According to a new research study, Emirates Old Trafford’s major events in 2023 are expected to have an economic impact of over £22.5m on the local economy. The not-for-profit agency Marketing Manchester has evaluated the economic-related impacts of staging major sporting and entertainment events. By using the eventIMPACTS Toolkit and the number of visitors to Emirates Old Trafford’s highest-attended events in 2023, the research has estimated the broader financial impact of these visitors by looking at industry benchmarks for spending habits.
The research report identifies that two sold-out Arctic Monkeys concerts, the Vitality Blast and The Hundred fixtures, along with an International T20 versus New Zealand and the Men’s Ashes Test match are among the events with the most visitors. Spending habits such as food, beverage, and accommodation costs of both commercial and non-commercial visitors within the Manchester area have been used as a direct consequence of hosting events at Emirates Old Trafford.
Lancashire Cricket Chief Executive Daniel Gidney expressed his appreciation for Emirates Old Trafford’s continued support of the local economy, “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.”
2023 was a year of development for the historic venue, with a £75m redevelopment completed over the past 15 years that transformed Emirates Old Trafford into a world-class multi-purpose venue. The Ashes Test match in July witnessed the opening of a new Members’ restaurant, a lower-tier stand, and concourse. The 100 new hotel rooms officially opened in November, 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.
Mayor of Greater Manchester and his team are proud of the world-class reputation of the venue and the impact that its hosting of major events continues to have across the whole region. Lancashire Cricket and Emirates Old Trafford look forward to welcoming many more fans through the doors in 2024 and continuing to see these guests support the local business community.
