The 3 Best Places in Manchester for Sports Fans to Visit
Manchester, in northern England, has a long and storied history as the center of the world’s textile industry. It’s also home to one of the most storied football teams in the world: Manchester United Football Club. These days, though, sports fans are flocking to Manchester to see something else entirely: its world-class sporting venues. Whether you’re visiting Manchester to see United play at Old Trafford or you’re just there for the regular attractions that have been built over the last decade, here are the three best places in Manchester every sports fan should check out.
Old Trafford
The second-largest football stadium in the UK, behind Wembley, is Old Trafford, the home of the football team Manchester United. If you are unable to make it to a game while you are there, you can always take the museum and stadium tour and stand right next to the storied field.
The Museum and Stadium Tour is available by appointment only on Saturdays. You can call ahead or book your visit online. If you just want a behind-the-scenes look at
Etihad Stadium
The current home of Manchester City is Etihad Stadium, another famous stadium you shouldn’t miss while in Manchester. It was first constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and over the years, it has hosted numerous significant events. Etihad Stadium gives stadium tours to guests, much like Old Trafford does. You’ll be able to walk down the tunnel from dressing rooms, take a seat in the stands, visit the changing rooms and sit on an actual team bench. You can also see where players will enter onto the pitch before a game through an incredible 360-degree panoramic view that captures every detail of this magnificent arena.
National Football Museum
Prepare to delve into the rich football history of the UK after touring Manchester’s most famous venues. It is the official football museum of England and is presently home to some 140,000 artefacts tracing the development of the game. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, then this is the place to go. You can put on one of their soccer kits and take part in an interactive exhibit that recreates a 1966 World Cup game between England and Germany!