Manchester boasts a rich sporting heritage, with a huge variety of venues catering to many different sports and interests. You don’t have to choose between Red or Blue for this date, there’s something for every sports enthusiast in the city. Here’s a few ideas that think outside the football stadium (they feature further down the page):

Old Trafford Cricket Ground

Location: Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester.

Established in 1857, Old Trafford Cricket Ground is one of the oldest and most prestigious cricket venues in the world. It is the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club and regularly hosts international Test matches. The ground features a rich cricketing heritage, with a capacity of over 26,000. The venue has seen numerous historic matches and memorable moments in cricket and enjoys a busy summer schedule with day and evening matches to choose from.

National Cycling Centre

Location: Stuart Street, Manchester.

Opened in 1994, the National Cycling Centre is the UK’s first indoor Olympic cycling track. It has become a premier facility for cycling enthusiasts and hosts national and international competitions. The centre features a 250-meter velodrome, a BMX arena, and mountain bike trails. It is home to British Cycling and provides opportunities for both professional and amateur cyclists.

You can sit in the stands to watch an exciting cycling event, or – if you have some experience – try out the velodrome track, the BMX and mountain bike trails.

Manchester Regional Arena

Location: Rowsley Street, Manchester.

The Manchester Regional Arena, part of the Etihad Campus, was originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. It is a versatile sports complex used for athletics, football, and community events. The arena features an eight-lane running track, a football pitch, and facilities for various sports. It is an intimate venue which means you are always close to the action, it regularly hosts athletics meets with a lively and friendly atmosphere

Belle Vue Speedway Stadium

Location: Kirkmanshulme Lane, Belle Vue, Manchester.

Belle Vue Speedway Stadium, home of the Belle Vue Aces, has been a staple of Manchester’s speedway scene since the 1920s. The current stadium opened in 2016, continuing the tradition of exciting speedway racing. The stadium offers a modern facility for speedway motorcycle racing, with seating for over 3,000 spectators. The fast-paced, thrilling races are a major draw for fans.

Old Trafford

Location: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester.

Known as “The Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford has been the home of Manchester United Football Club since 1910. It has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years and is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. This iconic stadium seats over 74,000 spectators and offers a vibrant matchday atmosphere. The stadium also houses the Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre, where fans can explore the club’s storied history.

Etihad Stadium

Location: Ashton New Road, Manchester.

The Etihad Stadium, originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, became the home of Manchester City Football Club in 2003. It has since been expanded to accommodate over 53,000 fans. The modern stadium offers state-of-the-art facilities and a fantastic viewing experience. The surrounding Etihad Campus includes training facilities and a fan zone. Explore the stadium with a guided tour, and enjoy pre-match activities in the fan zone, the atmosphere is always electric!