Sports in Manchester: Football, Rugby, Ice Hockey & More

Between January and March, the sporting action doesn’t stop in Manchester. From Premier League football to rugby, ice hockey, basketball, and interactive sports museums, there’s plenty to keep fans cheering through the winter months.

Whether you’re staying in Manchester for the weekend or just for a midweek trip, this guide highlights everything you need to know to make the most of the city’s winter sporting scene.

Football: Manchester City & Manchester United

Football is Manchester’s heartbeat, and January to March is prime time in the season. Both Premier League giants battle for points, cup progression, and glory.

At the Etihad Stadium, watch the treble champions, Manchester City, play at their state-of-the-art ground, where the famous 'Blue Moon' anthem fills the stands. Catch Manchester United at Old Trafford in their world-famous 'Theatre of Dreams,' which offers an electric atmosphere. Visiting with the away crowd? Both stadiums have dedicated sections for travelling supporters, with easy access, fan-friendly pubs nearby, and plenty of atmosphere to soak up. Just arrive early - matchdays in Manchester get busy fast.

Manchester also boasts a thriving women’s football scene. Manchester City Women play home matches at the Academy Stadium, while Manchester United Women host games at Leigh Sports Village. Both clubs compete in the Women’s Super League, offering fast-paced, top-tier football throughout the winter months. Matches are family-friendly, showcase the city’s rising stars, and provide fans with an exciting addition to Manchester’s sporting calendar.

Manchester City F.C.

Manchester United Stadium - Old Trafford

Manchester United F.C.

Stadium Tours

If you can’t make it to a match, midweek visits are a perfect way to soak up the football atmosphere with year-round stadium tours in Manchester. At the Etihad Stadium, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at City’s top-notch facilities. Over at Old Trafford, you can walk through the players’ tunnel, explore the dressing rooms, and step out onto the pitch. Even if you don’t support blue or red, these tours are a real treat for any football fan - rival supporters often leave genuinely impressed.

People sat in the press confeerence room on the Manchester City Stadium Tour

Manchester City Football Club Stadium and Club Tour

Go behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester United to welcome visitors back to its Museum & Tour as Old Trafford reopens

Manchester United Stadium and Club Tour

Go behind the scenes at the world’s most iconic stadium; Old Trafford.

Beyond Manchester’s Big Two

Greater Manchester is packed with historic clubs like Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Rochdale AFC, Oldham Athletic, and Salford City. Their winter fixtures offer an authentic, affordable football experiences for all fans.

Rugby: Sale Sharks in Action

Rugby fans are in for an action-packed winter in Manchester. Sale Sharks, one of England’s top Premiership Rugby clubs, bring thrilling scrums, dramatic tries, and passionate support to their home games at the Salford Community Stadium. From January through March, every men’s fixture is high-stakes, with league tables shaping up and rivalries heating up.

Meanwhile, Sale Sharks Women showcase elite women’s rugby at Heywood Road, offering fast-paced matches that highlight the growing strength of the women’s game in Greater Manchester.

Visiting supporters are welcomed with open arms, with convenient transport options to and from the city centre making it easy to enjoy matchday atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Ice Hockey: Manchester Storm

For fast-paced action on the ice, head to Altrincham Ice Dome, home of Manchester Storm. Competing in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), their matches are some of the most exciting on the winter calendar. Expect big hits, high-speed skating, and an unbeatable atmosphere. Their great for groups and families.

EIHL away fans often travel well, and Storm’s rink is set up to welcome visitors. Expect plenty of banter whether you’re cheering for the Storm or against them.

Manchester Basketball

Manchester has a proud basketball tradition, and the city is now represented by Manchester Basketball, competing in the British Basketball League (BBL Super League). Home games take place throughout winter, giving fans another indoor sporting option.

Basketball fans can get excited as the NBA is bringing a regular-season game to Manchester for the very first time in 2027. Announced together with Co-op Live and Manchester City Council, it’s a huge moment for the city, the arena, and UK sport.

