Emirates Old Trafford, located in Greater Manchester, England, is a historic and world-renowned cricket venue, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864. Established in 1857 as the Manchester Cricket Club’s ground, it is England’s second-oldest Test venue after The Oval and hosted the first Ashes Test in England in 1884. Known for its fast pitch, favoring pace bowlers and offering spin later in matches, it’s celebrated for iconic moments like Jim Laker’s 19 wickets for 90 runs in 1956 and Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” in 1993. The ground has hosted 84 Test matches, five Cricket World Cup events (1975, 1979, 1983, 1999, 2019), and is a key venue for domestic competitions like the County Championship, Vitality Blast (Lancashire Lightning), and The Hundred (Manchester Originals).
Beyond cricket, it hosts major concerts (e.g., Foo Fighters, Ariana Grande) with a 50,000 capacity and serves as a multi-purpose events venue with 43 meeting rooms and a 250-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn. A £60 million redevelopment since 2008, including The Point (2010) and a new stand (2023), has modernized facilities, making it England’s third-largest cricket ground.
Old Trafford Seating Plan
Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester has a capacity of 26,700 for cricket (expandable to 29,000 for Tests, 50,000 for concerts).
- Accessible Seating: Available in all stands, with lift access in the Pavilion and dedicated support for wheelchair users and companions.
- Premium Options: Hospitality packages in The Point, Pavilion, and pitch-facing Hilton Garden Inn rooms for exclusive experiences.
- General Admission: Stands C and D offer affordable, lively seating, popular for The Hundred, Vitality Blast, and domestic matches.
Old Trafford Seating Capacity
Emirates Old Trafford has a permanent seating capacity of 26,700 for cricket matches, making it England’s third-largest cricket venue after Lord’s and The Oval. For Test matches, temporary stands increase capacity to around 29,000. For concerts, the capacity reaches 50,000, including standing areas. Key seating areas include:
- The Point: A distinctive red, double-storied cantilevered stand with covered seating and hospitality, offering excellent pitch views.
- Stand C (Lightning Stand): Closest to the home dressing room, lively atmosphere, near the party stand.
- Stand D (Party Stand): Known for its vibrant, social vibe, ideal for groups and fancy dress (16+ only).
- Stand E: Premium stand with covered and uncovered seating, exclusive member access, and “Service to Seat” refreshment delivery.
- Pavilion (James Anderson End): Historic stand with executive boxes (14–18 seats) and suites (24–200 capacity), offering private balconies and pitch views.
- Brian Statham End: Media & Players Centre, with additional seating and facilities.
Accessible seating is available across stands, with lift access in the Pavilion and dedicated support. A 3D seating view is available at cricket.lancashirecricket.co.uk for a virtual experience.
Establishment and History
Founded in 1857 on the de Trafford estate meadows, Emirates Old Trafford became Lancashire County Cricket Club’s home in 1864, with its first first-class match against Middlesex in 1865. Initially accessible only by a footpath, it saw modest crowds until the 1875 Roses match and a surge in 1878 when 28,000 watched W.G. Grace’s Gloucestershire. Named Emirates Old Trafford since a 2013 sponsorship deal, the ground underwent significant upgrades after losing Test status in 2009. Key developments include new drainage (2008), pitch realignment to north-south (2010), The Point stand (2010), a Hilton Garden Inn (2017, extended 2023), and a 1,025-seat stand replacing the Red Rose Suite (2023), ensuring its status as a premier venue.
Old Trafford Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by match type, seating, and demand, with international fixtures. Based on available data and trends:
- International Matches:
- Test Matches: Standard tickets range from £30–£80 for adults, depending on the day (Days 1–2 cheaper, Days 3–4 pricier) and stand (e.g., Stand C or D vs. Stand E). Premium seats in Stand E or The Point cost £80–£150. Hospitality packages (e.g., Century Lounge, 1864 Legends Lounge) start at £199, including sparkling wine, a two-course buffet, and complimentary drinks.
- T20Is (e.g., Vitality IT20): Standard tickets start at £20–£50, with premium options £60–£100. SportsBreaks Terrace packages, including picnic lunch and a drink, range from £70–£120.
- The Hundred (Manchester Originals): Tickets start at £10–£25 for adults in general admission (e.g., Stand C or D), with children’s tickets at £5–£10. Premium seats cost £30–£60. Family and group discounts are available.
- Domestic Matches (e.g., Vitality Blast, County Championship): Tickets range from £10–£30 for adults, with concessions for juniors (£5–£10) and seniors. Lancashire Cricket Members get priority seating and 10% off food/drinks in the Members Longroom.