Man City and Barry Manilow fans given travel warning ahead of Premier League title decider and Co-op Live gig

Football and music dominate the ‘what to do in Manchester’ suggestions once again this weekend. Manchester City face West Ham at the Etihad Stadium knowing a win will secure the Premier League title, whilst legendary singer Barry Manilow will perform at Co-op Live. 

Both of these events take place on Sunday May 19, and of course both venues are neighbours following the delayed opening of the new 23,500 capacity music venue. The events will see thousands of fans making their way to and from the two venues in a matter of hours. 

Ahead of the big day, Transport for Greater Manchester have issued a ‘plan your journey’ message to fans. City kick off at 4pm, whilst doors at Co-op Live open at 6.30pm. 

Can I park for Barry Manilow at Co-op Live or City’s Premier League title decider? 

Co-op Live parking for Barry Manilow has sold out and a strict residential-only parking scheme is in place around the arena. TfGM have strongly advised football and music fans to use public transport or active travel to get to the two venues. 

An alternative suggested by TfGM is to park in one of the city centre multi-storeys and take a tram, walk, wheel or cycle to Etihad Campus to complete your journey. 

What is happening on the Metrolink?  

The Metrolink is one of the simplest ways people can get to either the Etihad Stadium of Co-op Live, with several stops within walking distance of both. Barry Manilow fans will have Metrolink travel included in their gig ticket, and this is valid for four hours before and after the show.  Double trams will also be running on the line between Etihad Campus and Manchester city centre before and after the City match. 

Man City shuttle bus service

City fans are also being encouraged to use the shuttle bus service that operates on home match days. This is a network of buses that run across the city, and provide a further option to travel to and from the Etihad Stadium.

Can I cycle to the Etihad Campus? 

If cycling is up your street, then you can beat the busy buses and trams and bike your way to the venues. It takes just 10 minutes to cycle via Merrill Street, then on to the CityLink by Holt Town tram stop. There are over 500 cycle parking spaces on the Etihad Campus once you get to the arena.   

Which way can I walk to Etihad Campus? 

Walking from the city centre to either the Etihad Stadium of Co-op Live is also an option, particularly in the warmer weather. The Etihad Campus is a 35-minute walk from the city centre. From Piccadilly station, there is a step free walking route that  will take you through the Ancoats and New Islington areas.  Helpers will be on hand to support those making this way to and from events.

What has Transport for Greater Manchester said? 

Ahead of the busy Sunday on the transport network 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.”