Sunday, 18 October 2026 · 14:30
Where to park for Manchester Storm vs Belfast Giants at AO Arena
Sunday, 18 October, kick-off 14:30 — Manchester Storm take on Belfast Giants at the AO Arena. Get parked smart with verified car parks and street bays mapped nearby, then head in ready for an afternoon of ice hockey.
Arrive early to beat the crowd. The AO Arena sits in Deansgate, a busy part of the city centre, so parking fills up fast on match days. Allow extra time if you're driving in from the suburbs. Check the live reports in the Parkwise app to keep up to date with availability across nearby car parks and street bays as you approach.
After the final whistle, the car parks and surrounding streets will get busy with fans heading out. If you've parked on-street nearby, you'll likely be out quicker than those in the big car parks. Plan your exit route in advance — know which way you're heading home, and don't feel pressured to leave the moment the game ends. Grab a drink, let the initial crush ease, then head back to your car.
- Car parks from
- £3.40/hr · £21.50/day
Recommended parking
Real Parkwise locations with walking times from the AO Arena. Only roles the data supports are shown — tap a numbered pin or list card for details.
79 locations mappedCitiPark AO Arena Car Park
Official venue parkingCar Park · Deansgate
- Type
- Car Park
- Price
- Paid · £6.00/2h · £22.00/day · £16 event flat (5pm–12am)
- Max stay
- Not confirmed yet
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Spaces
- ~958
- Operator
- CitiPark
- Distance
- 125 m from the venue
Good to know
- • Multi-storey car park
Numbered pins are our picks for this event — tap one for details. Every other dot is a verified street bay or car park. Live availability shows in the app only — check the live reports in the app.
Why these picks?
1 · Official venue parking
CitiPark AO Arena Car Park — the venue's own. Two minutes' walk from the turnstiles. This is the AO Arena's dedicated car park, so it's your closest option and built for match days. Tariffs are £6.00 per 2 hours, £22.00 per day, or a flat £16 for the event window (5pm to midnight). Arrive with time to spare and you'll likely find a bay. Book ahead if you want certainty.
2 · Make a night of it
Arndale Car Park — explore the Northern Quarter first. Seven minutes' walk away in Piccadilly, and a sensible choice if you fancy a pre-match wander and bite to eat. Park here and you've got time to browse the independent shops, vintage finds, and café culture of the Northern Quarter — proper Manchester character — before heading to the arena. Tariffs are £3.90 per hour or £21.50 per day, so it can work out cheaper if you're parking for under 5–6 hours. Address: High Street, Nicholas Croft, M4 1AZ.
3 · Quick getaway
APCOA Manchester Printworks — smart for a quick getaway. Six minutes' walk from the arena in Piccadilly, this paid operator car park is a solid choice if you want to slip away smoothly once the final buzzer goes. It's positioned well for heading out of the city centre without fighting through the main post-match congestion. Address: 77 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 4AN.
Need to know what's free when you arrive? Check the live reports in the app →
What's nearby?
Hotels, food, and things to do around the venue — plus where drivers tend to park first.
- Our favourite
Northern Quarter — independent shops and cafes
Browse vintage boutiques, independent record shops, and quirky galleries before the match, then grab a coffee or lunch at one of the area's laid-back cafes. It's all within easy walking distance of the arena.
Deansgate — pubs and pre-match atmosphere
The heart of Manchester's city centre buzz. Plenty of pubs and bars a few streets from the AO Arena if you want to grab a pre-match drink and soak up the match-day energy with other fans.
AO Arena parking tips
Arrive at least 45 minutes before kick-off to give yourself time to find a bay and walk in without rushing.
Check live reports in the Parkwise app before you drive — it's the quickest way to spot which car parks and streets have space as you approach.
The Northern Quarter has good cafes and pubs if you want to settle in early and soak up the pre-match buzz.
Street parking is available nearby, but it fills up fast on match days — don't count on it being free at the last minute.
After the game, take your time heading back to the car — the immediate crush clears within 15–20 minutes.
Download the Parkwise app now so you've got live reports right when you need them.
Live availability
Planning on the day? See recent driver reports in the app
This page shows verified parking details around the AO Arena. Check the live reports in the Parkwise app to keep up to date with availability — plus full map filters as conditions change.
Parking questions
How much does parking cost for Manchester Storm vs Belfast Giants?
It depends on which car park you choose. The AO Arena's own CitiPark offers a flat £16 event rate (5pm–midnight), or hourly/daily rates apply elsewhere nearby. Check Parkwise for current tariffs and availability across all verified options — prices can vary, and some may offer pre-booking discounts.
How early should I arrive?
Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before kick-off (14:30). This gives you time to find a parking bay, walk to the arena, and settle in without rushing. On match days the car parks fill up, especially closer to start time.
Can I park on the street near the AO Arena?
Yes, there are street parking bays nearby, but they fill up fast on match days. Check the Parkwise app for live reports on availability before you drive — you'll see which streets have space and which are full.
How do I check live parking availability?
Download the Parkwise app and search for the AO Arena or Deansgate. You'll see live reports from verified community members showing which car parks and street bays have space right now. Check before you leave home, then again as you drive in.
What's the best way to leave after the match?
Don't rush out the moment the final whistle goes — the car parks get busy for the first 15–20 minutes. Grab a drink, chat with friends, let the initial crush clear, then head back to your car. Street parking usually empties quicker than the big car parks.
Can I pay for parking by phone?
Many Manchester car parks accept payment via RingGo or PayByPhone. Check which payment methods are accepted at your chosen car park before you arrive — the details are usually posted at the entrance or on the car park's own website.
Is parking guaranteed at the CitiPark AO Arena Car Park?
The venue's own car park is your closest option, but it can fill up on busy match days. We recommend arriving early or booking ahead if you want certainty. Check the Parkwise app for live updates on availability as you approach.
Not here for this event? See all AO Arena parking