Looking Ahead To Sale Sharks

The MRSC have confirmed two meeting points for the weekend of the Sale Sharks v Munster clash in Manchester.

The Walkabout Inn, Manchester, welcome the Munster Rugby Supporters Club to the venue for the weekend starting from the 17th of October.  While the ‘Castle In the Air’ Wetherspoons at Trafford Way, will be our meeting point on the morning of the game.

All weekend:

The Walkabout Inn – Quay St, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HN

The MRSC return to the Walkabout Inn this season. This has been a previous meeting point for us in 2005/06 and 2007/08 and we are hoping this is a good omen for this season as those were the years Munster won the Heineken Cup.

The Walkabout has a number of drinks deals and offers for supporters on production of the MRSC membership card including half price happy hour on Friday evening between 5 and 7, 4 for £10 on selected pints and bottles including all Australian beers until 10pm daily, £2.25 selected drinks on Friday nights and £2.50 selected drinks on Saturday nights. During the non-discounted periods the Walkabout Inn will offer Munster Supporters Club members 25% off as long as they are able to identify themselves at the bar.  Also on Saturday night when a cover charge to the club applies it will be waived for supporters.

The Walkabout is open to MRSC members all weekend, however it does not open until 12 noon on Saturday.

We are also delighted to announce that following the Sale Sharks game next Saturday, once members have returned to the Walkabout Manchester and all the days European action has finished, Celtic Crunch – with MRSC member Mark Laffan in their number, will perform live Irish traditional music in our own private bar.

Steve, Scott and his crew look forward to meeting you all.

Matchday:

The Castle in the Air Wetherspoons – Chill Factore,Trafford Way Manchester M17 8DD

The Castle in the Air will be open from 8am the morning of the game and is only a 5 minute drive from the AJ Bell Stadium. As a special welcome, they have teamed up with Robinsons Brewery to have a special one-off ale ‘Munster Munch’ on sale, along side ‘Shark Attack’ that the Castle in the Air have had on Sale match days. Also, because their  Real Ale Festival starts on Friday, these ales, and several others will be available for only 1.65 a pint! Flags will be distributed from there free of charge so be sure to take them. Children are welcome in the bar and food will be served all day including take away hot dogs for the journey to the AJ Bell. (Travel details below)

Edd and his team are at your disposal and are delighted to receive you.

Both establishments encourage the wearing of team colours as long as it doesn’t conflict with any local events, which in this case it won’t.

The MRSC would like to thank both venues for their hospitality.

The Stadium
The AJ Bell Stadium is a located in Barton-upon-Irwell in Salford, just over 7 miles from Manchester city centre.
Please note that as Manchester City also have a game with an early kick off on Saturday, traffic in the area will be heavy so fans are requested to leave up to 1 hours travelling time from Manchester city centre.

Getting to the Stadium

By Car
The stadium is situated at Barton, off the M60, junction 11.
GPS: (53.469091718355884, -2.3788297176361084)

By Taxi
Transport will be available via taxi or mini bus from the Castle in the Air Wetherspoons to the ground http://www.pcgcars.co.uk/ are the recommended taxi service and they are happy to take bookings in advance.  

By Bus
Buses from Manchester City Centre and Eccles. Number 67 to Liverpool Road, Irlam.
Buses from the Trafford Centre (many services connect here from across the region). Number 100 to Liverpool Road, Irlam. (stadium a 2 minute walk from the Liverpool Road stop.)

By Train
The nearest train stations are Irlam and Eccles. For both stations walk to Liverpool Road and take the number 67 bus (as above).

You can travel to Irlam Train Station from Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road

You can travel to Eccles Train Station from Manchester Victoria and Liverpool Lime Street

By Tram
The nearest Metrolink tram stop is Eccles. From here, the stadium is approximately 40 minutes’ walk or take the number 67 bus along Liverpool Road as above.

Parking

At the Stadium
There is minimal car parking at the stadium and costs £10 per car. Spaces must be pre-booked by phoning +00 44 844 844 8400. There is no cash payment option on the day option for this game.

Surrounding Area
Barton Airport, Liverpool Road, M30 7SA – www.cityairportandheliport.com
Located on the A57 (across from the stadium), Barton Airport offers approximately 250 parking spaces. These are charged at £5 per person and payable by cash on the day. 10 minute walk from stadium.

Eccles ARLFC, M30 7LS
Monitored parking available for 100 cars at a cost of £3 per car. Just a couple of minutes from the M60 junction 11. 15 minute walk from stadium.

Park & Ride from the Trafford Centre
Parking at the Trafford Centre is FREE. Bus companies will be operating shuttle bus services from Stand 4 of the Trafford Centre Bus Station at the following times: 10:45am, 11:15am,11:45am,12:15pm. Returning Post Game at 3pm, 3-30pm (subject to demand). There is no booking required for these coaches; however these will be on a first come first serve basis. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

TV
Live match coverage on Sky Sports 2 from 1pm

Tickets
Tickets can still be purchased from the Sale Sharks website

Weather
Cloudy with a chance of showers, highs of 16 degrees.

The MRSC wish to thank you for your continued support both home and away