players' gym, our photographer, William Ellis, was given exclusive access to the deepest parts of the ground.
Click on for some of the best shots.
Arrival
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The Etihad Stadium, formerly known as the City of Manchester Stadium, was originally built when Manchester hosted the 2002 Commonwealth Games. It was subsequently amended and expanded to be able to host football games, when Manchester City agreed to take on the tenancy.
The Matchday Experience
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The record attendance at the Etihad Stadium is 47,435. In the club's last released financial results, for the 2012-13 season, the club had a matchday income of £40 million.
The Mancunian
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The Mancunian is one of two primary hospitality suites at the Etihad Stadium, where "rock and roll meets give and go."
The Playing Squad
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As with the playing squad, no expense is spared in the Mancunian.
The Mancunian
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The club offers one of the most luxurious matchday experiences in the league.
The Chairman's Club
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The Chairman's Club is another of the hospitality suites on offer at the Etihad.
The Press Centre
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While some fans are enjoying themselves, the media is often hard at work.
The Media Centre
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The post-match press conferences are usually busy affairs.
Meet the Press
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Manager Manuel Pellegrini addresses the media from this very seat.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
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An eclectic mix of artwork is displayed at various places around the ground. One piece depicts club legend Francis Lee, who was described by Joe Mercer as "the final piece of the jigsaw" during his time at the club.
The Ground Tour
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The ground tour at the Etihad allows fans to explore moments from the club's history, including the remarkable 2011-12 title victory.
We Are the Champions
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The club followed that title success two years later.
The Changing Room
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The task for the current squad is to try and repeat that feat. The players are used to high levels of comfort inside the dressing room.
Make a Note
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Although some things never change, from Sunday league up to the highest level.
The Hairdryer Treatment
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The hairdryer treatment is not limited to just one side of Manchester.
Working out
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The gym at the Etihad allows players a final tune-up before games.
The Treatment Table
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Injuries cannot be avoided completely, so treatment is always available.
Ahead of the Game
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The tunnel at the Etihad is adorned with messages from Manchester City fans.
Pride in Battle
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The players are sent out with that last, simple message.
Ready for Battle
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Superbia in proelio, the club's motto, is Latin for 'Pride in Battle'.
The Stage Is Set
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The playing surface is meticulously looked after between games.
From the Hot Seat
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This is Manuel Pellegrini's view of the action, when he is sitting in the dugout.
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