Spectator information
SATURDAY 17TH MAY
London Broncos v Catalan Dragons
Widnes Vikings v Salford Red DEVILS
Hull KR v Hull FC
Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos
12.30pm
2.45pm
5.00pm
7.15pm
SUNDAY 18TH MAY
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Castleford Tigers
Huddersfield Giants v Bradford Bulls
Warrington Wolves v St Helens
12.30pm
2.45pm
5.00pm
OPENING TIMES:
BT CITY SQUARE & FANZONE
TURNSTILES (STADIUM BOWL)
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
10.30AM –
10.30AM6.45PM
4.30PM
11.00AM
SPECTATORS ARE UNABLE TO BRING FOOD AND DRINK INTO THE STADIUM BOWL OR
ONTO THE EXTERNAL CONCOURSES
SMOKE FREE COMPLEX:
The Etihad Campus, including road ways, car parks
and concourses are smoke free. The use of
electronic cigarettes is also prohibited. The stadium
operates a zero tolerance policy in relation to this
matter. Any spectator identified as smoking will be
ejected from the premises.
ADVICE:
The Bupa Great Manchester Run 2014 is taking
place on Sunday 18th May and may affect those
spectators who are planning on travelling by private
vehicle, from Manchester City Centre, to the Etihad
Stadium. Although vehicle movement may be
restricted in Manchester City Centre on the 18th
spectators can still use the Metrolink to reach the
Etihad Stadium. For further information on road
closures please visit www.greatrun.org
TRAVEL:
Large crowds are expected on both event days and
traffic congestion may be inevitable on all approach
roads. Spectators should allow sufficient time for
their journey and to plan for any unexpected delays.
The stadium is accessible from all major highways.
As you reach Manchester follow the brown tourist
signs for SportCity.
From the North:
Spectators travelling from the North are likely to
arrive at the M60 between J15 and J22.
Recommendation is to exit the M60 at J17 and use
the A56 to travel into Manchester and around the
intermediate relief road (A6010).
From the South:
Spectators travelling from the South are likely to
come via the M6. It is recommended that drivers
take J19 for the M56 and then join the A5103
(Princess Parkway) towards Manchester City
Centre. The brown tourist signs (SportCity) will then
direct vehicles over the Mancunian Way (A57(M)) to
the stadium.
From the West:
Spectators travelling from the West are advised to
come via the M62 and use the M602 and then
Regent Road to reach central Manchester and
move around the Mancunian Way (A57(M)) to the
stadium**
**N.B. This route may be busier than usual due
to City Centre road closures on Sunday 18th
May due to the BUPA Great Manchester Run.
The suggested alternative is to exit the M62 at
junction 12 for the M60 north bound. Exit the
M60 at J17 and use the A56 to travel into
Manchester and around the intermediate relief
road (A6010).
From the East:
It is likely that most of the traffic coming from this
direction will use the M67. Spectators travelling
from the East should follow the A57 from J24
(Denton roundabout).
TRAIN:
Trains from London Euston, Widnes, Salford
Crescent, Hull, Wigan Wallgate / North Western,
Leeds,
Wakefield
Westgate,
Castleford,
Huddersfield, Bradford Interchange, Warrington
Central/Bank Quay, St. Helens Junction run to one
or more of the following stations: Manchester
Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria & Manchester
Oxford Road stations.
Please check local
timetables for departure and arrival times and return
journeys. Please note not all routes are direct & it
may be necessary to change trains. Visit the
National Rail Enquiries website for more details on
specific services: www.nationalrail.co.uk.
METROLINK:
The Metrolink runs from Manchester City Centre &
Piccadilly Station directly to the Etihad Campus and
on towards Ashton-under-Lyne. On event days the
service operates every 6 minutes in both directions.
The Etihad Campus stop drops off directly into BT
City Square. Tickets can be purchased at all
stations on the line. Note: both Holt Town &
Velopark stops – the stations on either side of
Etihad Campus - will not be operational until an
hour post final fixture each day.
Note: The
Victoria Station tram stop will be closed across
the MAGIC weekend as it is undergoing some
significant renovations.
If you are approaching the City via the M60 there
are Metrolink Park + Ride facilities at the Ashton
Moss and Ashton West Metrolink stops (A6140 Lord
Sheldon Way), where you can connect direct to the
Etihad Campus.
Tickets must be purchased before travel; ticket
machines are located on every Metrolink platform.
Add-on tickets for the Metrolink can be purchased
at the same time as rail tickets. The consumption
of alcohol is not permitted on the Metrolink;
anyone attempting to board whilst in
possession of alcohol will have it confiscated.
