Sport

Manchester City reveal name, official partner and more images of huge new Etihad Stadium hotel

Is set to become one of the biggest hotels in all of Greater Manchester.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 5th March 2025

Manchester City have officially revealed the hotel partner for their upcoming resort and entertainment destination at the Etihad Stadium.

The Eithad renovations have been underway for some time now, with Man City not only looking to expand their home ground capacity but deliver some major renovations to the stadium complex and wider campus, including a museum, ‘sky bar’ and, most notably, a brand-new on-site hotel.

Anyone travelling through or even near the major development and increasingly popular tourist destination, especially given Co-op Live’s colossal presence over in East Manchester, will have seen the bare bones of the hotel being constructed – but now we know what it will be called and who is running it.

Confirmed on Wednesday, 5 March, City’s new Etihad Stadium hotel will be called ‘The Medlock’ and is set to be operated by the global hospitality company, Radisson.

As you can see from the new CGI images, supporters and visitors to the area, in general, have now been given another glimpse at the vision of what The Medlock will look like.

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Featuring a total of 401 rooms, a range of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, not to mention a luxury penthouse offering, the latest addition to the Radisson Hotel Group will immediately become one of the biggest in the region when it is completed.

Estimated to open towards the latter end of 2026, guests staying at the Etihad’s Medlock hotel will also have access to a wide variety of food and drink outlets, a roof walk akin to the kind seen at Spurs’ stadium built back in 2019, as well as tour experiences at the aforementioned new museum space.

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The project will also see commercial office space in the expanded stadium area, with a wide range of conference and event options.

As one of the world’s largest hoteliers (1,520 venues, to be specific), The Medlock is set to join the Radisson Blu and Radisson Hotel portfolio as a four-star establishment, with the upper-upscale hotel being overseen by industry-recognized hotel management company, Valor Hospitality.

Speaking in an official statement as part of the announcement, City Football Group (CFG) CEO Roel de Vries said: “Today’s announcement is an exciting moment as we reveal the name of our hotel as ‘The Medlock’ and welcome globally renowned hotelier, Radisson Hotel Group to the Etihad Campus. 

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“Radisson’s enthusiasm and passion for the Club’s hotel project is clear, and we firmly believe that Radisson’s industry experience together with the Club’s ambition and vision for the hotel is the perfect combination.

“We look forward to working with Radisson as we move towards the opening of the hotel and a year-round sports and entertainment destination that our fans and visitors from both the UK and around the world can enjoy.”

As for Radison, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer, Elie Younes added: “Our brands are always relevant to both our owners and our guests. We are thrilled to collaborate with Manchester City Football Club and create a global flagship hotel within the world-class Etihad Campus in Manchester.

This hotel is a fantastic addition to a growing portfolio of several stadium-based properties in the UK, like the renowned cricket ground, Edgbaston Stadium, the Allianz Stadium Twickenham, the Home of England rugby, and worldwide in India and China.

“We are grateful for Manchester City’s trust in our brands and confident that our long-standing cooperation will unlock further opportunities for all stakeholders.”

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Featured Images — Manchester City (via club website)

Sport

Manchester’s beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester's beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club

Club de Padel – the first padel club to bring the sport to Manchester – have announced exciting plans for a brand-new club in the city centre.

The Manchester-born business closed down earlier this year after land owners Renaker began redeveloping the site it occupied at Deansgate Square.

But now Club de Padel will be making a grand return home, with an exciting new club featuring five covered courts, a coffee-bar, and event spaces.

They’ve secured a new home within Mayfield Park, beneath the arches of Depot Mayfield which is already home to Freight Island and the Warehouse Project.

The new club will also be close to the park’s award-winning children’s playground.

As well as operating padel clubs in Sheffield and Manchester, Club de Padel has a huge lifestyle arm to its business too, collaborating with local brand UN:IK on a clothing range, as well as working with M&S for a spring childrenswear line.

Co-owner Lucy Noone-Blake said: “We are beyond excited to have found our Manchester home at Mayfield Park.