Museums & Sporting Experiences in Manchester

When you’re not soaking up the thrill of a live match, Manchester offers plenty of ways to explore its rich sporting heritage indoors. The National Football Museum in the city centre is a must-visit, packed with interactive exhibits, legendary memorabilia, and fun experiences for all ages. Football fans can also head to the city’s club museums and fan shops for unique souvenirs, replica kits, and exclusive merchandise.

Explore more of Manchester's sporting experiences below:

National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…

Sixes Social Cricket

Swing for the boundaries at SIXES - The World's first immersive cricket experience combined with…

Flight Club

Flight Club is the home of Social Darts. They’ve taken the traditional game of darts and…

Electric Shuffle Manchester

Set within a spectacular venue on Deansgate, Electric Shuffle Manchester boasts 15 shuffleboard…

Oxygen Activeplay

Oxygen Activeplay is about to bounce into Manchester, bringing BIG-TIME fun to MediaCity from the…

Summit Up Climbing

The 1,850m² purpose built centre in the heart of Oldham houses an array of climbing facilities…

Silver Blades Ice Rink

The indoor ice rink is open for sessions 7 days a week with theme sessions daily for the general…

The Archertype

Discover an exhilarating and unique combat archery experience in the heart of Manchester with The…

TeeClub at Quayside

TeeClub will be opening at Quayside from Monday 13th October, a new indoor gold venue with Trackman…

Total Ninja

Total Ninja – unleash your inner warrior The UK’s first ninja park is open in Manchester…

Junkyard Golf Club

Welcome to Junkyard Golf Club! Home of crazy golf, booze and bad puns. Get excited on three mashed…

Eat & Drink Like a Local Fan

No sporting day is complete without food and drink. Head to classic fan favourites like Mulligans for live football screenings. Also, it's a great spot to catch GAA Football fixtures and Six Nations Rugby while you’re visiting the city. Manchester’s dining scene is world-class, with plenty of venues showing live sports.

Many pubs and bars around the stadiums welcome visiting fans, especially in the city centre - just be sure to check ahead on matchdays, as some can be home-fan only.

Mulligans

Widely hailed as serving the best pint of Guinness in Manchester, with many even saying the best…

Corn Exchange Manchester

Showcasing all its original Edwardian beauty with a modern twist, The Corn Exchange is home to a…

Mackie Mayor

Cosmopolitan food hall in an 1858 Grade II listed market building, on the edge of Manchester's…

Tib Street Tavern

Renowned for its world beers, excellent food and live sport; the Tib Street Tavern is a popular pub…

Escape to Freight Island

Located on Baring Street, amid the thrilling regeneration of Depot Mayfield, Escape to Freight…

Printworks

Printworks is a buzzing, entertainment and leisure complex located in the heart of Manchester City…

Cafe Football (Old Trafford)

Cafe Football is a 185 seat capacity resturant over seen by two Michelin star chef Michael Wignall…

Crown & Anchor

The Crown and Anchor is a welcoming pub located near the Joseph Holt brewery in Manchester, offering…

Courts Club St John's

Welcome to Courts Club, Manchester’s urban oasis. Tucked in St John’s Neighbourhood…

Sixes Social Cricket

Swing for the boundaries at SIXES - The World's first immersive cricket experience combined with…

Lass O'Gowrie

One of the city's most famous, traditional pubs still standing in Manchester, the Lass provides nine…

Practical Tips for Sports Fans

Tickets: Book football, rugby, and ice hockey tickets well in advance. Only use official club websites.
Transport: Trams, buses, and trains connect stadiums to the city centre. Plan extra time on matchdays.
Accessibility: All major venues offer accessible seating and family-friendly facilities.
Winter Weather: Wrap up warm for football and rugby; indoor sports are perfect for colder days.

Plan Your Winter Sports Break in Manchester

From Premier League showdowns to rugby clashes, ice hockey battles, and basketball nights, Manchester in January–March is packed with world-class sporting action. Pair it with stadium tours, the National Football Museum, and some classic Mancunian hospitality, and you’ve got the ultimate sports city break.

Start planning now: check fixture lists, book your tickets, and get ready to experience Manchester’s legendary sporting spirit.

