The game promised plenty of action as after only two minutes, Darel Russell's cross was headed narrowly over by Luke Chadwick, who joined the Potters on loan from West Ham earlier in the week.
Stoke pushed forward at every opportunity but were rocked when Gerry Taggart's late tackle on Leon Best earned him a red card after only 13 minutes.
Wednesday almost took advantage when an awkward throw-in from the left bounced over a static defence to provide Chris Eagles with an opportunity, but he was unable to finish.
However, City finished the half as they began with David Brammer's wicked free-kick being nodded over by new boy Carl Hoefkens in the 34th minute.
Mamady Sidibe completed an embarrassing show of finishing four minutes later when he also headed over from close range.
A quiet start to the second half saw the two sides battling for possession before both goalkeepers were forced into action after an hour.
First the visitors' David Lucas was forced to make a save when a long goal kick gave Martin Kolar the chance to shoot, but his effort was comfortably dealt with.
Chris Brunt's 20-yard free-kick seconds later provided the save of the game when Steve Simonsen tipped the ball around the post at full stretch.
Talking point of the game came after 76 minutes when Hoefkens was brought down in the area by John Hills to concede a penalty.
Although fresh on the pitch, Kevin Harper proceeded to balloon the spot-kick over the crossbar.
The visitors kept on pushing but even after a heart in mouth moment right at the end from an Adam Proudlock cross, the game remained tied.