Manchester's beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club
Manchester’s beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club

“The regeneration of the Mayfield district, including the dynamic and creative use of the Depot, the sheer care and effort poured into the park, incredible collaborations such as the rehoming of an award-winning Chelsea Flower show garden and the development of new workspace and homes come together to create a neighbourhood that we’re delighted to be a key part of.

“We’re grateful for the Mayfield Partnership who understand our vision and commitment to bring a well priced, accessible and creative approach to city centre wellness, and for their efforts in creating this beautiful place. We’re Manchester-born and based and we just can’t wait to come home.”

Hen Nowne, Development Director at Landsec, speaking on behalf of the Mayfield Partnership, said:
“Club de Padel is a brilliant addition to Mayfield Park. We want to create the kind of place people feel a real connection to and want to return to with more reasons to spend time here.

“It brings another burst of energy to Mayfield and feels like a really natural fit. We’re delighted to have Club de Padel as part of our community.”

Club de Padel Manchester will open in the summer of 2027, with a full programme of events, coaching, music and wellness.

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Featured image: Supplied

Sport

Manchester Half Marathon 2026 – route map, start times, travel warnings, and more

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo

It’s that time of year again: the ASICS Manchester Half Marathon is back this weekend and with more than 32,000 people taking part, it truly is going to be bigger and better than ever.

Taking place on Sunday 4 October, Mancs and runners from all over will be taking on the 13.1-mile challenge. Make that 21.1 kilometres if you’re metric folks like us. 

The event expects to raise £1.8 million for various well-deserving charities including Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, The Christie, and Moya Cole Hospice. 

It’s set to be a bad day to be an empath – the event hosts thousands of runners, all with their own personal stories coming together to raise awareness and money for charities close to their hearts. 

This race never fails to draw in a city full of supportive spectators, even despite a chill being back in the air. So, remember to pack those tissues and prepare to cry for thousands of people you don’t even know. 

Being the biggest half marathon event in the region, whether you’re taking part or just cheering on from the roadside, it’s handy to have all the important details in one place.

Be it the route, hotspots for spectators, or freebies, we’ve got everything you need in this helpful guide to the 2026 ASICS Manchester Half. Let’s start off simple.

ASICS Manchester Half Marathon 2026 – all you need to know

What time does the 2026 ASICS Manchester Half start?

Those running in this year’s Manchester Half can expect to hear the starting gun from as early as 8:50am. 

The first wave of the day will be for the elite wheelchair participants, with the rest of the standard elite wave following them at 9:05am.

However, as we’re sure you’re all fully aware, the Manchester Half is broken up into waves based on predicted times. The rest of the participants will then set off in roughly 10-minute intervals, depending on their allocated bib colour, with the final group setting off at approximately 11:07 am.

You can find the full breakdown of waves and their start times HERE.

The starting line and route for the Manchester Half 2026

To access the start line on race day, participants should head to the Event Village, at the Lancashire County Cricket Club Grounds.

Here you’ll find the bag drop station, toilets for those pre-race nervous wees and poos (this is a non-judgmental space, guys – trust us and go for a ‘safety’ one), as well as the many marshals who will direct you to the starting line which is located on Talbot Road, opposite Trafford Town Hall.

The course will take runners into Manchester city centre, then back through Stretford, Sale, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and finishing back on Talbot Road before the celebrations can begin. You’ll be glad to hear the route is generally flat with no major inclines – phew.

You can find the full map for the 2026 Manchester Half Marathon route down below and click HERE for additional route information.

Manchester Half Marathon water stations, toilets and nutrition

Now, you might be thinking, “What about water stations?” or, “Where are the toilets in case there’s, you know… an emergency along the way”. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of both, as well as vital points to pick up some mid-race fuel.

There will be four water stations located roughly every three miles along the course to keep participants refreshed; there will also be ESN Hydro Gels available at the second and third water stations to give participants that extra boost if needed.

As for toilets, you’ll find them at or near each water station, as well as at the Event Village before and after the race, so you’ll have plenty of chances to grab a pit stop.

Preparation is key, as they say, so you can find out more about race day nutrition HERE and find out other ways to get your body ready now we’re into the final few days before the race.

Manchester Half Marathon road closures and travel info

As for travel advice, it’s going to be a busy weekend and so please allow extra time for any journeys. 

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As I’m sure you can imagine, this type of event does require a fair few road closures, meaning driving is strongly discouraged, to avoid missing your start time due to traffic.

Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures, too.

Whether you live in the city centre, you’re getting the train into Piccadilly or Victoria from further afield, or you choose to Park and Ride, our recommendation would always be to use the Bee Network trams. 

The closest tram stops are Old Trafford and Trafford Bar, but they may be congested due to their close proximity to the race, so why not incorporate a gentle 15-minute walk into your pre-run warm up and get off at the quieter Imperial War Museum tram stop.

As always, we advocate for travelling as green as possible. More travel guidance is available online HERE.

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Where is best for spectators to watch the Manchester Half?

Spectators are best to encourage loved ones on from along the course, rather than just at the start and the finish area where access is limited and often overcrowded. 

There are multiple places along the course to cheer on our wonderful runners including the Asics Cheer Zone, The Bupa Stretch, ESN Fuel & Cheer Zone and cheer points from all of the Official Charity Partners.

The Deansgate Interchange would be our recommendation at the start of the day to soak up the atmosphere, where a big screen will show the live starts from the ‘Kick-Off Cam.’

Other prime viewing spots include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton around a mile before the finish. 

To see participants cross the finish line, you can get another view away from the roadside by heading inside the Lancashire County Cricket Club. Here, The Event Village is set to be the place to be, with food and drink vendors and a large screen, to show live finish line coverage throughout the day.

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Official merch and the 2026 Manchester Half medal design

Now, in case you need any extra information, we thought we’d give you a glimpse of what’s up for grabs at this year’s Manchester Half Marathon – other than glory, of course.

This year’s Finisher Tee is one of our favourites for a long time, showing the route in a black and gold design, making it the perfect keepsake to remember such a huge achievement. 

Oh yeah, and there is the obvious prize you’re all working towards: the 2026 Asics Manchester Half Marathon medal. We really love this year’s design too and we can’t wait to see you all wearing them proudly around your necks in just a few days’ time.

What else to look out for at the 2026 Asics Manchester Half Marathon?

Beyond all that, there’s also an array of activities and new experiences to get involved in over the event weekend. 

To make the most of what’s on offer, spectators can also use new interactive walking maps on the online Spectator Hub. These maps contain recommended routes for walking, stop-off points for refreshments and more transport suggestions. 

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Oh – and the hugely popular hyper-personalised bibs are back. As part of the ‘Express Yourself’ edition there are some super exciting new design options.

What post-run treats can you make the most of?

There will also be plenty of freebies and exciting activities on offer for participants.

Now the race is over, head on down to The Event Village to begin the celebrations. Here, there will be an ESN Performance Hub, ASICS Celebration Zone, Bupa Recovery Zone and Vitamin Well Victory Vault.

First up, ESN are giving out their Goat Bars over the finish line. These recovery protein bars will help to repair your muscles, allowing you to re-energize ahead of your evening plans.

Next, head on over to the Erdinger Alkoholfrei DJ zone to quench your thirst with a natural isotonic drink packed with vitamins and minerals to replenish any lost. 

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Finally, there will also be ice cold Vitamin Well drinks available in the Athlete’s village to quench your thirst and ensure you leave feeling revitalised, before collecting kudos from your peers.

Once you’ve collected your goodies, move on to the Asics Celebration Zone to get your picture taken, then visit the Bupa Recovery Zone to unwind with physiotherapists leading stretch sessions. The ESN Performance Hub will also allow supporters a chance to win exclusive products, while runners can pick up a limited number of ESN Fuel Pack goodie bags.

There’s lots to get your hands on so make the most of it before leaving the village – after all, you deserve it. 

Lastly, we wish you the best of luck for race day and just remember, there’s nothing quite like that feeling when you cross the finish line.

Now go and smash it! We’re already unbelievably proud of you all.

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Featured image: Manchester Half

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Travel advice for the Manchester Half Marathon 2026. Credit: Manchester Half

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