10 reasons why Manchester should host the Commonwealth Games
Now South Africa are out, should they be held here in 2022?
Twenty years since they were last here, are these the reasons why Manchester can beat the likes of Liverpool and Birmingham to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022?
1. Manchester is the sporting capital of the UK
We’re home to United and City, two of the biggest football teams in the world with Pep and Jose, two of the World’s best managers.
2. World Class Venues
It’s not all about football here. We have world-class facilities including the Manchester Aquatics Centre, Regional Athletics Arena, National Squash Centre and Manchester Velodrome.
3. We know how it’s done
Before 2002 Britain had a poor reputation for organising huge sporting events. The Manchester Commonwealth Games turned that on its head with the event hailed the best of its kind.
4. The media outlets are already up here
The Olympic broadcasters will only have a short trip to make from Media City to cover the event. So their carbon footprint is much smaller ;)
5. Amazing people
We welcome anyone in Manchester, whichever corner of the Commonwealth you’re from, as 2002 proved. Manchester is more of a massive Village than a City.
6. The music scene
When the sports are over, the athletes and crowds need something to do. The City that spawned The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis is a major stop-off on the UK gig circuit and our venues regularly host global superstars as well as up-and-coming acts.
7. It’s dead easy to get here
Manchester is the home to the third busiest airport in the UK. You can flight direct into Manchester from everywhere from Hong Kong to Canada. Perfect for spectators and athletes from around the Commonwealth. We’re also a short drive from Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.
8. We throw a good party
Restaurant openings in Manchester are outstripping even London with the city recording the UK’s fastest rate of growth in food businesses over the last decade. We also have an amazing nightlife, whether it’s the cool Northern Quarter, the trendy Ancoats, the posh Spinningfields or the party palaces of the Printworks and Deansgate Locks.
9. Fresh Air
All athletes need to look after themselves outside of competition. In Manchester, if you’re up the Beetham Tower, you can see the rolling hills of the Pennines, the lush Cheshire plains or the hills of Derbyshire. The Lake District, The Peak District and Snowdonia are all just over an hour away.
10. Chips and Gravy
When their dream of gold is gone, the athletes can console themselves with the comforting taste of a Manchester delicacy washed down with mushy peas AKA Manchester Caviar.