Sporting Events

Known as a global sporting hub, and one of the best top ten cities in the world globally for sport according to the BCW Top 50 Global Sport Cities for 2022, Manchester has a rich sporting heritage with a reputation for attracting national and international events.  The city-region boasts a sporting infrastructure second to none and a commitment to world-class event delivery.   

Manchester is home to two of the world’s iconic names in football, Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as several national governing bodies of sport and national training squads.  The hugely successful legacy of the 2002 Commonwealth Games has provided the city with an extensive range of sporting facilities which has been enhanced in recent years, making Manchester the UK’s sporting capital. 

A Partnership Approach 

Manchester Convention Bureau works to identify major event opportunities for Manchester, and we can connect you with key stakeholders within the city-region.  In addition, the city works closely with UK Sport to identify long-term bidding targets which can deliver the necessary economic and social impacts for Manchester.  We offer a strong partnership structure that constantly delivers and an organisational capacity that is second to none.   

Manchester’s unique offering to major event rightsholders is evident with our track record of delivering the largest and most complex events.  From UEFA Champions League football to the Rugby and Cricket World Cups, international cycling events in multiple disciplines, to city centre athletics showcases and elite events in para sport as well as regular training camps for elite sports teams. 

Our team has extensive experience of working with international federations and national governing bodies of sport and can support your event through every step of the bidding journey, from the complexities of producing a bespoke bid, identifying venues and training facilities through to assistance with event planning, accommodation booking, promotional support and providing a first-class welcome to your event stakeholders. 

Contact the team to find out how we can help you to deliver an exceptional event which showcases your sport and achieves the objectives for you and your event stakeholders, your athletes, and the national and international community within your sport. 

Sporting Venues in Manchester

Latest sport case studies

Why Women's Sport in Manchester is in a different league 05 Jul 2024
  • 8 minute read

With the Olympic Games, Men’s Euros and many other global sporting competitions taking place this year, all eyes will be on sport in summer 2024. Manchester has always been known as a leading global sporting city, with an undeniable influence. Since hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2002…

Manchester hosts UK’s first Blast Esports Rainbow Six Major 01 Jul 2024
  • 4 minute read

Header image credit: Adela Sznajder / Ubisoft Between Thursday 16 and Sunday 26 May, Greater Manchester’s B.E.C Arena hosted the UK’s first-ever Rainbow Six Esports Major, marking a level up in the city’s esport credentials. The BLAST R6 Major is one of the biggest international…

Tour of Britain Women set to race to the finish in Greater Manchester 07 Jun 2024
  • 2 minute read

The 2024 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women departed this week with the contenders racing towards Greater Manchester for the final leg. Taking place over four stages from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 June, the competition will see the UK’s best female cyclists take on global stars. The pivotal…

Sector Support

Get in touch with the team today to find out how we can introduce you to Manchester’s experts in our community to explore opportunities for hosting events.