Football Ground Guide: Old Trafford Manchester United FC


Contents
What's Old Trafford Like? Future Stadium Developments East Stand External View (photo) What Is It Like For Away Supporters? Sir Alex Ferguson Stand And Stretford End (photo) Where To Drink? East Stand (photo) How To Get There By Car And Where To Park South Stand (photo) By Train And Metrolink By Air Manchester Coach Station A Closer Look At The Stretford End (photo) Local Rivals Admission Prices For Away Supporters Ground Layout Fixtures 2011-2012 Programme And Fanzines Old Trafford Stadium Tours Disabled Facilities Record And Average Attendance Old Trafford Fans Ground Reviews Hotel Accommodation Old Trafford Location Map
What's Old Trafford Like?
Old Trafford has always been a special place as it was one of the few grounds where the stands envelop the corners. Although more stadiums are now also totally enclosed, Old Trafford's sheer size still makes it a bewildering sight. Both ends, which look almost identical, are large two tiered stands. Each are steep, with a large lower tier and smaller upper tier. The three tiered Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at one side of the ground, is the largest capacity stand of any League Ground in England. The corners each side of the North Stand are also filled with seating and extend around to meet both ends. These re-developed stands dwarf the older Main (South) Stand on the opposite side. This stand is single tiered, with a television gantry suspended below its roof. All the stands have a row of executive boxes at the back of the lower tier. The ground looks a little imbalanced with the smaller older Main (South) Stand looking somewhat out of place with its larger newer neighbours. However, in my opinion the best views of the ground are from the front of this stand and from the away section, as you look out upon the three newer, larger sides. Still, if this Main Stand was to be re-developed in the same manner as the others, then the ground would possibly be the envy of Europe. Unusual aspects of the ground include the raised pitch, and that the teams enter the field from the corner of the Main Stand. Outside the ground is the Sir Matt Busby Statue fronting the impressive green glassed East Stand facade. There is also a clock and plaque in remembrance of the Munich disaster. Across Sir Matt Busby Way is the recently erected United Trinity Statue of three of the 1968 European Cup winning team; George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton (now Sir). Top Of Page
Future Stadium Developments
Although there are no current plans to further increase the capacity of Old Trafford, the Club would at some point wish to replace the old Main (South) Stand, with a larger structure. The proximity of a railway line directly behind this stand has prevented re-development in the past, but I would not be surprised if this eventually happens as the Club have nowhere else left in the stadium that they can now substantially expand upon. Top Of Page
East Stand External View With Sir Matt Busby Statue
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What Is It Like For Away Supporters?
Away supporters are located in one corner of the ground, taking up part of the East and South stands. The view from the away sections are excellent and up to 3,000 away supporters can be accommodated. Entrance into the stadium is gained by first being searched by a steward and then placing your ticket into an electronic bar code reader. It is then up a few flights of rather steep stairs to the concourse. Although the concourse looks a little cramped, it is adequate and there seems to be enough food and drinks outlets that the queues never seem to get too long. These sell a range of pies and other refreshments, plus normally alcohol is available in the form of bottles of Budweiser and cans of Tetley beer. At the far end of the concourse is a large flat screen television showing Sky Sports. I don't know whether it is the American influence at Old Trafford, but I noticed on my last visit that after buying food or drink, that the attendant would always say; 'Enjoy the game' on giving back your change. The away fans section is set back from the pitch as there is a disabled area to its front. The leg room between rows is a little tight, as well as the space between the seats themselves. This results in most away fans standing throughout the game. The good thing though, is that the away fans can really make some noise from this part of the stadium. As you probably know Old Trafford is billed as the 'Theatre Of Dreams' and is certainly one of the best grounds in the country. However, if you have never been there before, be prepared to be a little disappointed, as the reality will probably not meet your pre-conceived expectations. Getting tickets for Man Utd home games is pretty difficult even if you are a member of the club, so make sure you have tickets before you travel. Top Of Page
Sir Alex Ferguson Stand And Stretford End
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Where To Drink
