Derby day in the Barclays Women’s Super League is just days away and with both sides of Manchester a game in hand on league leaders Chelsea, there’s some serious leverage to play for.
With just three points separating red and blue and Manchester City on a run of eight-straight victories, it’s all set up to be a blockbuster.
Moreover, while you always know you’re in store for some top-notch football when it comes to the Manchester Women’s derby, the Etihad Campus has plenty more in store.
Here’s what you can expect from the derby day on Sunday, 11 December.
Upon arriving at the Etihad, food and drink will be available to from a number of different vendors around City Square from 10:00am, with the official welcome ceremony getting underway at 10:30.
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Presenters for the day will guide you through all of the pre-match talking points and will also be joined by legendary goalkeeper Karen Bardsley on stage, who made over a century of appearances for the club.
With both City and United boasting nine Euro 2022-winning Lionesses between them, fans can visit the Cityzens hub to have their photo taken with the trophy ahead of kick-off and even create their own Dream Team video.
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You can also get involved in a number of other activities such as penalty shootouts, table tennis and its football equivalent, ‘futtoc’ (we know at least one of you had played some form of foot tennis).
Just after the players arrive at approximately 11am and those enjoying the Blue carpet experience are cheering on their heroes as they enter the Etihad Stadium, you can also watch the Battle of the Bands, with local band Strawberry Lemonade playing live at 12pm.
Supporters on both sides are advised to make their way to their seats by 12:15 in preparation for the Etihad Campus’ exciting pre-match fireworks display, which will set the tone for a captivating encounter.
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But the matchday experience continues at half-time, with those in the crowd able to take part in a half-time quiz and even be in with the chance of winning an exclusive holiday which will be revealed on the day.
Here’s your full schedule of pre-match and half-time festivities:
Manchester Women’s derby day itinerary (Credit: Manchester City)
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
Danny Jones -
7th December 2022 
