Saturday, 5 Oct 2024

Old Trafford: An Iconic Stadium with a Rich History

Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club, is renowned as one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Its rich history and impressive architecture have made it a must-visit destination for football enthusiasts from all over the globe.

A Traditional and Successful Club

Built in 1909 and officially opened in 1910, Old Trafford has been the proud home of Manchester United for over a century. The club’s success on the pitch has contributed to the stadium’s fame. With a capacity of 74,310, it is the largest club stadium in the United Kingdom, second only to Wembley.

A Stadium with More to Offer

Old Trafford is more than just a football stadium. It is also home to a museum that celebrates the club’s illustrious history. Football fans can enjoy guided tours, corporate hospitality, and private hire options. Whether you’re attending a match or exploring the stadium on a non-match day, Old Trafford offers a memorable experience.

A Must-Visit Landmark in Manchester

If you find yourself in Manchester, a visit to Old Trafford is a must. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Manchester United and witness the impressive architecture of this historic stadium. Consider combining your visit with a trip to The Etihad, the home ground of Manchester City, to experience the intense rivalry between the two clubs.

Old Trafford Stats

  • Year Opened: 1910
  • Capacity: 74,310
  • Average Attendance: 73,815
  • Record Attendance: 76,962 (Wolves vs Grimsby Town, 1939)
  • Pitch Size: 105 x 68 (7140)
  • Nickname: The Theatre Of Dreams
  • Owner: Manchester United

Old Trafford Photos

Old Trafford Photos

Old Trafford Seating Plan and Where to Sit

Old Trafford offers a variety of seating options, providing fans with excellent views of the game. The South Stand offers the best views, while the West Stand is known for its vibrant atmosphere created by the club’s passionate supporters.

  • The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand: The largest stand, hosting around 26,000 supporters, is named after Manchester United’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
  • The Sir Bobby Charlton Stand: Home to executive suites and often hosting VIP guests, this single-tiered stand can accommodate just over 9,400 fans.
  • The West Stand: Formerly known as The Stretford End, this double-tiered structure is the heart of the stadium, housing over 14,000 passionate Manchester United fans.
  • The East Stand: With two tiers, this stand hosts around 13,300 people. It is designated for away supporters and also caters to the club’s disabled supporters.

Manchester United Ticket Prices

Ticket prices at Old Trafford vary depending on the competition and age group. Major European games in competitions like the Champions League may be more expensive compared to League Cup matches. Concession prices are available for over 65-year-olds and supporters aged 16-17, while younger fans aged 18-20 have their own category. Supporters using wheelchairs, visually impaired supporters, and their personal assistants are admitted free of charge.

League and Domestic Cup Games

  • Adults: £36 – £58
  • Concessions: £22 – £28

Champion’s League Games

  • Adults: £36 – £58
  • Concessions: £22 – £28

Europa League Games

  • Adults: £24 – £41
  • Concessions: £14 – £18

How to Get Manchester United Tickets

To purchase Manchester United tickets, you must become an Official Member of the club. Ticket availability is often limited, and for high-demand matches against teams like Manchester City and Liverpool, the club holds a ballot to determine ticket allocation. It is strongly advised not to buy tickets from unauthorized sellers outside the stadium, as these tickets are often fraudulent. Official tickets may still be available through authorized third-party sellers even if the game is sold out.

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Where to Buy

Ticket Compare is a reliable platform for purchasing Manchester United tickets. Visit Ticket Compare to explore available options.

Getting to Old Trafford

Old Trafford is easily accessible by train, bus, or car.

Train: The stadium has its own train station, located next to the ground, which can be reached from Manchester Piccadilly, the city’s main train station. Additionally, there are Metrolink stations nearby, such as Lancashire CCC stop, Pomona, and Exchange Quays.

Bus: While Manchester Coach station is a bit far from the ground, you can reach Old Trafford by taking buses 255, 256, or 263 from Piccadilly Gardens. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Car: If you’re traveling by car, there are different routes depending on your direction of arrival. From the south, take the M6 and A556 onto the A56. From the north, exit the M6 at J30 and join the M61 before joining the M60. From the west, stay on the M56 until it ends, then get onto the M60 (W&N). Leave the M60 at J7 and follow the A56 until you reach the stadium. On match days, parking near the stadium may be limited, so plan accordingly.

By Air: If you arrive at Manchester Airport, it is recommended to take a taxi to Old Trafford, which is approximately 8 miles away. Alternatively, you can take the Metrolink to Trafford Bar, which is about a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

Taxi: A taxi from the center of Manchester to Old Trafford will cost around £15 and take approximately 20 minutes on match days.

Parking Near Old Trafford

There are several parking options near Old Trafford. Lancashire CCC provides parking for approximately £10, while the Lowry Mall shopping center in Salford Quays, a short walk from the stadium, offers parking for around £3.50. Additionally, there are private car parks and on-street parking available. It is advisable to follow good practice and avoid leaving valuables on display in your car.

See Available Parking Near Old Trafford for more information.

Useful Resources

Old Trafford Hotels

Manchester is a vibrant city with a wide range of hotels to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are a few recommended options:

Pubs and Bars Near Old Trafford

Manchester offers numerous pubs and bars in and around the city center. If you prefer to drink closer to the stadium, here are some recommended spots:

Facilities

As a modern stadium, Old Trafford provides all the amenities you would expect. There are bars and food venues located throughout the stands, allowing you to enjoy refreshments during the game. Additionally, you can purchase match day programs and even place bets before and during the match.

