Nothing beats that experience of going to watch your team. The atmosphere around the ground as the match draws closer is always exciting.
Fans who arrive at the Etihad early on a match day will be aware of all the entertainment going on.
City Square is buzzing with club legends and celebrity fans regularly making an appearance, and sets from local Manchester bands.
So when we were invited to watch City v Leicester from one of the Platinum Hospitality boxes, how could we refuse?
The Box package includes fantastic luxury, padded, executive seats on Level 2 of the Etihad Stadium, providing stunning panoramic views from your own private balcony. Included in the day, you have the choice of formal or informal dining, champagne on arrival, complimentary bar, a match day programme and VIP parking, along with a dedicated waiter or waitress to look after you throughout your matchday experience.
We were greeted by Sarah who took us to our box where we were introduced to our designated waiter for the afternoon.
With house beer, wine and soft drinks on offer, we indulged in a few bottles and chatted about what the result might be.
As well as the complimentary match programme, on arrival we also received a betting slip which was later collected by a member of the betting team.
There is also space in the match day programme for messages. So if you are treating your team for their hard work, you could include a thank you message as well.
The boxes are situated in different parts of the stadium. Ours was situated in the East Stand adjacent to the away team fans section which provided a great atmosphere once the game kicked off.
With our box situated so close to the away fans, there is the opportunity for any guest who supports the visiting team to be taken to sit with their fans.
Before our meal, Sarah took us on a tour of the other hospitality suites and boxes to give us a feel for what each of them had to offer.
Walking through the various different suites that make up the different hospitality packages on offer gave us a real sense of people enjoying good food, drink and an unforgettable match day experience.
One of the first suites we came across was the Legends restaurant, which gives guests the opportunity to meet and chat with former City players while enjoying a pre-match hand-crafted buffet. This is located directly behind the goal next to the away fans, giving it a lively, spirited atmosphere.
The Mancunian is a restaurant located in the Colin Bell Stand and is made up mainly of season ticket holders. It includes a four-course a la carte dining experience, with executive padded seating along the half-way line.
Citizens has a family-friendly feel and celebrates the lifeblood of the club – its fans.
The Chairman’s Club is one of the most sought after suites for hospitality and features a five-course fine dining experience, complementary bar, heated and padded half-way line seats, and the chance to mingle with celebrities and club dignitaries alike.
The club also offers – but cannot guarantee – a visit from a club player or coach to your box upon request.
The boxes cater for 8, 10 or 20 guests and create the perfect setting to relax and follow all the build-up to the game.
As we perused the set menus on offer, which include a vegetarian option available for any non meat-eaters, the players were arriving at the front of the stadium.
The three-course meal was delicious. Crab and avocado on toast, followed by duck and finished off with tiramisu at half-time. All washed down with a nice glass of red wine.
As you can imagine, the club is eager to make sure guests receive the very best experience and the fans are always at the forefront.
Throughout the day our every need was catered for by the friendly staff who even ventured to the bar when our MD wanted a pint of Guinness before kick-off.
The sensational service, luxury private box and exciting football all make for an unforgettable day of entertainment.
Watching the stadium gradually fill up and hearing the volume levels rise is all part and parcel of match days, but to do it in such comfortable surroundings was something special.
Our party included a City fan, a Leicester supporter and a United fan, so plenty of rivalry and banter.
But one thing we all agreed on was that the spectacular hospitality on offer at the Etihad Stadium really completes a fantastic day out.
Oh, and the 5-1 score line really finished the day off nicely.
Hospitality packages are in demand at Manchester City with limited availability for the remainder of the 17/18 season. The waiting list is now open for the 18/19 season.