Manchester City are set to become the club with the third biggest stadium in the Premier League after holding a successful test event to raise their Etihad home to a capacity of 55,097.
City stars including Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure and new signing Raheem Sterling took part in an open training session for both men's and women's teams on Wednesday in front of 5,000 people, which saw the club granted the safety certificate required to raise the capacity for the weekend's clash with Chelsea.
We did it! Thanks to your incredible support, tonight's test event was a success! Story: http://t.co/doFm3by2vs pic.twitter.com/QQuBnTbL0z
- Manchester City FC (@MCFC) August 12, 2015
The Etihad has undergone a large redevelopment project over the past year, which has included an addition to the South Stand of the stadium.
With 55,097 fans now allowed at the stadium, City would set a new attendance record and move third on the list behind Manchester United's Old Trafford (75,635) and Arsenal's Emirates (60,272).
Newcastle's St James' Park will be knocked down to fourth with a capacity of 52,338, while Bournemouth's Dean Court remains the lowest with 11,700.