Venture to the East Stand, and you’ll find the club’s Megastore, offering an extensive range of merchandise, including replica shirts and club scarves.

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Prices

  • Programme: £4
  • Pie: £4.20
  • Cup of tea: £2
  • Beer: £3

Hospitality

Old Trafford offers various hospitality options, including executive boxes, individual dining experiences, and more. The cost of your hospitality experience will depend on the level of service and the match you plan to attend.

Executive Boxes: For those seeking a premium experience, Old Trafford offers a range of executive box options. These packages include meals, drinks, and panoramic views of the pitch.

The Warwick Suite: The Warwick Suite provides an all-inclusive hospitality package. It offers premium seating in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, complimentary champagne and sommelier-selected wines, a grazing menu, half-time refreshments, entertainment, and a Q&A session with a former player. Additionally, guests receive a Man Utd gift and other goodies.

Museum: The museum package allows visitors to explore the club’s history, handle memorabilia, and enjoy hot and cold buffets, drinks, a program, and a Q&A session. Following the museum visit, guests will have access to seating in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand for the match.

Red Cafe: The Red Cafe offers pre and post-match packages. Guests are treated to a three-course meal, champagne on arrival, a free bar, a program, and a gift. Seating is provided in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. Post-match packages vary depending on the match.

The Lancashire Package: This off-site match day experience takes place at the Lancashire County Cricket Club, a short walk from Old Trafford. Guests can enjoy a champagne reception, a three-course meal, a complimentary bar, a Q&A session, a program, and a gift. Access to the Lancashire County Cricket Club is available before and after the match, with meal timings based on the match kick-off time.

Trinity Club Pre/Post Match: This package is designed for guests who wish to extend their match day experience. It offers tier 2 seating, a Q&A session with a former player, hot and cold grazing food options, entertainment, and 10% off at the Megastore. Complimentary drinks are also provided.

Private Hire

Old Trafford is available for a range of private hire events, including weddings, conferences, and exhibitions. The club’s dedicated events wing, United Events, offers suites, conference rooms, and meeting rooms for hosting various events. Different room layouts and setups, including boardrooms, classrooms, and dining areas, can be arranged to suit specific requirements. Larger conferences can be accommodated in the Manchester Suite and International Suite, which can host up to 1,100 people.

The stadium is licensed for wedding ceremonies, and several suites provide an ideal setting for memorable weddings. Old Trafford can also be hired for proms, Christmas parties, grand balls, and dinner dances.

Stadium Tours & Museum

The stadium’s museum and tour center, located in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, offer visitors the opportunity to explore the history of Manchester United. The museum is open seven days a week, except on match days and school holidays, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Guided tours last approximately one hour and twenty minutes, with the last tour departing at 4:30 pm.

Tours run every ten minutes, excluding match days and the day before European games. Tour tickets also grant access to the museum, so it is recommended to arrive at least an hour and a half before your scheduled tour time.

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The tour provides excellent accessibility for disabled visitors, and photography is allowed. Additionally, the club occasionally offers Unique Tours hosted by former club legends. Upon completion of the tour, guests receive a certificate as a memento.

Museum and Tour: Tickets for both the stadium tour and museum visit vary depending on age group. Adult tickets cost £28, while junior and concession tickets are priced at £15.

Museum Only: If you prefer to explore the museum alone, the ticket prices are as follows: adult £15, junior £12, and concession £12. Special family rates are available for groups of four or more.

Tickets for the museum and tour can be purchased online or directly from the club.

About Manchester United

Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs in England, with a rich history dating back to 1878 when it was founded as Newton Heath FC. Since then, the club has gone on to win numerous titles, including a record 20 league championships, 12 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, and 3 European Cups.

The club’s success has made it one of the most valuable football clubs in the world, with a global following. Manchester United has also had its fair share of iconic players, including George Best, Eric Cantona, and Wayne Rooney. Rooney holds the record for the most goals scored for the club, while Ryan Giggs holds the record for the most appearances.

Old Trafford History

Work on Old Trafford began in 1909, and the stadium officially opened on February 19, 1910. The first match played at the ground was a friendly between Manchester United and their rivals Liverpool, which United unfortunately lost 4-3.

During World War II, Old Trafford served as a military depot and suffered damage during German bombing raids. Reconstruction took place after the war, and the stadium reopened without a roof in 1949.

Following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, all top-flight stadiums in England were made all-seater venues. In 1995, the North Stand was demolished and rebuilt, and in 2006, second tiers were added to the north-east and north-west quadrants of the stadium.

In addition to hosting football matches, Old Trafford has been a venue for both rugby league and rugby union matches, including the Super League grand final. The stadium has also played host to numerous rock concerts, featuring artists such as Status Quo, Rod Stewart, and Bruce Springsteen.

Future Developments

Despite already being the largest club football stadium in the UK, there have been discussions about further expanding Old Trafford’s capacity. A capacity of 88,000 has been mentioned, but logistical challenges and disruption during construction have put plans on hold. Future development, such as expanding the South Stand, remains a possibility for the club.


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Conclusion

Old Trafford is more than just a football stadium; it is a symbol of Manchester United’s rich history and success. A visit to this iconic venue offers football enthusiasts an unforgettable experience, from exploring the museum and taking a guided tour to witnessing the passion of the fans on match days. Whether you’re a lifelong Manchester United supporter or simply appreciate the beauty of the game, Old Trafford is a must-visit destination. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the magic of this legendary stadium.

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