The Internet Football Grounds Guide - Old Trafford, Manchester United Football Club

Contents
What's The Ground Like? The Famous Facade (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? Where To Drink? North Stand & Stretford End (photo) How To Get There By Car And Where To Park By Train/Metrolink Looking Towards The East Stand (photo) Admission Prices Programme & Fanzines Local Rivals Main (South Stand) (photo) Fixtures 2007-2008 Stadium Tours Disabled Facilities Ground Layout Record & Average Attendance Fans Ground Reviews Hotel Accommodation Feedback Return To The Main Menu
What's The Ground Like?
With the completion of an additional tier of seating in the North East & North West corners, costing some Ł45m, Old Trafford the then largest league ground in Britain, has got even bigger. Whether the Club continue with the expansion of Old Trafford by replacing the old Main (South) Stand, remains to be seen. 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 expand upon. Old Trafford has always been a special place as it was one of the few grounds where the stands envelop the corners. Although more grounds 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 North 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. Top Of Page
The Rear Of The East Stand & Sir Matt Busby Statue
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What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans 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. Fans are normally searched on the way into the ground by the stewards and once inside there are a number of refreshment kiosks. These sell a range of Shire Foods pies at Ł2 (but alas no balti pies) and other refreshments. 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, but the good thing 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
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 tip for parking below for more info). 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
The North Stand & Stretford End
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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 Ł5). 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 Ł3. 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. 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. For a map showing the location of Old Trafford click here (to take you to the Street Map website). To go to a simplified page, containing the directions and pub info, which you can print out click here. Top Of Page
By Train/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. 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 Old Trafford station to Piccadilly - the entrance to the station is immediately outside the away end'. Top Of Page
Looking Towards The East Stand
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Admission Prices
Please 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 Stand: Adults Ł47, Concessions Ł23.50, Juniors Ł12.50 South East Corner: Adults Ł38 & Ł39, Concessions Ł19 & Ł19.50, Juniors Ł12.50 Top Of Page
Programme & Fanzines
Official Programme: Ł3. Red Issue Fanzine Ł1.50. Red News Fanzine Ł2. Top Of Page
Local Rivals
Manchester City, Liverpool and from a little further a field Leeds United. Top Of Page
Main (South) Stand

Fixtures 2007-2008
For the Manchester United fixture list click here (to take you to the BBC Sports Website). Top Of Page
Stadium Tours
The club offer tours of the stadium, which are available daily (except matchdays and the day before a European game). The tour also includes a visit to the Club Museum and costs; Adults Ł9.50 & Under 16's & over 65's Ł6.50. There are family tickets available which offer a discount on these prices. To book your tour call the club on 0870-442-1994 (Option 3). Top Of Page
Disabled Facilities
For details of disabled facilities at the ground please visit the relevant page on the National Association Of Disabled Supporters (NADS) website. Top Of Page
Ground Layout
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Record & Average Attendance
Record 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: 2006-2007: 75,826 (Premier League) 2005-2006: 68,765 (Premier League) 2004-2005: 67,748 (Premier League) Top Of Page
Fans Reviews Of Old Trafford
Tim Watson (Derby County) 8/12/07 Charlie Maclennan (Arsenal) 1/12/04 Robert Parker (Leicester City) 5/11/02 Top Of Page
Hotel Accommodation
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Football Hotels who are powered by Activehotels, who specialise in locating accommodation near or within a short travelling distance of the football ground. They also have the added advantage over some other hotel booking services that you pay on departure. 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. To access their Manchester United page click here. Top Of Page
Feedback
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me and I'll update the guide.

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