Built in 1910, Old Trafford stadium has turned into a legendary battlefield hosting Manchester United. The ground depicts the club’s glorious history and is home of 74,994 of its dedicated supporters.

Key facts

Address Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester, England Postcode M16 0RA Capacity 74,994 seats Club Manchester United Build Date 1910 Architect Archibald Leitch Average Attendance 74,968 (Season 2017 – 2018) Record Attendance 76,962 (Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Grimsby Town, 25 March 1939) Stadium Cost £90,000 (1909) Roof Covers all seats Who is the owner of Old Trafford? Manchester United Pitch Size 105 m by 68 m Where is Old Trafford located? 53°27′47″N 2°17′29″W Nickname The Theatre of Dreams Surface Grass

Seating plan

Apart from the MU home matches, the arena hosts different shows and musical events. Finding your seat at the Old Trafford stadium may look like a challenging task. The arena features a rather complicated structure with plenty of different sectors divided by colors. The unique feature of the stadium is a special line of Sir Alex Ferguson stands located on the long-side upper row of the arena. The rows and seats are divided as follows:

East stand seats are for the away supporters. Yellow and purple seats on the short-side rows are for the home supporters. Seats N40-N49 belong to Sir Ales Fergusson stand (purple color). Blue, grey and red seats are the most expensive ones. Orange and yellow seats from the medium pricing category.

Note: smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited.

Tickets

StubHub is the way to buy tickets for the match effortlessly. The service is the #1 choice once you are looking for safe transactions, affordable prices, and intuitive easy interface. Buy Old Trafford tickets with just a few clicks and save your time and money.

The official website offers extra opportunities to find tickets in addition to seasonal memberships and other offers. The main problem with the resource is that all tickets are generally sold out from the beginning to the end of the season. The prices usually range from 19$ to 59$. Tickets are divided into two main price categories: adults and over 16. The pay table is as follows:

The cheapest seats include purple and black zones. The price may range from 19$ to 42$ for adults;

Yellow, orange, green and blue sectors will cost you from 24$ to 52$ depending on your age;

Grey and Red seating zones are the most expensive ones. Ticket price varies from 26$ to 59$.

Note: Adults aged 65+ get additional discounts.

Hotels near

Planning your trip to Manchester as an away supporter? Booking.com brings some nice accommodation offers to meet any budget expectations. Whether you travel alone and have a limited budget or you crave for more space for your family and friends, the service comes with plenty of opportunities to book a room for a night. I have already picked some good variants for you.

Cheapest offers

Trafford Hall Hotel – the stadium is about 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel that offers free Wi-Fi connection and private parking places. The tram stop Trafford Bar Metrolink Station is right next to the hotel. The price for one night starts from 53$. Victoria Warehouse Hotel – a loft-themed hostel located next to the stadium. Guests appreciate local continental breakfasts in addition to unique decoration and rooms’ interior. Looks like a great value for only 50$ per night. Ibis budget Manchester Salford Quays – take a walk to the Manchester’s Media City or visit other places of interest nearby. Take a 15-minute walk to the Old Trafford stadium and enjoy your stay for only 38$ per night.

Highest-rated

Hotel Football Old Trafford – the hotel is surrounded by major attractions in the borough including Media City and the “Theatre of Dreams” itself. The hotel serves free breakfasts, which looks pretty good for 155$ for one night. Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford – a good venue for those who want to feel the real spirit of Great Britain. Play cricket right on the territory of the hotel as well as enjoy local fabulous breakfasts that are included in the 115$ nightly price. Chesters Hotel & Restaurant – it will take you less than 3 minutes to get to Old Trafford. The hotel boasts its own posh restaurant that serves a wide selection of meals for all tastes. 80$ looks like a bargain considering free fabulous breakfasts.

How to get to

Although Old Trafford boasts the highest level of average attendance, there are a few options that will let you get to the stadium. They include buses, Metrolink trams, and railways. You can also take a car or taxi. However, keep in mind that significant roadworks are taking place near the arena. It means, that you should plan your route in advance and choose alternative paths.

By Car – if you are planning to get to the arena by car, consider roadworks that will last until 2020. It means that roads are going to be busier at the matchday. Arrange your trip to arrive at the stadium at least one hour before the kick-off. Also, note that public car parks will not be available during the roadworks.

By Tram – the tram looks the best way to get to the arena. Various stations are located in the borough next to the stadium. They are not affected by the roadworks. Check the following destinations: ld Trafford, Trafford Bar, Exchange Quay, Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.

By Bus – some bus routes may change due to roadworks. However, the main stops will not be affected. They include Sir Matt Busby Way, Chester Road/Warwick Road and Old Trafford, Matt Busby Way.

A good news is that you can purchase all types of public transport tickets on a single website. Here you can apply for a pass as well as a single ticket as well as plan your route to save time. Simply go to the Manchester Transport official website and apply for tickets you need.

Manchester Piccadilly to Old Trafford route – The “Manchester Piccadilly to Old Trafford” is probably the most popular Metrolink line that connects the downtown and the football arena. Here you can take a train or a tram ad get to the stadium in less than 10 minutes. Feel free to book tickets in advance and choose appropriate date and time.

By Plane – Manchester Airport is the international destination for all city visitors. Once you arrive, choose from three major ways to get from the airport to the city center as well as other destinations. Use the official website to make your trip safe and time-consuming.

