Old Trafford will open as a 76,000 seater stadium by hosting the UEFA Cup holders Seville on Saturday 12 August, kick off 3pm.[The 8,000 seat extension of the stadium, which was partially opened ahead of schedule at the end of last season, will be fully opened for the start of the new season, confirming the famous old ground as the biggest in UK club football.
Announcing the game, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It’s fitting that 50 years after the Club became the first in England to play European football, we are to welcome a current European cup holder to Old Trafford.
"It’s a good way to celebrate the club’s achievements in the past five decades – and a great way to open the fantastic new quadrants we have built.”
The match will be preceded with the burial of a time capsule which commemorates the Club’s achievements in the 50 years that have passed since the legendary Busby Babes won their first league championship in 1956.
Admission prices have been set to encourage children and families to enjoy a day out at Old Trafford, with all junior tickets costing £5 and a range of adult tickets from £10 to £25.
Discussions are underway to provide a variety of entertainment to make the day a special one. Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 4 July via the usual channels.
All ticket holders for the Seville game will be entitled to a free ticket for the First Team’s open training session at Old Trafford on 11 August, which will be followed by the World final of the global tournament for under 15s – the Manchester United Premier Cup.
Those attending on the day will pay £3 for adults and £2 for juniors, with proceeds going to the Manchester United Foundation, which seeks to use the power of football and the name of Manchester United to benefit communities locally, across the UK and worldwide.