Manchester Airport unveils brand-new Terminal 3 sports bar, plus 250 more seats

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Manchester Airport’s new-look Terminal 3 is officially open to the public, bringing a brand-new sports bar plus more than 250 extra seats.

The airport’s smallest terminal is one of those that Mancs sort of love to hate, with significantly less choice for food and drink.

The £1.3bn investment into Terminal 2 has made T3 look even less impressive – until now.

Manchester Airport has now launched a new section of Terminal 3, including Sporting Chance, a brand-new 470-seat sports bar.

The bar has airfield views from one of the highest points in the airport, plus 69 television screens showing a range of sports, including screens in booths that can be controlled by the guests.

It does mean that the Lion and Antelope, which operates right in the centre of Terminal 3, will close, so that there can be more capacity for passengers.

This is all part of Manchester Airport’s ongoing project to expand and enhance Terminal 3, which now services just Ryanair.

Terminal 1 has now closed, with Terminal 2 catering for around 75% of the airport’s traffic. As the work goes on, Terminal 3 will expand into the former T1 building.

The new bar, Sporting Chance, has opened in a section of Terminal 3 that was previously occupied by private lounges and a viewing area.

Still to come will be a new entrance and security hall, plus extra new spaces.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world with a route network of more than 200 destinations through upwards of 50 airlines.

“It means we have something for everyone in terms of where you can go – but that’s matched by what we offer right here at the airport.

“We’ve talked a lot about our £1.3bn investment in Terminal 2 but a key thing that has enabled is our work to improve Terminal 3 – and the opening of Sporting Chance is a huge step forward in that project.

“Sporting Chance is a fantastic new bar – perfect for watching your favourite team before your flight, eating a great meal or just enjoying a spectacular view – but it’s also in a whole new area for most passengers adding more seats and space to the terminal.

“It means even passengers who don’t use the bar will be able to enjoy the extra space and capacity in the Terminal. I’m looking forward to sampling the bar myself and hearing people’s feedback.”

Beth Brewster, Senior Coordinating Director F&B & Essentials UK, Avolta said: “Sporting Chance represents a further evolution of Avolta’s UK F&B portfolio and responds to continued passenger demand for premium hospitality spaces and access to live sport while travelling.

“The ability to integrate brand activation and retail selling within the bar environment is an important step in bringing retail and F&B closer together. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues at MAG for their valued partnership and support. Together we have delivered a space that combines operational excellence with an engaging, all-day offer.”

Richard Jackson, retail director at Manchester Airport, said: “Everything we’re doing in Terminal 3 is focused on improving the passenger experience – our new bar, Sporting Chance, will be a great addition to the terminal and will provide more than 200 extra seats.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re not really sad to see last orders the Lion and Antelope. It’s been here since 2015 and I know that it’s got a special place in a lot of people’s hearts; it’s been the starting point for people’s first holidays, a place for newlyweds to raise a toast before they go on honeymoon, it’s where business travellers have relaxed ahead of long trips and much more.

“So people can feel assured that we know how special it is – and we wouldn’t be closing it if we didn’t know that what we’re putting in its place will be brilliant.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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