Manchester City hosted AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium during the 2026–27 Premier League opening weekend.
The match was played on Sunday, 23 August 2026, with Manchester City winning 2–1. The Etihad Stadium, officially the City of Manchester Stadium, was therefore the venue for City’s opening home fixture.
The game was one of two Premier League matches scheduled for 14:00 on that Sunday. Brighton & Hove Albion hosted Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium at the same time, while Newcastle United versus Liverpool followed later in the afternoon.
The venue is sometimes confused with Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium because both clubs played at home during the opening round. Arsenal hosted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium, whereas Manchester City’s home match against Bournemouth took place at the Etihad. The stadium has been Manchester City’s home since 2003, after being converted from an athletics venue used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.