The Kippax: Manchester City's Famous Side Stand at Maine Road

Characteristics and layout

For much of its existence the Kippax was a terraced standing area where supporters packed closely together, generating a distinctive and intense matchday atmosphere. In 1957 the area became widely known as the Kippax, adopting the informal name associated with the adjacent Kippax Street. The stand’s unusual position along the side of the pitch, rather than behind an end, gave it a broad, elongated shape and allowed it to become a focal point for songs, chants and coordinated support.

History and redevelopment

Maine Road opened in 1923 and the Kippax developed over decades as Manchester City grew as a club. Following the Hillsborough disaster and the subsequent Taylor Report (published in 1990), British clubs were required to convert major stands to all-seater arrangements. In response, Manchester City redeveloped the Kippax into a modern, three-tier all-seater stand. The new structure opened in 1994 and was inaugurated by club legend Bert Trautmann. The rebuilt Kippax seated around 10,000 supporters across its levels and for a time was among the tallest single stands in the country.

Uses, atmosphere and cultural importance

Beyond its physical attributes, the Kippax is remembered for the atmosphere it fostered. Match reports and fan recollections frequently note the stand’s role in leading chants and influencing the tone of home matches. Its size and continuity along the pitch allowed large groups to sing in unison and to create a sense of communal identity. The Kippax also hosted many memorable fixtures, promotions and cup ties during its life at Maine Road.

Closure, legacy and the new stadium

When Manchester City left Maine Road in 2003 for the new City of Manchester Stadium, the physical Kippax was lost along with the broader Maine Road ground. Nevertheless, the name and the cultural memory persisted: supporters and commentators sometimes refer informally to the East Stand at the new stadium as the 'Kippax' in homage to the old stand. The Kippax remains an important part of Manchester City history and supporters’ identity, frequently evoked in retrospectives and fan culture.

Notable facts

• Originally called the Popular Stand, it acquired the Kippax name in 1957.
• Its 1994 redevelopment created a three-tier, all-seater structure that seated around 10,000 fans.
• It was unusual among English grounds for occupying a full side of the pitch rather than an end.