People are being advised to plan their journeys as thousands of football fans and music lovers are set to flock to neighbouring events in Greater Manchester this weekend. Travel advice has been issued ahead of a ‘really busy’ Sunday in the city.
This weekend, Co-op Live will welcome legendary performer Barry Manilow to the stage, while next door, Manchester City take on West Ham United at the Etihad as they try to clinch Premier League title. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has said it expects tens of thousands to descend on Eastlands this Sunday.
People travelling to the concert, match or other destinations are encouraged to make use of the public transport and active travel options on offer. They are also advised to check the latest information before setting off.
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Ticket-holders for Barry Manilow will have free Metrolink tram travel included with their event ticket – valid for four hours before and after the show – which can also be used on the post-event shuttle buses from Co-op Live to the city centre. However, travel on commercial bus services is not included with event tickets.
Parking at Co-op Live has already sold out and there is a strict residents parking scheme is in operation around the venue. While public transport and active travel are strongly encouraged by TfGM, an suggested alternative is to park in one of city centre multi-storeys and take a tram, walk, or cycle to Etihad Campus.
For those attending the match, Metrolink will operate a double-tram service between the city centre and Etihad Campus both before and after the match. Supporters can also make use of a shuttle bus service to the city centre, or travel on one of the 17 supporters bus services from across Greater Manchester and the surrounding area.
Buses will leave later, at 7.15pm, if City win the Premier League title. It adds that public transport will be busiest immediately before and after the events and passengers may have to wait to board their services.
The Etihad Campus is just a 35-minute walk from the city centre, giving City and Barry Manilow fans the option of walking or cycling to their events. A new interactive walking route (also marked on maps as ‘CityLink’) is clearly signposted from Piccadilly Station and through the Ancoats and New Islington areas, and helpers will be on hand to support people as they make their way to and from the events.
For those cycling, it is a 10 minute cycle ride via Merrill Street, then on to the CityLink by Holt Town tram stop. There are over 500 cycle parking spaces on the Etihad Campus.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “We’re expecting it to be a really busy Sunday with Barry Manilow in town and Manchester City on the brink of a fourth consecutive Premier League title – that’s why we’ve worked with partners on plans to ensure our transport network is as robust as possible on the day.
“We want everyone to have a great time and, would encourage those off to the Etihad or Co-op Live to use public transport for their journeys, or consider walking, cycling or wheeling as the best way to get to and from their destination.
“Planning and preparation for events such as this is done in great detail and there will be plenty of staff on hand to help and support people making their way to and from their destination.
“Enhanced bus and tram services will be in place and we will also be monitoring the network and providing up to date travel information so people’s journeys run as smoothly as possible.”
Further information on getting to the Co-op Live Arena and the Etihad Stadium can be found on the TfGM website.