Manchester City Looks to Boost Tourism as they Launch New App for Away Fans

With a meeting with FC Barcelona on the horizon, clinic Manchester City have launched their first-ever smartphone app designed with away fans firmly in mind.

Available on both iOS and Android app stores, CityHome, or CanCity in Catalan will provide Barca fans with a wide range of information and recommendations on what to do and see while in Manchester.

Whether searching for restaurants, bars, shopping or simply places to sightsee and visit, Barca’s traveling support will have all the information they need at the touch of a button.

CityHome, which can be viewed in English, Spanish or Catalan, also includes travel advice for fans journeying to the stadium by foot, bus, tram or rail for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg fixture. 

On arrival at the Etihad Campus, supporters can use the app to learn about pre-match events taking place in the Stadium’s fan zone, BT City Square, like pundit interviews and musical performances. Fans can also access gate maps and seating plans through the app to ensure they get to their seat in plenty of time for kick-off.

In the build-up to the match, the app also contains content such as information on each team’s Group Stage results and statistics about previous encounters between the two clubs.

There is also a feature encouraging fans to participate in the day’s excitement by taking and posting photos of themselves over a graphical image with the two club crests. While fans on Twitter can use a dedicated match Twitter hashtag, #MCFCB – a combination of Manchester City Football Club (#MCFC) and Futbol Club Barcelona (#FCB).

After the Barcelona match, the app’s name and language will change to reflect other home opponents and their visiting fans.

Commenting on the launch of CityHome, Manchester City Director of Marketing, Media & Fan Development, Diego Gigliani, said: “Manchester City in not only proud of being a welcoming club for both opposition Clubs and their fans alike, but also for guests visiting the City. As a Club that has deep roots in the community, we are extremely passionate about putting Manchester on the European map as a destination for leisure and tourism, in addition to world class football.

“Our new match app has been designed to ensure visiting fans not only receive information that will enhance their match-day experience, but also their stay in this great city.”

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