Sunday, 27 September 2026 · 14:30
Where to park for Manchester Storm vs Guildford Flames at AO Arena
Game day at AO Arena on Sunday, 27 September — kick-off 14:30. Park smart with Parkwise, find verified spaces nearby, and get to your seat stress-free.
Storm fans typically start arriving from early afternoon on match day. Traffic builds around Deansgate and Piccadilly from 13:00 onwards, so aim to park by 13:30 to give yourself a relaxed walk to the arena and time to grab a pre-match drink or check the merch stand. Check the live reports in the Parkwise app to keep up to date with availability at your chosen car park — that way you'll know what spaces are filling up as you drive in.
After the final buzzer, the car parks empty quickly as fans head back to their cars. If you're parked at CitiPark AO Arena or APCOA Printworks, expect a moderate queue for the exit; if you've parked further out in Piccadilly or the Northern Quarter, you'll have a quieter getaway and can take your time celebrating the win on the walk back.
- 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 — two-minute walk, venue's own parking. This is the AO Arena's official car park, right on your doorstep. At £16 flat rate for events (5pm–12am), it beats hourly rates on game day — plus you're just two minutes from the turnstiles. Book ahead online or grab a space on the night; check the live app reports before you drive to see how full it is. Post-match exit can be busy, but it's worth it for the convenience.
2 · Make a night of it
Arndale Car Park — explore the Northern Quarter before kick-off. Seven minutes' walk from AO Arena and a brilliant spot if you want to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. Park at Arndale (£3.90/hr, £21.50/day) and stroll into the Northern Quarter's indie bars, street food spots, and record shops — Beat Generator, Takk, Shindig are all close by. Grab a pint, walk off the nerves, then head to the arena for 14:30. Check the live app to find a bay before you arrive.
3 · Quick getaway
APCOA Manchester Printworks — quick exit after the final buzzer. Six minutes from the arena and a paid operator site with a straightforward exit onto Shudehill — ideal if you want to beat the post-match car park crush. Printworks fills steadily on game day, so check live reports in the Parkwise app to confirm availability as you approach, then you can head straight out onto the road without queuing.
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 — indie bars and street food
If you park at Arndale, you're in the heart of Manchester's creative quarter. Hit Takk for craft beer and Nordic snacks, Shindig for cocktails, or Beat Generator for vinyl while you wait for kick-off.
Deansgate — shops, restaurants, and pubs
Right next to CitiPark AO Arena. Duck into a pre-match pub, grab a coffee, or browse the shops before heading into the arena.
Piccadilly Gardens — green space between the car park and arena
A quick stroll from Arndale or Printworks if you want to stretch your legs and take in some air before the match.
AO Arena parking tips
Arrive by 13:30 to park calmly and have time for a pre-match bite or drink before kick-off at 14:30.
Use the Parkwise app to check live reports — it shows you which nearby car parks have space before you drive, so you can skip the loops.
If you're parking in Piccadilly or the Northern Quarter, allow 7–10 minutes to walk to the arena, and grab food or a drink while you're there.
Post-match, give the car park a few minutes to settle before you head to your car — the initial rush clears faster than you'd think.
Pay in advance at CitiPark if you can, or use PayByPhone or RingGo at other sites to speed up your exit.
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 matches at AO Arena?
Parking costs vary by car park and how long you stay. CitiPark AO Arena charges £16 flat for events (5pm–12am), while street bays and other nearby car parks have hourly rates. Check Parkwise to see current tariffs and availability before you drive.
What time should I arrive to park before kick-off at 14:30?
Aim to park by 13:30 to give yourself a stress-free walk to the arena and time to settle in before the match starts. Traffic builds from 13:00 onwards, especially around Deansgate, so leaving earlier gives you better options.
Can I park on the street near AO Arena?
Yes. There are street bays nearby, though they fill up as match day approaches. Use the Parkwise app to check live reports and see which bays have space before you arrive — that way you won't waste time circling.
How do I know if a car park has space before I drive there?
Check the live reports in the Parkwise app before you set off. The app shows verified parking data from other drivers, so you can pick a car park with space and plan your route with confidence.
What's the best car park for a quick exit after the match?
APCOA Manchester Printworks is six minutes away and has a direct exit onto Shudehill, making it easier to leave without queuing. CitiPark AO Arena is closer (two minutes walk) but busier after the final buzzer. Check live reports on the app to find space at either.
Can I pay by phone or app at these car parks?
Most sites accept PayByPhone or RingGo, and CitiPark also offers online advance booking. Check the car park's website when you arrive or pay in person. Always look for the payment signs at the entrance.
Is there accessible parking near AO Arena?
CitiPark AO Arena has accessible spaces — contact them directly on their website or call ahead to reserve one. Arndale and APCOA Printworks also have accessible bays; check Parkwise or their websites for details and advance booking.
Not here for this event? See all AO Arena parking