Sale Sharks - AJ Bell Stadium

 

Sale football club was founded in 1861 (the current name was adopted in 1999), making them one of the oldest clubs in England. The club compete in the English Premiership, the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the European Cup / Challenge Cup. Throughout their long history Sale have continually been challenging for honours, and continue to fly the flag for rugby union in the North West today - today they are the only side from the rugby league-mad region in the Premiership following the relegation of Leeds in 2011. The Sharks moved homes in 2012 to the AJ Bell Stadium, where they ground share with rugby league side Salford City Reds. 

Ground Information                                     Back to Top ^ 

The AJ Bell Stadium is one the most modern stadiums in rugby union, only opening in 2012 after a £26million construction job. It was originally known as the Salford City Stadium, with the name changing in 2013 following a sponsorship deal. The 12,000 capacity ground is located 8 miles from Manchester City Centre, and 5 miles from the town of Sale.

The main all-seater stand is the West Stand, that in addition to 4,500 fully-covered seats is also home to the executive boxes, TV gantry and disabled access. Sitting opposite is the East Stand, a smaller (2,500 capacity) covered all-seater stand. Behind the goal posts lie the North and South stands, with each offering 2,500 spectators covered standing space. As with most modern stadia, there are no obstructing pillars on any of the stands, so you are guaranteed a good view of the action.

View from the South Stand, with the East Stand on the Right
Image: Sale fan James Mooney

Getting There                                                                                   Back to Top ^

By Car

The ground is conveniently located for drivers, less than 500m from Junction 11 of the M60. There is parking for over 600 cars on site, with a £5 charge, with additional temporary car parking in place on match days. If you find that this is full, you can also park a short walk away at Manchester City Airport (M30 7SA) and Salford City Academy (M30 7PQ).


By Train

The nearest train station is Patricroft, 1.5 miles from the ground and a 10-minute journey from Manchester Piccadilly station. Note there is no service on a Sunday to this station.

Manchester Piccadilly is well connected to the other major cities in the UK, with direct services operating to Birmingham (90 minutes), Bristol (180 minutes), Cardiff (190 minutes), Edinburgh (200 minutes), Glasgow (200 minutes), Leeds (55 minutes), Liverpool (50 minutes), London Euston (130 minutes) and York (90 minutes).

By Bus

From Manchester, the number 67 bus operates a regular service to Liverpool Road, 2 mins walk from the stadium. The bus departs from Victoria Station and Deansgate amongst others - full details here.

By Tram

Although the Manchester area is blessed with an extensive tram network, it doesn't particularly serve the stadium. The nearest tram stop is Eccles, quite a long walk from the ground or you can pick up the 67 bus from there to complete your journey.

By Air

Manchester Airport is 11 miles from the stadium, and is the UK's largest outside of London. Flights operate to most destinations within Europe and abroad, with rugby-friendly schedules to destinations including Belfast (City & International), Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, London (Heathrow), Newport, Shannon, Rome (Fiumicino), Southampton, Paris (CDG), Venice (Marco Polo), Verona.

If you are staying in Manchester City Centre, there is a direct rail service to Piccadilly station in town. If however you are staying in the area around the ground you are best to take a taxi.

Alternative airports include Liverpool (35 miles to the West), Leeds-Bradford (45 miles North-East), and Birmingham International (95 miles South but only 110 minutes by direct train to Manchester). 

Drinking                                                                                                       Back to Top ^

In The Ground

There is a fan's bar within the stadium that usually has some entertainment on to accompany your pint-supping before and after the game.

Before/After the Game

Although a modern stadium with good facilities, where the stadium really falls down is in its location. It's well connected to the motorway network, but there aren't many pubs or restaurants to speak of in the vicinity of the ground. Your best bet is to head into Manchester where there are plenty of places to eat and drink.

 

Eating                                                                    Back to Top ^

Can you provide more information for this section? Let us know!

Sleeping                                                                Back to Top ^

The City Centre of Manchester has plenty of accommodation for visitors. If you're looking to stay near the ground however, here are a few options;

• The Trafford Centre shopping complex has a Premier Inn and Travelodge on site.

• Novotel Manchester West is a few miles North at Junction 13 of the M60.

• The town of Sale itself is only 5 miles from the stadium, where you'll find the Oakfield Court Apartment Hotel , Lennox Lea Hotel and Eskdale Lodge Hotel.
  
  
• The Clayton Hotel at Manchester Airport is about 7 miles from the ground.

• Salford Quays is 5 miles from the ground and following huge regeneration is a nice spot to base yourself when in the area. There are branches of the Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Ramada, Ibis and Copthorne chains in the area. You can get great deals on a weekend but given the proximity to Old Trafford (home of Manchester United FC), prices may vary depending on their fixture schedule.