Few British soccer teams are as recognised globally as Manchester United. Their stadium, Old Trafford, is a huge attraction both for die-hard fans and curious soccer neophytes. Watch a match and arrange to go on a stadium tour. See the hallowed sporting ground where the Reds as they are affectionately known have claimed many sporting victories.
Old Trafford has been Manchester United’s home ground since 1910. After suffering damage during World War II, the stadium needed to be rebuilt and the team temporarily moved to Maine Road, the home ground of rivals Manchester City.
Sign up for a behind-the-scenes stadium tour to see parts of the sporting complex that are normally out of bounds. Imagine the pre-match tension felt by the players in the dressing room, stroll down the tunnel toward the pitch and venture up into the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. It is named after the team’s most successful manager.
Spanning three floors of the stand is the club’s museum. Take pictures with the dazzling trophies, learn about key figures in Manchester United’s history and see old kits worn by players in previous decades. There are also exhibits that explore the history of the stadium.
If you want to watch the team in action, purchase a ticket for a match. Be aware that these are in high demand and are offered to members first. Tickets for midweek matches earlier in the season or for friendly matches will be easier to secure. Consider joining up as a member or purchasing a hospitality package instead.
Old Trafford is well connected to Manchester's public transport network and is about a 20-minute drive from Manchester Airport. If you are driving, there is parking available, for a fee, in several lots. There is no parking fee on non-match days. Stadium tours run daily, except on match days, and last for approximately 80 minutes. Museum admission is included with the price of the tour ticket, although museum-only tickets can also be purchased at a cheaper rate.