Prominent signage is displayed on all trains. For
information on Metrolink; including prices, times and
a route map visit www.metrolink.co.uk. You can
also keep up-to-date with the latest Metrolink travel
news on twitter @MCRMetrolink
BUS:
For information on travelling to and from the
stadium by bus, please visit the following website:
www.tfgm.com or www.traveline-northwest.co.uk
SAFE WALKING ROUTE:
There is a well-lit, signposted walking route from
and to Manchester Piccadilly Station. Directional
signage is in place - follow the ‘City Link’ signs. It
will take approximately 20-minutes to walk the
route.
PARKING - CARS, MINI BUSES & MOTORBIKES:
Parking is available on-site on a pay-on-the-day
first-come-first-served basis on car parks G & H
(accessed from Alan Turing Way (Gate 2)
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Motorbike - No Charge
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Cars (incl. accessible parking) - £10
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Mini Buses - £20.
Accessible parking (for blue badge holders) is
available from the RFL – advance application only.
To
obtain
a
pass
please
e-mail:
ticketing@rfl.uk.com or call 0844 856 1113.
Vehicles will not be permitted to park in accessible
spaces without an event specific pass – blue badge
must also be displayed on arrival
There are a number of satellite car parks close to
the stadium with prices displayed at the point of
entry. The Etihad Stadium does not endorse these
car parks.
and from the stadium bowl – there is no limit on the
number of times someone is allowed to pass out
and re-enter.
Spectators leaving the stadium bowl with the
intention of returning may do so but MUST first
ensure that they have a hand stamp applied upon
initial exit; if there is no evidence of a hand stamp
re-entry will not be permitted. Hand stamps will be
applied by stadium stewards. Dedicated exit and
re-entry gates on each level will be used to facilitate
this operation. Different coloured hand stamps will
be used for each level each day.
A resident’s only parking scheme is in place in the
streets around the Etihad Stadium which is rigidly
enforced – signage is in place. Spectators who
park in an area where this system is in operation
should note that their vehicle may be clamped or
removed – spectators are asked to respect the
needs of local residents.
It is important that match tickets are not
discarded; tickets need to be produced for reentry if using the pass out system. Re-entry to
the stadium bowl will be on production of both a
hand stamp and relevant match ticket.
Parking at ASDA, adjacent to the stadium, is
reserved for store customers only – penalties
will be imposed for misuse of the car park.
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COACHES:
Parking is available on-site for coaches - prebookings only – no on-the-day sales - at a cost of
£30. All bookings taken/passes issued by MCFC contact Supporter Services on 0161 444 1894
(option 5 then option 3) to purchase.
RESERVED & UNRESERVED SEATING:
Please enter the stadium via the turnstile indicated
on the ticket.
RESERVED seats:
Spectators must
allocated seat(s).
seats that appear
holder hasn’t yet
stadium.
GROUND REGULATIONS (NOT EXHAUSTIVE) - IN PARTICULAR PLEASE
NOTE:-
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ensure that they sit in their
Although there may be adjacent
to be empty it is likely that ticket
arrived or is elsewhere in the
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UNRESERVED seats:
It is important to note that if an unreserved seat is
vacated it may not be possible to return to the same
seat at a later time.
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Certain seats or blocks within unreserved areas of
the stadium bowl will be marked as RESERVED
(e.g. close to wheelchair platforms and dug outs)
and as such are not available to holders of
unreserved seat tickets. Spectators should ensure
that they do not sit in any seat marked reserved if
they have purchased a ticket for an unreserved
area.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION:
If a student concession ticket has been purchased
identification may be requested on entry. Holders
of such tickets should ensure that they have
appropriate ID with them, i.e. student union card.
PASS OUTS:
A pass out/return system will be operated on both
event days allowing spectators to move freely to
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Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, knives,
bottles, glasses, cans or other articles which
might be used as a weapon and/or compromise
public safety or used to cause annoyance are
not permitted within the ground and will be
confiscated. Any person in possession of such
items will be refused entry to/ejected from the
stadium.
Flags or banners – maximum size 2m x 1m are
permitted. Flag poles are not allowed nor are
flags that portray offensive language and/or
imagery.
The use of foul and abusive language, obscene
chanting, racial or discriminatory abuse
towards any person is strictly forbidden and will
result in arrest/ejection from the stadium.
Unauthorised persons are strictly forbidden
from entering the field of play at any time.
Anyone doing so or attempting to do so will be
removed from the premises and arrested.
Collapsible viewing aids (steps/boxes etc.) are
not allowed to be taken into the stadium bowl.
The use of air horns, klaxons, whistles,
vuvuzalas and any other item likely to cause
confusion, annoyance or nuisance of any kind
are not permitted in any part of the stadium.
Alcohol purchased externally is not allowed to
be brought onto stadium premises.
There is a street drinking prohibition in place for
all alcoholic drinks and the Police will
confiscate all items including any unopened
bottles and cans.
The stadium operates a rigorous Challenge 21
alcohol policy. ID will need to be produced if it
is deemed that the potential purchaser looks
under 21
All persons seeking entrance to the stadium
acknowledge the stadium’s right to search any
person prior to entry and to refuse entry to or
eject from the stadium any person refusing to
submit to such a search.
With the exception of authorised press
representatives holding official passes or
broadcast partners, the taking of photographs
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or cine/video photography inside the stadium is
prohibited.
Notwithstanding possession of any ticket the
venue, any Police Officer or authorised steward
may refuse entry to (or eject from) the stadium
any person whose presence within the stadium
is, or could (in the stadium’s reasonable
opinion), constitute a source of danger,
nuisance or annoyance to any other person.
Nobody may stand in any seating area whilst
play is in progress. Persistent standing in
seated areas whilst play is in progress is strictly
forbidden and may result in ejection.
Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol
etc) Act 1985 (as amended), the following are
offences for which a person can be arrested by
a Police Officer and conviction could result in a
Banning Order being made:

Attempting to enter the Ground or being
inside the Ground whilst drunk;
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Being in possession of any intoxicating
liquor, or bottle, can or other portable
container which could cause damage or
personal injury, when entering the Ground
or in a public area of the Ground from
which the event can be directly viewed.
CCTV cameras are in use both internally and
externally and the stadium may use or pass to
the Police or any authority any recordings for
use in any proceedings.
At all times, whilst present on stadium
premises, all persons must comply with any
and all instructions of any steward or officer of
the club and/or any Police Officer. Failure to
comply with any instruction may lead to
immediate ejection.
REFRESHMENTS:
You are unable to bring food and drink into the
Etihad Stadium.
Food and drink is available at
concessions both on the concourses inside the
stadium and externally in BT City Square

*Concessions in BT City Square will open 2
hours prior to kick-off of the first game each
day and will close 30 minutes prior to kick-off of
the final game each day and will not re-open.

Concessions in the stadium bowl will be open
90 minutes prior to kick-off of the first game
each day and will close at the start of the
second half of the final game and will not reopen.
Each concession stand within the
stadium bowl offer accessible counters for
spectators with disabilities
relevant match ticket must be produced to gain
entry.
Alcohol is allowed in the stadium bowl. However,
alcohol may not be taken from the Stadium bowl
into BT City Square and vice versa.
ASDA supermarket may refuse to sell alcohol to
spectators attending the event.
There is a street drinking prohibition in place for all
alcoholic drinks and the police will confiscate all
items including unopened bottles and cans.
The
stadium operates a rigorous Challenge 21 policy, ID
will be required if the purchaser looks under 21
FANZONE:
A fanzone incorporating a range of activities will be
located in BT City Square on both event days.
FAQs:
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*Alcohol cannot be purchased in the Summerbee
Bar in BT City Square before noon on Sunday.
Under the terms of the stadium licence the
consumption of alcohol, on the external concourses
(BT City Square) is restricted to the Summerbee
Bar. Spectators are not permitted to walk around
any external areas with alcohol, or bring alcohol into
this area. Anyone in possession of alcohol in areas
where it is not permitted will have it confiscated.
Only spectators in possession of a match ticket are
permitted access to the Summerbee Bar – a
Q:
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Can you recommend accommodation
close to the stadium?
Visit the official destination website for
Manchester;
www.visitmanchester.com
where you will be able to find a variety of
hotels to suit your budget. You will also be
able to discover what’s on, where to eat and
drink and other attractions in and around
Manchester.
If I feel unwell during the event, can I get
help?
Yes, there will be a full medical team on duty
including first aid, paramedics and doctors.
If you feel unwell at any time please speak
to the nearest steward in the first instance.
Are there any baby changing facilities on
site?
Yes, located on each level of the stadium.
Stewards will be able to direct you to the
nearest facility.
Can I bring a pram or pushchair on-site?
There will be a facility on site where
spectators may leave prams or pushchairs.
Please speak to a steward on the day who
will direct you to the closest facility to your
entrance. All items are left at your own risk.
Please note neither the RFL nor the Etihad
Stadium will accept responsibility for the
theft of or any damage to any items left in
these facilities
Is there a cash machine on-site?
There is a cash machine on-site located
adjacent to the City Store, in BT City
Square. There are also cash machines at
ASDA Supermarket, which can be found
opposite the stadium, on Alan Turing Way.
Can I bring juice or a flask of tea into the
stadium?
No containers of any type are permitted
unless prior arrangements are made with
the stadium (outlined below special dietary
requirements)
For clarification, flasks are classed as a
controlled container and therefore will be
confiscated on approach to the stadium. If
you attempt to enter the ground whilst in
possession of any of these items (cans,
bottles, flasks etc.) then these items will be
confiscated and will be disposed of, they will
not be stored for collection post event.
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What happens if I have special
dietary requirements?
If you need to bring specific food and drink
for medical or dietary requirements, please
make the stewards aware and subject to
appropriate checks this will be allowed.
Can I take my drink to my seat?
Yes, but only if purchased from concourses
inside the stadium bowl; we would also ask
that you respect your fellow spectators
when transporting drinks to your seat and
while consuming them.
Can I bring bags, rucksacks or
suitcases?
Luggage items larger than A4 size are not
allowed into the stadium for security
reasons. Appropriate discretion will be used
for ladies’ handbags, baby changing bags,
etc. and will be subject to the standard
security checks.
Q:
I have difficulty using a turnstile.
Please speak to the steward positioned at
the turnstile who will happily assist with
access through the nearest gate.
What happens if my ticket doesn’t work?
There will be stadium staff located at each
turnstile who will be happy to help. If for
any reason the ticket is not valid, they will
direct you to the Stadium Ticket Office
(located in BT City Square), where the team
will endeavour to assist as quickly as they
can.
The ticket I have appears to have been
used, and I cannot access the stadium,
what can I do?
Please visit the Stadium Ticket Office in BT
City Square, where a member of the ticket
agency you purchased your ticket from will
be able to assist. If the system shows that
the ticket has already been used, you will
not be allowed to re-use this ticket and it will
be retained by the venue.
What do I do if I find someone sitting in
my reserved seat, if there’s a problem
with my seat or an issue with spectators
nearby?
Please contact your nearest steward
immediately who will be able to assist you or
contact someone who can help.
How do I access the disabled areas?
There are 4 entrances located around the
Stadium, 2 either side of the Colin Bell
Stadium Entrance (doors S & W) and 2
either side of the East Reception entrance
(doors D & H). You may only access these
entrances if your ticket has been activated in
advance. For further information please visit
www.mcfc.co.uk/access
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What toilet facilities are available on-site
for spectators with disabilities?
There are 30 disabled toilets on-site: ten on
Level 1, eight on Level 2, eight on Box Level
2 and four on Level 3 (if open). All toilets are
fitted with radar locks; stewards situated in
close proximity to the accessible toilets all
have a radar key, a radar key is also held by
a steward at each accessible entrance into
the stadium (entrances W, S, D and H).
Since buying my ticket, my mobility has
been affected. Who can I ask for
assistance and what happens if I’m
physically unable to get to the seat I have
a ticket for?
There are 4 lifts available for spectators to
use to reach their seat. Please speak to a
steward on the day they will be happy to
assist you should you encounter any
difficulties. If you need further advice please
contact the RFL Ticket Office.
Do you provide audio commentary?
The RFL offer audio commentary for blind
and visually impaired spectators (subject to
availability
of
audio
commentators).
Equipment is wireless and spectators can sit
in any seat in the stadium. To register for a
receiver and headset please contact the RFL
ticket office on 0844 856 1113 or email
ticketing@rfl.uk.com in advance. Audio
Commentary equipment is limited and
subject to availability on a first come-firstserved basis. Equipment will be available to
collect from a pre-designated point at the
Stadium on event day.
MAPS:
Maps showing the car park entrances, with post
codes, the safe walking route and the residents
parking scheme are available to view at
www.superleague.co.uk/magic_weekend.
To
request a hard copy of any of the maps please
contact the RFL Customer Service Centre on 0844
856 113 or e-mail ticketing@rfl.uk.com. The car
park map has been designed for use with satellite
navigation systems. The postcodes shown provide
directions to a specific car park entrance; please
ensure that you use the most relevant postcode for
the car park you are trying to reach. Satellite
navigation systems will need to have the most upto-date maps installed.
If you have any feedback on the facilities at the
Etihad Stadium please get in touch with the MCFC
Customer Services team via the ‘contact
us’ at www.mcfc.co.uk/help
If you would like to feedback to the RFL on your
experience at the Magic Weekend please
contact feedback@rfl.uk.com
Keep up to date:
For any questions on the venue, please use our
online FAQ at www.mcfc.co.uk/help or our official
service
Twitter
account
@MCFCHELP
#magicweekend (don’t forget the hashtag!)