The three pubs nearest the ground (The Trafford, Sam Platts and The Bishops Blaize) generally won't let you in if you wear away colours. The best bet is probably the city centre or along one of the stops on the Metrolink. On my last couple of visits I have drank at the Quadrant pub which had a mixture of home and away fans and a couple of handy Chinese/Chippies nearby. The pub is about a 10-15 minute walk away from Old Trafford, in the direction of the Cricket Ground (see Directions & Parking for more info). Luke Burns a visiting Birmingham City fan adds; 'There is also the Lime Bar in nearby Salford Quays. Good beer, quick service and good mix of home and away supporters'. Andy Syborn adds 'away fans are okay to drink in the Bridge at Sale. It is two stops from Old Trafford on the Metro (about eight minutes journey time)'. Alternatively alcohol is normally served within the ground, although for some high profile games the Club opt not to sell any. Top Of Page
East Stand
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How To Get There By Car And Where To Park
From the South: Leave the M6 at Junction 19 and follow the A556 towards Altrincham. This will lead you onto the A56 towards Manchester. Keep on the A56 for six miles and then you will come to see Sir Matt Busby Way on your left. The ground is half a mile down this road on your left, although on matchdays this road may well be closed to traffic. From the North: Leave the M6 at Junction 30 and take the M61 towards Bolton. At the end of the M61, join the M60. Leave the M60 at Junction 9 and follow the A5081 towards Manchester. After about two miles you will reach Sir Matt Busby Way on your right for the ground. From The West: Follow M56 until its end and then take the M60 (W&N) as for Trafford Centre. At Junction 7 leave M60 and take the A56 towards Stretford. Stay on the A56 for 2.1 miles then you will come to see Sir Matt Busby Way on your left. The ground is half a mile down this road on your left, although on matchdays this road may be closed to traffic. Thanks to Brian Griffiths for providing these directions. Parking: There are lots of small private car parks near to the ground, otherwise it is street parking. Peter Bennett suggests parking at Old Trafford Cricket Ground (cost £10). Try to arrive early (before 1pm) as if you arrive later, it takes ages leaving the car park after the game. Gareth Hawker adds; 'I parked at the Salford Quays Lowry Mall, a ten minute walk away from the stadium, the cost of which was £3. There was virtually no traffic on leaving, and the road takes you straight onto the M601 which joins up with the M62/M6. This avoids the congestion of the traffic heading South'. Alternatively: Park in Altrincham town centre and take the Metrolink to the ground (20 minutes). Some pubs such as the Bricklayers Arms in Altrincham town centre, will allow parking for the afternoon, as long as you enjoy a pre match drink (they also do good food). Kevin Dixon-Jackson adds; 'You can get the Metrolink to Old Trafford from Ladywell Halt, in Eccles, where there is also free secure parking. It is about a 15 minute journey on the tram and costs £1.20 return. You can reach Eccles from the M60 (take the Carrington spur J8 A6144(M)) or M602 Motorway (leave at the first junction for Eccles, turn right, and right again at the lights, onto Eccles New Road. Secure parking is immediately on your right. You are only 200 yards away from the Drinking Capital which is Eccles town centre!' My Tip For Parking & Getting Away After The Game: Going along the A56, as the stadium emerges in front of you, follow the signs for Old Trafford Cricket Ground, which means that you will bear off the A56 to the right. At the end of the park on your left and before you reach the Cricket Ground, turn right into Great Stone Road. Just over the hill you will see a pub called the Quadrant, which is next door to a chip shop. There is plenty of street parking in this area, up to around 1.15-1.30pm. You are only a ten minute walk away from the ground. The Quadrant pub itself, I found okay to have a drink in. After the game, head away from Old Trafford (keeping the Quadrant pub on your left) along the side streets. You will reach the A5145 (Edge Lane). Turn right down here and you will eventually join up again with the motorway and avoid all those traffic jams on the A56. This worked brilliantly for me after an England game and I was back in Birmingham shortly after 6.45pm. Map showing the location of the Old Trafford Stadium (at the bottom of this page). Top Of Page
South Stand
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By Train And Metrolink
Probably the best way to get to the stadium is by Metrolink or train from Manchester Piccadilly mainline station, as Old Trafford has both its own railway station next to the ground and a Metrolink station which is located next to Lancashire County Cricket Club on Warwick Road, which leads up to Sir Matt Busby Way. Normally the railway station is less busy than the Metrolink. Alternatively you can get a bus from Piccadilly Gardens (see below). Chris Kilcourse adds; 'The Metrolink also has another branch line going to Eccles from Manchester Centre. There are two stops to leave the tram - Pomona and Exchange Quay. These are on the opposite (Salford) side of the ground - probably a quieter line on Matchdays. Pomona is the closest to the ground, only a short walk away and closer than Lancashire CC. Exchange Quay is the one to use for return journeys as the trams get full and may not stop at Pomona going back'. Amit Basu informs me; 'If using the Metrolink, away fans are better off taking the Altrincham - Bury route and getting off at Old Trafford station, by the cricket ground - just follow the crowds for the football. While the nearest stations to the ground are probably Pomona or Exchange Quays on the Eccles line, they not particularly convenient for getting to or from the away end. However, when leaving, if you have a train to catch after the game, avoid Old Trafford Metrolink at all costs! The best bet is get the train from Manchester United Football Ground station to Piccadilly (Journey time 10 minutes). The entrance to the station is immediately outside the away end' Top Of Page
