Sports in Manchester

Sport has always been part of Manchester’s identity. From packed stadiums on match day to quieter training sessions during the week, the city offers plenty of ways to watch, take part in, or simply be close to the action. Many of Manchester’s key sports venues are easy to reach from the city centre, making them simple to work into a short break or longer stay.

EXPLORE MANCHESTER SPORTS

Lancashire Cricket Club at Emirates Old Trafford Manchester Aquatics Centre Sportcity Manchester

Lancashire Cricket Club at Emirates Old Trafford

Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket, has been around for more than a century. Hosting some of the most exciting matches in both County and International cricket history. Not only is it one of the most recognisable grounds in the country, but also one of the most impressive. From the T20 blast with non-stop action and family fun to your more traditional test matches, Emirates Old Trafford has it all. Over the years, it has hosted everything from local county matches to major international fixtures, drawing crowds from across the world.

The ground has evolved rapidly to offer some of the best modern facilities in the world of cricket and events whilst still maintaining its historic charm. Throughout the season, visitors can attend matches across different formats or explore the venue on non-matchdays. The nearby Trafford Cricket Centre also plays an important role, offering indoor nets and training facilities used by professionals, clubs and developing players.

Old Trafford is well connected to the city by tram, making it straightforward to travel there from central Manchester. To get to Emirates Old Trafford from Hotel Indigo Manchester, make your way to Shudehill and jump on a Navy Line tram to Deansgate-Castlefield. From Deansgate catch a Purple Line tram directly to the Old Trafford tram stop.

Manchester Aquatics Centre

Close to the city centre, the Manchester Aquatics Centre is a busy, everyday sports venue as well as a high-performance facility. Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, it continues to be used by elite athletes, local clubs and the general public.

Inside, you’ll find a 50-metre pool, diving facilities and spaces for training and fitness, alongside gyms and group exercise areas. It’s a popular choice for visitors who want to swim, train or simply keep up a routine while spending time in Manchester. Thanks to its central location, the aquatics centre fits easily into a day that might also include sightseeing, shopping or dining nearby.

The best way to reach the Manchester Aquatics Centre from Hotel Indigo Manchester is by bus! Simply walk to Printworks and catch the 41 bus, which will drop you just outside the Aquatics Centre.

Sportcity Manchester

To the east of the city centre, Sportcity is a large sporting district developed for the Commonwealth Games and now home to a wide range of venues. It’s best known for the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City Football Club plays, but the area extends well beyond football.

Sportcity also includes national and regional facilities for cycling, athletics, squash, tennis and community sport. On any given day, you might find professional athletes training alongside local teams and visitors taking part in public sessions or events. The scale and variety of the area make it one of the most interesting places in Manchester for anyone with an interest in sport.

Tram services run directly from the city centre, making Sportcity easy to reach without a car. From Hotel Indigo Manchester, walk to Exchange Square and catch a Pink Line tram directly to St Peters Square. From there, you will be able to catch a Blue Line tram to Velopark which is a 7 minute walk from Sportcity.

Image courtesy of Etihad Stadium - Manchester City FC