City of Manchester Stadium unveils new 'platinum' boxes

This week sees the stadium unveil 12 super-deluxe, Platinum Boxes, which the hospitality team says "is a radical departure from the traditional football box". The boxes feature walnut furniture, leather-upholstered bar stools and lounge tub chairs, together with neutral wall coverings and bespoke lighting. Two options are available for guests, from an informal dining layout with leather tub chairs, and a bar area with high leather stools and glass tables, to a more formal dining configuration featuring a 10-seat dining table, complete with a small bar area. Platinum guests are also guaranteed the best seat in the house in the shape of a high leather back chair in the external seating area, with their name on it. David Chell, head of sales at the City of Manchester Stadium said: "The City of Manchester Stadium has been making its own improvements off the pitch, to ensure the season really starts with a bang. The Platinum Box concept has proved popular, and we are hoping to roll this out further to current box holders, should they want a similar upgrade to their box this season. "Overall, like for like match day hospitality sales have been encouraging, given the current economic climate. Significant changes on and off the pitch promise an exciting start to the season. There's set to be a real buzz around our first home game." The first phase has seen nine single Platinum Boxes, accommodating 10 guests each, being created. There are also three double boxes, each accommodating up to 20 guests. Demand for the Platinum Boxes has outstripped supply, with the majority being snapped up well before the start of the season. The last double Platinum Box was acquired last week on a three-year deal for an undisclosed sum. Meanwhile, overall match day hospitality sales are up 10% on the same time last year, with the hospitality team expecting a final surge this week before Saturday's first home fixture.