Emirates Old Trafford events drive £22.5m boost to the Greater Manchester economy

New research has revealed the estimated economic impact of Emirates Old Trafford’s major events in 2023 to be worth in excess of £22.5m to the local economy.

Marketing Manchester, the not-for-profit agency charged with promoting Greater Manchester on a national and international stage, has helped Emirates Old Trafford to evaluate across a range of economic-related impacts associated with staging major sporting and entertainment events.

Figures have been calculated utilising the eventIMPACTS Toolkit and based on the number of visitors to Emirates Old Trafford’s highest attended events throughout 2023. These include two sold-out Arctic Monkeys concerts, the Vitality Blast and The Hundred fixtures, plus an International T20 versus New Zealand and the Men’s Ashes Test match.

The research estimates the broader financial impact of these visitors by using industry benchmarks for spending habits, for example accommodation, plus food and beverage costs, from both commercial and non-commercial visitors within the Manchester area, as a direct consequence of staging events at Emirates Old Trafford.

Lancashire Cricket Chief Executive, Daniel Gidney, commented: “2023 has been another momentous year for Lancashire Cricket and Emirates Old Trafford. The venue delivered another incredible run of events that continue to make a major impact beyond the stadium in supporting the local economy.”

Andy Burnham at Emirates Old Trafford.

2023 marked a milestone year for the historic venue with the completion of a £75m redevelopment over the past 15 years that has transformed Emirates Old Trafford into a world class multi-purpose venue. A new Members’ restaurant and lower tier stand and concourse, opened ahead of the Ashes Test match in July.

In November, the venue’s 100 new hotel rooms officially opened representing the completion of the hotel extension that has seen the in-venue Hilton Garden Inn Hotel extended to 250 bedrooms, many with pitch facing terraces, as well as its new events space, The Edge.

“With the major redevelopment work now complete and more incredible live events confirmed in 2024, these are really exciting times for Lancashire Cricket and Emirates Old Trafford as a venue. We look forward to welcoming many more fans through the doors in 2024 and continuing to see these guests support the local business community.”

Commenting on the figures, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, added: “The latest redevelopments that have been undertaken this year are a testament that. Greater Manchester is very proud of the world-class reputation of the venue and for the broader impact that its hosting of major events continues to have across the whole region.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →