If you’re like us and you’ve been scrambling around for somewhere, anywhere screening the Euro 2024 final after England’s heroics on Wednesday, then you’ll be relieved to hear that there are still tickets left for one of the biggest fan zones in Manchester.
Yes, places like the AO Arena, Albert Hall, New Century and countless other central spots sold out immediately and, naturally, most pubs will also be packed to the rafters, but just on the outskirts of the city there’s a pretty big location that’s rather sneakily become one of the best places to watch the game.
But the secret couldn’t be kept quiet forever and 4theFans – a.k.a. “the original, immersive fan park brand”, first established back in 2020 – has seen tickets for their Manchester location over in Ardwick blow up ahead of the final.
It boasts a whopping capacity of 4,500 and although 90% of tickets have now been sold, there are still just over 200 general admission tickets still to be snapped up.
An overview of what the crowds will look like at the fan zone for the Euro 2024 final in Manchester (Credit: 4theFans)
Based over at The Progress Centre, the massive multi-purpose venue is not only easy to get to whether you’re coming in or out of Manchester but it also boasts some of the biggest anti-glare screens in the UK, a world-class sound system, as well as plenty of food and drink (launching them sky-high optional).
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Oh yeah, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best football atmospheres anywhere in the country right now.
4TheFans has popped up at various different sites over the past few years including the Love Factory for the last Euros and several Champions League finals, Trafford Park’s Soccer Dome for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and now this latest destination.
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Alongside the action, supporters are also guaranteed quality entertainment including live DJ sets, competitions, giveaways and other interactive games; a dedicated 4theFans host and hype-man, plus so much need stress-tempering banter and analysis from a living football legend – no, we’re not telling…
And don’t worry, you get all the bells and whistles of all the other big-budget fan zones too, with celebratory special FX, pyrotechnics and cO2 cannons at the ready for when we bring it home.
Now, while prices were cheap for early bird tickets and standard admission if you were quick about it, those have all been unfortunately sold. However, 4theFans has released an extra 200 or so more tickets for the final in a last gasp to get as many people in as they can.
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Nevertheless, a general sale ticket will still only set you back £33.97 (including all processing fees) for one of the most massive fan zones, largest screens, best atmospheres and the biggest game of our lives.
Euro 2020 against Italy was one thing and, of course, it would have been nice to have won it at Wembley, but to do this on foreign soil for the first time in English history would be groundbreaking.
Grab your tickets via the DICE app while you still can and if you want to join the waitlist for the Premium option, which comes with prime access to the front section for the very best views of the match and more, you can also do so HERE.
4theFans crowds regularly get featured on ITV and BBC’s national coverage when it comes to major tournaments, so if you are at the front, you better make sure you’re supporting and celebrating like your life depends on it. Here’s hoping for similar scenes on Sunday…
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.
Danny Jones -
12th July 2024 
