16
LIVERPOOL VS. MANCHESTER UNITED AT OLD TRAFFORD
Where?
Old Trafford
Sir Matt Busby Way
Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, U.K.
When?
During football (a.k.a. soccer) season.
Significance:
The proximity of both clubs in the northwest of England makes the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester. The origin of their feud can be traced back to their industrial roots. Manchester was well-known for manufacturing. Liverpool had a key port that was once used by their now rival. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal allowed goods to be shipped directly to Manchester, bypassing their neighbor. In the 1970s, Liverpool joined Manchester in soccer dominance and the feud was born. They not only battle to improve their standings in the league, but also over the designation as “the Greatest English Football Club,” a title both clubs claim. A heated rivalry may be an understatement. Not content with battling on the soccer field, in 2007 Manchester United blocked Gabriel Heinze from joining Liverpool via an appeal to the FA. Recognized as the most successful teams in English football history, Liverpool versus Manchester biannual matchups are considered the biggest games of the season. Victories against each other are just as important as revenues and league standings.
Who attends?
Rabid football/soccer fans cheering on their favorite team and jeering their rival.
How to get there?
Travel onto the M60 by the most appropriate route and then leave at the nearest junction to you. Select from Junctions 7, 9, and 12 as follows:
From Clockwise M60 (increasing junction numbers) : Take the Motorway at Junction 7 to join the A56 Manchester bound. Stay on the A56 following the signs for Manchester United. Turn left into Sir Matt Busby Way. Parking is located on the right in front of the stadium.
From Anti-Clockwise M60 (decreasing junction numbers): Take the M60 at Junction 9 and merge onto Parkway (A5081) toward Trafford Park. At the first island, take the 3rd exit onto Village Way and remain on this road until the next island (traffic lights). Take the second exit and then merge onto Wharfside Way. Turn right at the junction with Sir Matt Busby Way. Parking is on the left in front of the stadium.
Alternative route from Anti-Clockwise M60 (decreasing junction numbers): Take the M60 at Junction 12 for M602 (Salford/Manchester). At the end of the M602 (Junction 3), follow signs for Salford Quays and Trafford Park. At the roundabout, turn right into Trafford Road (A5063). You will go over the bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal. Stay in the right hand lane to turn right at the next set of lights and follow the road to Trafford Wharf Road. Turn left at the next set of lights onto Waters Reach. The Golden Tulip Hotel will be on your left. Continue through the lights onto Sir Matt Busby Way.
NOTE: Please seek alternative on match days when Sir Matt Busby Way is closed.
Tickets:
For secondary ticket access, consider:
GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, Suite 140
Bannockburn, IL 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
E-mail: sales@gotickets.com
www.gotickets.comAccommodations:
The Lowry Hotel
50 Dearmans Place
Chapel Wharf
Manchester, M3 5LH, U.K.
Phone: +44 161 827 4000
Fax: +44 161 876 4001
Toll-Free: 1-888-667-9477
www.thelowryhotel.comNote: Established in April of 2000, this has become a popular place to stay.
The Midland Hotel
Peter Street
Manchester, M60 2DS,U.K.
Phone: +44 161 236 3333
Fax: +44 161 932 4100
www.qhotels.co.ukNote: Located on the south side of St Peter’s Square, this is a celebrated luxury hotel and a grade II-listed architectural treasure.
Palace Hotel Manchester
Note: Friendly staff and quality service in a carefree and relaxing environment.
The Britannia Sachas Hotel
Note: Several health and beauty facilities, including the Spindles Health & Leisure Club, allow you to calm your nerves and improve your health.
Hotel Ibis Manchester City Centre
Note: This hotel is a great value for those on a budget.
Travelodge
Note: Another economical option for those coming to see the game.
On-Site Hospitality:
Old Trafford offers suites, boxes, and private restaurants for people who are entertaining others or for those who just want to enjoy the game. All hospitality packages include tickets, food, and drink. Phone: +44 (0)870 442 1994, e-mail: hospitality@manutd.co.uk.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.com
Premiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.com
Dining:
Pre-match:
Bishops Blaize
Chester Road
Stretford, Manchester, M32 0SF, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 873 8845
Note: Closest pub to the ground and one of the nosiest if you want a pre-match sing song.
The Trafford
699 Chester Road
Manchester, M16 0GW, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 848 0736
Note: Another great pre-game option that is much like Bishops Blaize.
The Tollgate
Seymore Grove
Trafford, Manchester, M16 0TG, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 873 8213
Note: A bit further away (right outside the Trafford Bar tram station) and more sedate! No singing, just drinking!
Post-match:
Gaucho Grill
Note: Generous portions served at this Argentinean steakhouse. Bring your appetite.
Yang Sing
34 Princess Street
Manchester, M1 4JY, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 236 2200
www.yang-sing.comNote: This Cantonese restaurant has set the standard both in and out of the city.
The Olive Press
Note: A taste of Italy in jolly old England with rustic, cozy surroundings.
The Restaurant Bar and Grill
14 John Dalton Street
Manchester, M2 6JR, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 839 1999
www.therestaurantbarandgrill.co.ukNote: Known locally and nationally for great, simple dishes in a modern and stylish environ- ment.Shimla Pinks
Note: A welcoming area venue where you can just relax and have fun.
Cloud 23
The Hilton-23rd floor
Beetham Tower
303 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 870 1688
Note: Manchester’s answer to the world famous Rainbow Room in NYC.
Panacea
Note: Pricey drinks, but you may catch a glimpse of a celebrity.
Ampersand
Note: A good place to go, but a bit upscale for most game-day fans.
Mulligans
12 Southgate
Manchester, M3 2RB, U.K.
Phone: +44 (0)161 288 0006
Note: One of the better Irish bars in the area.
Airport:
Manchester International Airport
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
The best place to watch this game is at the West End of the stadium, formerly known as the Stretford End. This is the area with the best game atmosphere in a stadium filled with it.
Best place to get up close:
If you want the best local experience and to rub shoulders with the Brits, check out any of the pre-match dining options. You will not be disappointed as you will be sure to have someone talking or singing in your face about football. It’s much more enjoyable with a few in you.
Best travel tip:
Deansgate provides the ultimate Manchester experience with many local dining and shopping options. Authentic cuisine and souvenirs aplenty.
Notable Quote:
“This is definitely the game which rises above all others. . . . You can’t escape the history of a Manchester United-Liverpool game and how much it means to the fans of each club.”—SIR ALEXANDER CHAPMAN FERGUSON, Manchester United F.C. manager
Relevant Websites: