Hotels near the Manchester Arena

Since opening in 1995, the Manchester Arena has seen global superstars such as Lady Gaga, U2 and Madonna and local bands like Oasis, Take That, New Order and Happy Mondays grace its stage. The stadium is also important for sports having hosted Commonwealth Games events, World Swimming Championships and international boxing matches. To see such world-beating events and sell-out shows at this award-winning place, book one of our hotels near Manchester Arena for an experience you won’t forget.

It’s not just the Manchester Arena that can fulfil all your entertainment needs in Manchester because there’s plenty more that can do the job and more including the Manchester Apollo and The Comedy Store. Need some more inspiration for your visit? See our Local Guide to all things Manchester on food, drink and culture in the capital of the North. View all hotels in Manchester. 

What is the Manchester Arena and what is it used for?
The Manchester Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena with the highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the UK. It is one of the world’s busiest indoor arenas, hosting music concerts, sporting events and live comedy. 

What is the MEN Arena called now?
The Manchester Arena has gone through several name changes since opening in 1995. It was initially called NYNEX Arena (1995-1998), then Manchester Evening News Arena (1998-2011) before simply becoming Manchester Arena (2011-2013). Following a sponsorship deal with Phones 4u it was renamed Phones 4u Arena from 2013-2015 but, following the end of their sponsorship, it is once again simply called Manchester Arena.

Where in Manchester is the Manchester Arena?
Manchester Arena is conveniently located immediately north of the city centre in Manchester.

How big is the Manchester Arena? How many seats does it have?
Manchester Arena is vast. Its 21,000 seats make it the largest indoor arena in the UK and the second largest in Europe.

Is there standing at Manchester Arena?
It depends on the event. Some events are seating only whilst others offer standing space for fans.

Is Manchester Arena bigger than the O2?
In terms of seated capacity, Manchester Arena is bigger than the O2 but only just! Manchester Arena has 21,000 seats whilst the O2 has 20,000.

Where is the box office at Manchester Arena?
The box office is next to the NCP car park located off Trinity Way.

Are there lifts at Manchester Arena?
Yes, there are several lifts located at various points around Manchester Arena. All floor seats can be accessed using one of the arena lifts.

Does Manchester Arena have WiFi?
Yes, Manchester Arena has public WiFi internet access available for all event attendees.

How many arenas are there in Manchester?
Manchester Arena is the only official arena in Manchester although there are other sports stadiums and gig venues to be found in this vibrant city.
 

How do you get to the Manchester Arena?
Located in the heart of Manchester, Manchester Arena is easily accessible by all forms of public transport. Victoria train and Metrolink station is located right below the Arena making it easy to get a train or tram straight there.

The main train station in Manchester is Piccadilly, you can jump on to one of the regular trains from Piccadilly to Victoria or take the short walk across the city.

Manchester has an excellent tram system, its Metrolink services operate frequently throughout the day from Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, East Didsbury and the Airport. Services continue to run after events at the Arena have finished so you can stay for that last song knowing you’ll still be able to get back to your hotel easily!

There is also a free bus service in Manchester which links Victoria station with other areas of the city, including Piccadilly station. 

If you’re driving, then use your sat nav or mapping app to direct you to M3 1AR for the best and quickest route available to you on any given day. Be warned though, at peak times the roads surrounding the Arena get very congested. There is an on-site car park where you can pre-book your parking in advance but if you want to avoid any traffic congestion it might be preferable to drop your car at one of several free park and ride sites nearby.   

How far is the Manchester Arena from the city centre?
Manchester Arena is in the city centre so no distance at all! Piccadilly train station is the main train station and is roughly a mile away.

Does Manchester Arena have parking?
It does indeed. There is an official arena car park which has a capacity of 958 spaces. You can even pre-book a parking space in advance to ensure a speedy entry and exit from the car park.

How much is Manchester Arena parking?
It will depend on how long you want to park for but prices for parking at the Manchester Arena NCP car park start at £3.50 an hour.

How far is the Manchester Arena from Victoria station?
Victoria station is directly below Manchester Arena. The total distance is a mere 445 feet!

How far is the Manchester Arena from Piccadilly station?
Manchester Arena is about one mile from Piccadilly station, it’s a straightforward 15-20 minute walk across the city centre.

How far is the Manchester Arena from the Arndale Centre?
Manchester Arena is less than half a mile from the Arndale Centre, about a 5-minute walk.

Which tram stop should I go to for the Manchester Arena?
You should aim for Victoria station Metrolink which is directly beneath the Arena.

Can you walk to the Manchester Arena?
It’s really quick and easy to walk to the Arena from anywhere in Manchester city centre, if you’re further afield then see above for public transport recommendations.

How far is Manchester Arena from Premier Inn?
There are four of our hotels within one mile of Manchester Arena. The closest is our Arena/Printworks hotel on Victoria Bridge Street which is 0.2 miles away. See above to book your room or for further details.
 

How early should I arrive at the Manchester Arena?
Start times for events at Manchester Arena vary and can change. The Arena recommends that you arrive as close to the advertised door time as possible but they do not encourage fans to arrive early and queue or camp outside any of their entrances.

How long are concerts at the Manchester Arena and what time do they finish?
Duration of events at Manchester Arena vary and any listed times will always be approximate due to the nature of live entertainment. Concerts usually finish at around 10.30pm.

What are the best seats at the Manchester Arena?
When it comes to seats, you get what you pay for. The cheapest seats are those furthest away from the action (that won’t be suitable for people who dislike heights or have mobility issues). Children might find it harder to see if you book seats on the floor because these are not tiered plus, dancing is allowed so you might have your view restricted by excitable concert goers bopping in front of you! As is often the case with large venues, the best seats will be the most central to afford you the best view of the action. 

Where can I eat near the Manchester Arena?
If you don’t fancy nachos or hot dogs as a pre-gig meal, grab something to eat before you go in. Luckily, the Printworks is just opposite and it’s full of well-known eateries, such as Wagamama’s, Nando’s and Wahaca. You could also try the Corn Exchange – a beautiful Edwardian building close to the Arena which has a number of excellent restaurants. Here you can choose from Indian street food at Mowgli, Brazilian barbecue at Cabana and Vietnamese at Pho.
 

Can you take bags into the Manchester Arena?
Manchester Arena advises guests to only bring essential items and keep belongings to a minimum. Small bags, including handbags, or drawstring bags are fine but no backpacks of any size or large bags (including shopping bags) are permitted. 

Can you take food and drink into the Manchester Arena?
No food or drink, including bottled water, is allowed to be brought into the venue.

Can you vape or smoke in the Manchester Arena?
No vaping or smoking is allowed inside the Arena and, due to the city centre location next to the ring road, there is no designated smoking area outside the building.