We are delighted to announce that we are throwing open the gates at the City of Manchester Stadium next Thursday for those supporters who want to give our fantastic new summer signings an extra special Blues welcome.

In return,  fans of all ages, especially -we hope - those on their summer school holidays, will be able to watch the star names take part in some as yet top secret, fun, training routines out on the pitch.

Entry to the “Open House” event is completely free of charge and we want everyone to bring with them flags, scarves and anything else that they feel will enhance an afternoon spent cheering on their favourites, who will be split into teams and will no doubt be as competitive as ever.

It is the first chance that our fans will have to see Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Stuart Taylor, Carlos Tevez and Kolo Toure joining their team mates in their new home and wearing the dazzling freshly designed Umbro training kit.

Gates will open at 2pm and it will be a case of ‘let the games begin’ from 2.45pm onwards in the company of compare Hugh Ferris from Key 103. It expected the winning team will be declared after an hour or so.

There will be fun to be had both inside and outside the stadium with roving entertainers, face painting, balloon modellers and a T-shirt launcher amongst many attractions.  Of course Moonbeam and Moonchester will also be in attendance.

There will also be the chance for one lucky youngster to become the team’s mascot at the prestigious final friendly of the season against Celtic on August 8. 

All juniors (15 and under) who purchase the new training kit with a club membership card will be entered into a draw to win the fabulous prize. 

Speaking of the Open House, Garry Cook said, “There is a palpable sense of optimism building amongst our fans this summer, due in no small part to the exciting signings we have brought to the Club over the past few months.  The phenomenal attendances at our Live from City gig and our recent family day as well as the tens of thousands who have watched our free website streaming of the recent Vodacom Challenge matches, goes to show that there is a real appetite amongst our fans to celebrate the good things that are starting to happen at Manchester City both on and off the pitch. 

We have always prided ourselves on being accessible to our supporters and by throwing our doors open in this way, our fans will not only get the chance to see the players having fun while they train, but they will also get a taste of some of the changes that we have been making to the stadium ahead of an exciting season to come.” Family tickets for the Celtic match at special prices will also be available from the box office.

However, due to the large numbers of fans expected and so that we are fair to everyone who attends the Open House, the event will be view only. On this occasion there will not be the opportunity to obtain autographs from the players or be pictured with them.

We look forward to seeing you all.