The global sporting calendar is arguably more congested than it has ever been, with current and upcoming events including the 2023 Formula One season, cricket’s Ashes series and the impending 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
What’s more, the 2023 Rugby World Cup is now little more than a month away, with the 10th iteration of the RWC series kicking off at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis when hosts France entertain New Zealand on September 8th.
You can still access tickets for some matches at RWC23 through reputable reselling sites, of course, but if you’re not able to travel, you may want to identify viable locations where you can watch the action locally. Below, I’ve listed a few hotspots where you can enjoy RWC action in the city of Manchester.
#1. The Director’s Box – Booth Street, City Centre
Located at 37 Booth Street in the heart of Manchester’s city centre, The Director’s Box is a bustling pub and sports bar that will screen a large number of RWC23 matches and all England games.
Here, you’ll find nine state-of-the-art TV screens, enabling the venue to show as myriad of different matches (especially during the pool stages). In fact, you’ll be able to dip in and out of different games, while also relying on a huge and diverse burger menu to see you through.
There’s also a great drinks menu that’s packed full of unique craft beers, so it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the action and either celebrate or drown your sorrows! Just remember that it’s wise to book ahead of time, as the venue can get really busy during significant sports screenings.
#2. Manchester235 – Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate
Manchester has undergone huge renovation and regeneration over the course of the last 30 years or so, with this once industrial heartland having been transformed into a popular hub for consumers, businesses and retailers alike.
In the Great Northern Warehouse at 2 Watson Street (which is located in Deansgate) you’ll now find Manchester235, which is a casino, cocktail and party bar that has committed to showcasing many RWC23 matches this autumn.
While the venue is best known as a swish and swanky casino, it also boasts a sports bar that screens most major games and sporting events. So, although the event coverage here may not be as expansive as at The Director’s Box, you’ll be able to watch all England games and most Home Nation matches.
What’s more, this venue is open 24/7, so you’ll be able to catch any early games during the pool stage. Manchester235 is also taking bookings, so it may be worth securing a spot to avoid any disappointment.
#3. Footage – Oxford Road, City Centre
Last, but not least, we come to Footage, which is more of a traditional pub and sports bar that’s situated on Oxford Road in the heart of Manchester’s city centre.
Typically considered to be one of the best spots in the city for a pint and casual sports viewing. The venue boasts two huge screens that will showcase plenty of RWC23 action in September and October. These screens reflect the fact that Footage has taken the plot of an old cinema, so it’s possible to enjoy some big screen footage when watching England this autumn.
As you can imagine, the venue is also home to a fairly traditional pub and drinks menu, with filling meals and bar snacks available at affordable prices.
There’s an array of ales and craft beers alongside more mainstream beverages too, so you can enjoy a fulfilling and quintessential sports viewing experience if you choose to watch your preferred Rugby World Cup matches at Footage in Manchester!