Top Budget Hotels in Manchester for Sports Fans

Manchester isn’t just about the action on the pitch, staying in the right spot makes your trip even better. Budget-friendly hotels and serviced apartments near the city centre or transport links put the Etihad, Old Trafford, and Salford Community Stadium just minutes away. Many offer fan-friendly perks like early breakfasts and comfy rooms, so even on a budget, you can enjoy top-tier sports without compromise.

Britannia Sachas Hotel

A hotel situated in Manchester City Centre with 223 bedrooms equipped with a restaurant, bars…

Travelodge Manchester Central Riverside

The Manchester Central Riverside hotel is located right on the river, nestled between…

easyHotel City Centre

easyHotel Manchester is a budget-friendly hotel located in the iconic Flatiron building, offering a…

Gardens Hotel

Situated at the heart of Manchester, overlooking the famous Piccadilly Gardens the hotel provides an…

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena

A stylish hotel in Manchester's buzzing Northern Quarter with inclusive breakfast and free…

Holiday Inn Express Oxford Road

Located on Oxford Road, this stylish new hotel is an ideal base for Manchester’s excellent…

Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre

The working day can be topsy-turvy. Unscheduled meetings, late running and crazy meal times. Now…

Ibis Hotel Manchester Portland Street

Centrally situated in the heart of the city, hotel Ibis is ideally suited for both business and…

Ibis Hotel Manchester Princess Street

Ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street is a budget hotel. Book the hotel for a location less than…

Motel One Manchester - Piccadilly

You will find high design at low costs in Motel One Manchester Piccadilly. Located within two…

Motel One Manchester - Royal Exchange

Motel One's hotel is located immediately close to Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre…

Motel One Manchester - St. Peter's Square

Chesterfield furniture, imposing bookshelves and checked patterns abound in the third Motel One in…

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Central)

The UK's number one hotel chain, Premier Inn guarantee clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly and…

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Manchester Arena)

Situated in the centre of Manchester on Victoria Bridge Street, off Deansgate near the Manchester…

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Portland Street)

Premier Inn is the UK's biggest hotel chain. Guaranteeing clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly…

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Princess Street)

The UK's number one hotel chain, Premier Inn guarantee clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly…

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (West)

The UK's number one hotel chain, Premier Inn guarantee clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly…

Travelodge Manchester Central

5 minute walk from M.E.N. Arena, within walking distance of shops and bars. Limited car parking…

Travelodge Manchester Central Arena

Travelodge Manchester Central Hotel is situated on Great Ducie street and is just 2 minutes walk…

Travelodge Manchester Piccadilly

Travelodge Piccadilly is a conveniently located hotel situated in the heart of Manchester's…

Manchester Northern Quarter Walking Tour

Wrap up warm and discover Manchester’s Northern Quarter on this 1.5-hour walking tour through the city’s most creative neighbourhood. With a local expert guide, you’ll step back in time to explore its history, from muddy tracks and the Industrial Revolution to the vibrant…

Getting Around

Explore Manchester easily with our travel guide on getting around. Find practical tips, transportation options, and maps for a seamless city exploration. Whether by tram, bus, or foot, our guide ensures you make the most of your visit, navigating Manchester with convenience.

Hotel bedroom with bathtub and view to Manchester Town Hall

Hotels in Manchester City Centre

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility in the heart of Manchester by choosing from the array of hotels and serviced apartments in the bustling city centre.

Find Your Corner in Manchester This Winter

Whatever brings you to Manchester this winter, you’ll find a city alive with creativity, culture, and warmth. Wrap up, head out, and experience everything that makes Manchester so special in the first months of the year. From cosy coffee shops to cutting-edge exhibitions, there’s always something to make even the chilliest days feel worthwhile.

Top 5 Unmissable Things to Do in Manchester This Winter

28 Oct 2025 -

Guide 10 days ago

Top 5 Unmissable Things to Do in Manchester This Winter

7 minute read

Manchester in winter is full of charm, with cosy cafés, markets, and world-class museums bringing the city to life. The streets come alive with live entertainment, art galleries, and a food scene that warms you from the inside out. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, a mid-week…