Parking

The most convenient car parks near Old Trafford are often occupied, especially on eventdays. However, there is always a solution. The approximate matchday paid parking price near the sports venue in Manchester is 4$.

Eating out nearby

Once you get to Manchester, you start feeling the real atmosphere of Great Britain featuring its changing foggy weather. Pubs and bars are an essential part of that atmosphere. Luckily for all, Old Trafford has a wide selection of potions to eat and drink out nearby before and after the match.

Pubs, bars & cafes

Cafe Football – one would hardly imagine Manchester without a football-themed bar. Once you step in, you start feeling the essence of the game everywhere starting from the menu and the interior. The place is popular with locals as well. It hosts special occasions and weekly shows.

– one would hardly imagine Manchester without a football-themed bar. Once you step in, you start feeling the essence of the game everywhere starting from the menu and the interior. The place is popular with locals as well. It hosts special occasions and weekly shows. The Quadrant – a classical British pub that has become a part of Manchester’s culture. It boasts traditional wooden interior in addition to a selection of beers and straight alcoholic drinks. Have a glass of scotch on the rocks or traditional British IPA.

– a classical British pub that has become a part of Manchester’s culture. It boasts traditional wooden interior in addition to a selection of beers and straight alcoholic drinks. Have a glass of scotch on the rocks or traditional British IPA. Sandwich Bar Café – a cozy and hospitable place perfect for those who are looking for a fast and tasty snack. The venue serves a selection of self-made sandwiches for any taste. Affordable prices and an extended menu will certainly make your day.

Restaurants

Cafe Rouge – located on the first floor of Europe’s largest food court, the café offers an extended menu featuring traditional British and European cosine. Here you can try local stakes, seasonal salads, and authentic snacks. They also serve food “to go” once you are in a hurry.

– located on the first floor of Europe’s largest food court, the café offers an extended menu featuring traditional British and European cosine. Here you can try local stakes, seasonal salads, and authentic snacks. They also serve food “to go” once you are in a hurry. Chiquito – a great destination for those who adore classical Mexican cuisine. They have some spicy offerings for any taste. A spacious restaurant usually hosts birthday parties. Different shows and special events to entertain its visitors.

Things to see at the stadium

Old Trafford arena is a unique construction that features all necessary facilities in one place. It offers an extended list of stadium tours in addition to Manchester United Museum. Each tour program will let you feel as one of the great players and overview the arena with their eyes. The museum keeps a 130-record history depicting the main trophies and glory of the legendary football team.

Tour

Stadium tours provide a perfect chance to get behind the curtain of Old Trafford and overview the stadium with the eyes of David de Gea, Alexis Sanches, and other football superstars. Visitors will get to the heights of Sir Alex Ferguson stand, visit players’ dressing rooms and the pitch itself. The tours include several programs:

Leisure Cruise;

Legends Tour;

Stadium Tour;

OT Experience.

Each tour lasts about 70 minutes and is available 7 days a week from 09:40 to 16:30. Stadium tours are unavailable during matchdays. Check prices and dates on the official website.

Museum

The local museum keeps the 130-year record of MU glory, victories and trophies. You will have a chance to take a closer look at team’s tragedies and get behind the scene of players’ lives. Visitors can benefit from endless historical exhibitions. Feel free to use audio guides or relax in the Red Café located right in the museum.

The museum tells stories about some individuals as well as trophies related to different periods in MU’s history. Note that opening hours have been changed recently. The museum is closed in midweek and matchdays. You can check tickets availability using the following contact information:

Telephone – (0) 161 868 8000

Email: toursenquiry@manutd.co.uk

Fan store

Old Trafford boasts probably the biggest fan shop in the world. It occupies 17 000 square fit. Here you can buy everything from scarves, T-Shirts, and accessories to mugs and other souvenirs under the MU brand. The fan shop is called Megastore. The working hours are as follows:

Monday – Saturday: 09:30 to 18:00;

Sunday: 11:00 to 17:00 (Open for browsing from 10:30).

Things to do in Manchester

You are wrong if you think that Manchester is a gray industrial city with no things to see and hear. It has always been the major music scene and got the reputation of the Northern capital of guitars and bands. The city traditionally puts on great rock shows and concerts. Here you can see the legendary Rolling Stones with your own eyes or visit underground venues, public libraries, museums and other brilliant places to keep in touch with the city’s history.

Sightseeing tour

Visitors can benefit from Manchester day trips in addition to hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours. The general top-open bus excursion lasts for approximately 90 minutes and includes 15 major stops. You will see some major attractions including The National Football Museum, Town Hall Manchester, Museum of Science and other award-winning destinations. The tour starts from Albert Square with a further stop at Piccadilly Gardens.

Top 3 places to visit

Manchester Three Rivers Gin – benefit from the bet ever gin experience in your life. Three Rivers is a world famous gin brand that boasts a rich history and Mancunian condition. Visit local gin lab, take part in gin tasting and find out more about Three River and Manchester history.

The John Rylands Library – it does not matter if you like reading books or not. This venue is a must-have when it comes to tourist’s major destinations in Manchester. Forts of al it is free 7 days a week. Secondly, it boasts overwhelming architecture and Victorian interior. Thirdly, it highlights the richest collection of books that refer to different historical periods.

Greater Manchester Police Museum – Bobbies are marching in! Get behind the scenes of their history. The museum depicts different versions of police uniform and weapons related to different periods. Here you can learn about the most contradictory and tragic episodes.