The Lionesses could be set to make history as they take centre stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday.
And you can make your way down to Piccadilly Gardens to see all the action unfold.
Fresh off the back of a groundbreaking win at the UEFA Women’s EURO last year, England’s outstanding Women’s team has once again booked their place in a final – but this time, it’s for a chance to clinch what is undoubtedly the most coveted title of them all.
After storming past Australia and claiming an impressive 3-1 victory over The Matildas in the semi final earlier this week, The Lionesses now face Spain in the last match of the Women’s World Cup.
#ENG have reached the #FIFAWWC Final for the first time. 🥹
If you’re hoping to catch the match this weekend when it kicks off at 11am on Sunday, then there’s going to be absolutely no shortage of places to watch – but if you’re really keen to soak in all the atmosphere surrounded by hundreds of other passionate fans right here in Manchester city centre, then you’ll probably want to head on down to Piccadilly Gardens.
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That’s because Manchester City Council has just announced that a huge screen will be set up in the middle of the public greenspace so you can see every kick, tackle, and hopefully, celebration, up close.
There’s also going to be a dedicated fan zone for the occasion too, opening from 10am.
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Women’s World Cup final to be shown on a big screen in Piccadilly Gardens / Credit: Manchester City Council
Entrance into the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone will operate on a first-come, first-served basis – with the capacity capped at 6,000.
Fans will be able to choose whether to watch the big screen action from the strictly no-alcohol grassed area of Piccadilly Gardens, or from the adjoining raised platform area with its existing bars – which the Council says will operate “in accordance with the usual Sunday licensing restrictions”.
Fans are encouraged to “travel light” with no big bags if they’re heading to the fan zone.
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The Council is also encouraging people to bring their own food and soft drinks, and reminding that no glasses or bottles will be allowed.
Routine bag searches will also be in operation.
The Lionesses are facing Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday / Credit: Lionesses (via Twitter)
“As a city that loves its football, it’s been absolutely fantastic to watch the skill and determination shown by the Lionesses over these last few weeks in the World Cup,” Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said ahead of the final this Sunday.
“Getting to the final is a massive achievement and we want them to know that the whole of Manchester is behind them, so if you’re looking for some big screen action to cheer the Lionesses on and an atmosphere to rival that in Australia, Piccadilly Gardens is the place to be.
“But whatever you do, and wherever you are, this is one match you don’t want to miss.”
Fans can head on down to Piccadilly Gardens from 10am this Sunday.
Fancy heading to somewhere a little different to catch the final instead? Check out our round-up of places to watch in Manchester here.
Featured Image – Lionesses (via Twitter)
Sport
Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings
Danny Jones
Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.
We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…
Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.
Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's home fixture against Notts County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. #oafc
Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.
“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”
As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.
They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”
Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.
2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.
The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.
As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.
Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.
Club de Padel to close current Manchester location to make way for more Deansgate Square skyscrapers
Daisy Jackson
Club de Padel, the first padel club to open in Manchester, will be relocating from its Deansgate Square home.
The wildly popular sports club will close next week, as landowners Renaker begin the next phase of development of the skyscraper district.
Club de Padel is keeping its new location under wraps for now – but will be going out from its current Manchester home with a bang.
The club, which welcomed more than 100,000 people in the first year alone, will be offering free padel for all before it closes at Deansgate Square.
Club de Padel launched back in 2023, with four competition-grade courts, and has since added a Finnish sauna experience with Good Sauna, launched a best-selling clothing range with UN:IK, plus become the home for Manchester’s most popular run club with MADE Running.
As well as that, the club has been donating free courts and coaching during the school holidays to local children’s charity Wood Street Mission, and hosting events with the likes of adidas, REFY and Blank Street Coffee.
It’s been one of the city’s top sporting success stories, attracting attention from the likes of The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Hypebae and the BBC.
But now Club de Padel will be leaving its current home ahead of Renaker’s expansion of its luxury skyscraper district.
Club de Padel ManchesterClub de Padel is at the foot of the Deansgate Square towers
As for that new top-secret location opening later this year – they’re promising an ‘indoor and outdoor space in an incredible location, featuring an expanded padel experience, high-end wellness and social spaces, and a year-round programme of events’.
Club de Padel founders said in a statement today: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here in Manchester — bringing padel to the city centre for the first time and introducing tens of thousands of people to the sport during our time on Deansgate.
“But this site was never meant to be permanent, and we’ve been limited in what we can build here, so the time is right to move on, grow and improve.
“We’ve learned a huge amount from our time in Manchester and from opening our second club in Sheffield last year, and we’re excited to reveal the locations of our new sites — including the new Manchester club — and begin the next phase.
“In the meantime, we want to thank everyone who has made this club so special, and invite them to enjoy a free game of padel on us.”
Club de Padel will close to begin its Manchester relocation on 14 January.
You can book a free hour of padel between 9 and 14 January, through the usual Playtomic system – you’ll be refunded for your booking in full on arrival.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
