Manchester Sports: Who to Watch & Where
A Closer Look at Manchester’s Top Sports Teams and Where to Watch Them
Manchester doesn’t just love sport it lives and breathes it. From world-famous football clubs to championship-winning netballers, roaring rugby crowds and the thrill of ice hockey, our city is one of the UK’s most exciting sporting destinations. Even better, when you stay with us at Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, almost every major venue is within easy reach by tram, train, taxi or even on foot. Here’s your guide to the teams keeping the city cheering and how close each ground is to your front door.
Football: Manchester United & Manchester City
It’s impossible to talk about Manchester sport without starting with football. The city is home to two of the most iconic clubs in world football: Manchester United at the legendary Old Trafford, and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The women’s game is thriving too, with both clubs competing in the Women’s Super League. Old Trafford is around 3 miles from the hotel, a 7-minute taxi or 23 minutes by tram from Exchange Square. Whilst Etihad Stadium sits roughly 2 miles east, easily reached by direct tram from Shudehill or Piccadilly Gardens.
FYI! The National Football Museum is just across the road from the hotel! Perfect for a rainy afternoon or pre-season visit.
Cricket: Lancashire Cricket Club & Manchester Super Giants
Lancashire Cricket Club has called Emirates Old Trafford home since 1864, one of the most historic grounds in world cricket. Lancashire Lightning light up the men’s T20 Blast, while Lancashire Thunder fly the flag for the women’s game with home fixtures and Roses double-headers played at Emirates Old Trafford. The Manchester Super Giants, formally known as the Manchester Originals, also bring The Hundred to the city each summer for both men’s and women’s fans. The ground sits beside the football stadium, around 3 miles from the hotel on the direct Metrolink line
Rugby: Sale Sharks & More
For rugby fans, Sale Sharks fly the flag in Premiership Rugby at the Salford Community Stadium, around 7.5 miles from the hotel – an 11-minute drive or a direct bus from Chapel Street. The region is also a rugby league heartland, with Wigan Warriors, Salford Red Devils, Leigh Leopards and Swinton Lions all within easy reach.
Ice Hockey: Manchester Storm
Ice hockey is one of Manchester’s most underrated nights out. Manchester Storm compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), the top tier of British ice hockey. Now playing their home games at the AO Arena, Manchester Storm bring top-flight ice hockey right into the heart of Manchester. The AO Arena is just 90 metres from Hotel Indigo Manchester, a 2-minute walk from your room to your seat, making us one of the closest hotels to every Manchester Storm home game. With end-to-end action, big hits and a brilliant lively atmosphere, there’s never been a better time to be an Ice Hockey fan.
Basketball & Netball: Manchester Basketball & AO Manchester Thunder
Manchester Basketball entered a new era in 2024, competing in the Super League Basketball (SLB) at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Belle Vue, around 3 miles east of the hotel. In netball, AO Manchester Thunder were crowned 2026 Netball Super League champions, with selected fixtures played at the AO Arena right next door.
Stay in the Heart of Sporting Manchester
Wherever the action takes you whether that be Old Trafford, the Etihad, Emirates Old Trafford, or right next door at the AO Arena for Manchester Storm ice hockey, Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station puts you in the perfect spot. With Manchester Victoria station, Metrolink trams and the AO Arena all on our doorstep, you’re never more than a short ride from kick-off, tip-off or face-off.
Header Image courtesy of Marketing Manchester