For football supporters around England and Europe, an away day at Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium is a coveted and bucket list experience. With a capacity of over 75,000, Old Trafford is the largest club football stadium in the UK. When full of passionate and boisterous fans, the atmosphere is electrifying.
As an away fan, a trip to Manchester United comes with challenges and rewards. Proper planning is required to get tickets, sort accommodations, travel to the city, and navigate your way on matchday. Follow this guide to make the most of your away day at one of football’s most famous grounds, the “Theatre of Dreams.”
Arranging Travel and Lodging
Old Trafford is located just outside Manchester city centre, only 3km southwest of downtown. Most away fans arriving from out of town come via train to Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria stations. Both are major railway hubs with connections across Britain. The stadium is a short tram, bus, or taxi ride away from either station.
Give yourself time to arrive the day before matchday if traveling far. Manchester offers a huge selection of hotels and B&Bs downtown and near the stadium. Booking well in advance is recommended.
Alternatively, away supporter coach trips are organized by many clubs. These take care of transport and provide a fun atmosphere with fellow fans.
Obtaining Away Tickets
Demand for away tickets at Manchester United is extremely high. Tickets are allocated to visiting clubs and distributed to away season ticket holders and members first. For major matches, you may need priority points or a long purchase history to have a chance. The best bet is to inquire with your club at the start of the season to get on a waiting list or ticket office alerts for United away.
Purchasing Parking at Old Trafford
Driving to Old Trafford and parking there on matchday is an attractive option for many fans. Old Trafford parking must be pre-booked online in advance through Manchester United’s website. There are several Old Trafford parking options on offer:
Official Stadium Parking – £40 per car
Old Trafford Cricket Ground – £25 per car
Old Trafford Football Ground – £25 per car
These supervised lots are right at the stadium but fill up quickly. Purchase early to secure a space.
Alternative parking can also be found at nearby metro stations like Wharfside (£8 all day) and Old Trafford (£4 all day). Street parking in the surrounding residential areas is strictly residents-only on matchdays with no public parking allowed. Follow all parking restrictions to avoid a costly fine or towing.
Experiencing Matchday
Arrive to the stadium at least 90 minutes early to soak up the atmosphere, have a pint and food, and get through security. Entering Old Trafford on matchday as an away supporter is a surreal feeling, seeing the “Theatre of Dreams” lettering above the entrance. Soak it in and savor this historic football cathedral.
Away fans are seated together in the upper tier of the East Stand. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the pitch and stadium. Sing loud and proud to spur your club on versus the Red Devils! Just be mindful to not celebrate overzealously and draw the ire of the home crowd.
Manchester United away is the pinnacle for most football travelers. Follow this guide and relish every moment of your pilgrimage to Old Trafford, the most famous football ground in the world.