Manchester City in £1.5m corporate facilities upgrade

Work is also under way to lay a new pitch at Eastlands.

Manchester City Football Club is investing £1.5m in upgrading its corporate facilities to try to compete with Europe's biggest clubs.

Heated outdoor leather seats are among plans to increase its annual £7.5m hospitality sales by 15%.

Boxes will be refurbished and will cost from £25,000 to £45,000 a season, representing a rise of up to 25%.

The upgrade is part of continuing investment in a new pitch, top-of-the range mowers and training facilities.

Extras of food, drink and heated seating will each cost about an extra £4,000 per box.

Head of sales David Chell said: "We know what other clubs charge and we are happy that our prices are competitive.

"With a new pitch, ongoing investment in the team and our sights set on bettering our Premier League performance next season, it was essential our hospitality facilities are upgraded to ensure the ultimate match day experience."

Kevin Parker, general secretary of Manchester City's official supporters' club, said: " We're aiming to be one of the top clubs in the UK and Europe, so we need our stadium to have the facilities that can match the best of them.

"It's a positive thing. It's expensive but if companies can afford it then they will.

"I certainly don't see that corporate supporters are being priced out because they can always come out of their boxes and buy a season ticket and be with the rest of the fans."