By Air
Manchester Airport is located eight miles away from Old Trafford. You can either get a taxi from the airport or catch one of the regular train services (seven per hour) from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station (journey time 15-25mins depending on service caught). Change there for another train or metrolink onto Old Trafford. Top Of Page
Manchester Coach Station And By Bus From Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester Coach Station is located three miles away from Old Trafford. However it is only a few minutes walk away from Piccadilly Railway Station where a train or metro can be caught up to the ground or Piccadilly Gardens where buses can be located. As you come out of the main coach station entrance turn right along Chorlton Street. At the bottom of Chorlton street turn left into Aytoun Street. Proceed along this road and then turn right into Auburn Street. At the crossroads with London Road, you can see the entrance to the station over on on the right. If you continue past the station and at the next junction turn left, then you are in Piccadilly Gardens where there is a large bus terminus. Buses From Piccadilly Gardens Adam Hodson informs me; 'From Piccadilly Gardens you can get the Stagecoach Manchester Buses 255, 256 or Arriva North West No 263. These services all run down the A56 Chester Road near to Old Trafford. Journey time (depending on traffic) is around 15-20 minutes. Top Of Page
A Closer Look At The Stretford End
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Local Rivals
Manchester City, Liverpool and from a little further a field Leeds United. Top Of Page
Admission Prices For Away Supporters
TPlease note that home section tickets are normally made only available to members of the club, which are then normally allocated by a ballot system (unless you want to buy a corporate hospitality ticket). Tickets rarely make general sale, although it does sometimes happen (especially in the early rounds of domestic and European Cup competitions), so it is worth checking. There always seems to be a number of ticket touts operating around the ground, but I dread thinking how much they would be asking for a ticket. Prices For Away Fans: South East Corner: Adults £43, Over 65's/Under 18's £24, Under 16's £15. Top Of Page
Stadium Layout
For a stadium plan showing the individual block numbers Then visit the official Manchester United website. Top Of Page
Fixtures 2011-2012
Manchester United fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website). Top Of Page
Programme and Fanzines
Official Programme: £3 Red Issue: £2.50 United We Stand: £2.50 Red News Fanzine: £2 Red Army: Free Top Of Page
Old Trafford Stadium Tours
The club offer tours of the stadium, which are available daily (except matchdays). The tour also includes a visit to the Club Museum and costs; Adults £15 & Under 16's & over 65's £10. There are family and group tickets also available which offer a discount on these prices. To book your tour call the club on 0161 868 8000 or Book Online. Top Of Page
Disabled Facilities
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website. Top Of Page
Record And Average Attendance
ARecord Attendance: 76,962 - Wolves v Grimsby, FA Cup Semi Final, March 25th, 1939. Modern All Seated Attendance Record: 76,098 v Blackburn Rovers (Highest at a UK all seated Club ground & Premier League record) Premier League, March 31st, 2007. Average Attendance: 2010-2011: 75,109 (Premier League) 2009-2010: 74,864 (Premier League) 2008-2009: 75,309 (Premier League) Top Of Page
Old Trafford Fans Reviews
Harry Shaw (Arsenal) 13/3/11 Josh Grainger (Leeds United) 3/1/10 Tim Watson (Derby County) 8/12/07 Top Of Page
Hotel Accommodation
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. The Hotels listing includes details of how far they are away from the Old Trafford Stadium. Access their Manchester Hotels and Guest Houses page. Remember that you can also use the above link or the panel below to book any other hotels that you may need for business or leisure, either in the UK or abroad. Top Of Page
Map Showing The Location Of The Old Trafford Stadium, Railway Stations and Listed Pubs
Instructions for using the map: - Use the bar on the left of the map to zoom in / out using the + / - keys. - Click and drag an area of the map to move around or use the up/down, left/right arrows - Click the Satellite button to see aerial view photograph.
Feedback
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me duncan@footballgrounds.net and I'll update the guide.

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