StadiumManchester, UKManchester City matches at the Etihad Stadium
Etihad Stadium Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Cameras
Checked Source: Etihad Stadium matchday page (mancity.com, opens in a new tab), Etihad Stadium prohibited items help article (mancity.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
The Etihad Stadium accepts only small handheld bags up to A4, about 12 by 8 by 3 inches, with a bag drop at 12 pounds an item. Outside food and drink, prams, selfie sticks, laptops, tablets and large umbrellas are prohibited. Water in a clear bottle of 500 ml or less is allowed.
Every rule at Etihad Stadium
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Only small handheld bags no larger than A4 size, 12 x 8 x 3 inches, are accepted. The page asks fans to arrive early for security checks. Only small handheld bags no larger than A4 are accepted, which rules out most backpacks. The page does not name backpacks. A small handheld bag no larger than A4 size is accepted.
- Bag: Small handheld, up to A4 (12 x 8 x 3 in)
- Backpack: Only small handheld bags accepted
- Water bottle: Glass bottles banned
Food and drink
Food and drink are on the prohibited items list, except water in a clear plastic bottle of 500 ml or less. Glass bottles, cans, drink cartons, solid containers and flasks, dark plastic bottles, dark liquid and alcohol are all banned. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Computer tablets and laptops are prohibited unless the Safety Officer authorises them. Professional cameras and recording devices are prohibited, and so are selfie sticks. The pages do not mention small cameras, camera lenses, tripods, drones and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Baby buggies and prams are on the prohibited list. The pages do not mention a medical bag process.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
Large and golf umbrellas are prohibited. The pages do not mention small umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
Flags and banners with political, discriminatory or abusive messages, or larger than 2 x 1 metres, are prohibited, and every flag must be authorised by the Safety Officer. Poles and sticks are banned, mobility aids excepted. The pages do not mention binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
Fans are asked to arrive early for security checks. Smoking and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited inside, and anyone caught is ejected.
Bag storage and lockers
A bag drop in the Grey Car Park by the away turnstiles costs 12 pounds per item.
Manchester City matchdays
The list applies to the Etihad Stadium and Joie Stadium for the 2026/27 season. Other events may have their own rules, so check your event page.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Knives, weapons and bladed articles
- Glass bottles and containers, perfume and cans
- Drink cartons, except water in a clear plastic bottle of 500 ml or less
- Alcohol and outside food
- Pyrotechnics, flares and fireworks
- Gas canisters, aerosols and explosive devices
- Laser devices
- Solid containers and flasks
- Dark plastic bottles and dark liquid
- Megaphones, air horns, vuvuzelas and drums
- Large and golf umbrellas
- Large bags, holdalls and suitcases
- Selfie sticks
- Computer tablets and laptops unless authorised
- Professional cameras and recording devices
- Flags over 2 x 1 metres and flags with political or abusive messages
- Poles and sticks, mobility aids excepted
- Baby buggies and prams
- Smoking, e-cigarettes and vapes
Questions about Etihad Stadium
Only small handheld bags no larger than A4 size, 12 x 8 x 3 inches, are accepted. The page asks fans to arrive early for security checks.
Only small handheld bags no larger than A4 are accepted, which rules out most backpacks. The page does not name backpacks.
Glass bottles are on the prohibited items list. The page says nothing else about bottles.
A small handheld bag no larger than A4 size is accepted.
No. Food and drink are on the prohibited list, apart from water in a clear plastic bottle of 500 ml or less, and baby buggies and prams are banned too.
Keep exploring
Sources
- Matchdays at the Etihad Stadium (opens in a new tab)
mancity.com, read
- What items are prohibited at the Etihad Stadium and Joie Stadium? | Man City Help Centre (opens in a new tab)
mancity.com, read
Checked on October 7, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 21, 2026.
Change log
Read the full prohibited items help article for 2026/27. Food, prams, laptops, tablets, umbrellas, cameras and flag rules are now stated.
First check: 21 rules read against the Manchester City matchdays at the Etihad Stadium page. The separate prohibited items list it links to was not read.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with Etihad Stadium or its operators.