Sunday, 11 October 2026 · 14:30
Where to park for Manchester Storm vs Sheffield Steelers at AO Arena
Sunday 11 October, 14:30 kick-off: Manchester Storm take on Sheffield Steelers at the AO Arena. Get parked close, arrive with time to spare, and soak up the atmosphere before the puck drops.
Arrive at least 60 minutes before kick-off to beat the pre-match rush and find a good spot. The AO Arena sits in the heart of Deansgate, so traffic around the venue builds quickly on match day — plan extra time if you're coming from further out. Check the live reports in the Parkwise app to keep up to date with availability at car parks and street bays across the city centre as you drive in.
Once the final buzzer sounds, the car park exits can get busy. If you're parked at the venue's own car park, factor in a wait as other fans leave. Street parking nearby and car parks a short walk away (like Arndale or Printworks) often clear faster, so weigh up the walk against the exit strategy. Leave when you're ready, not when the crowd tells you to.
- 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 — 2 minutes from the venue. The venue's own car park, so you're literally on top of the action. £6.00 for 2 hours or £22.00 for the day; on event nights (5pm–12am) it's a flat £16. Walk straight in, no fuss. Expect queues at the end of the match, but it's worth it for the convenience — no trudging back to the car with tired legs.
2 · Make a night of it
Arndale Car Park — 7 minutes walk, brilliant for a pre-match pit stop. In Piccadilly, at £3.90 per hour or £21.50 a day, it's cheaper than the venue car park and puts you right next to the Northern Quarter's bars and food spots. Grab a pint at Smithfield Market Tavern or a bite at one of the independent cafés, then stroll into the AO Arena with 20 minutes to spare. Park once, eat first, catch the build-up.
3 · Quick getaway
APCOA Manchester Printworks — quick getaway, 6 minutes walk. Shudehill location means you're close to the arena but positioned to slip out without sitting in the post-match jam. Paid operator rates apply. Good if you want to beat the crowd heading for the exits — slip away once you've had your fill of the action and walk out onto a quieter street.
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.
Smithfield Market Tavern
Historic pub in the Northern Quarter serving real ales and traditional bar food. Great spot for a pre-match pint and a chat about the game.
Northern Quarter independent shops and cafés
A ten-minute walk from Arndale Car Park, lined with vintage shops, independent coffee spots, and quirky cafés. Perfect for an hour before kick-off.
Deansgate and Spinningfields
Bustling shopping and dining district next to the AO Arena. Restaurants, bars, and retail shops within a short walk of the venue.
AO Arena parking tips
Arrive 60 minutes before kick-off to secure a spot and have time for a pre-match drink.
Download the Parkwise app now to check live availability — see what's full and what's got space as you drive in.
The Northern Quarter and Deansgate are full of bars and food spots; if you're early, park at Arndale and grab a meal before you head to the arena.
Street parking is available across the city centre — check the app for verified bays and see what's got reports from other Parkwise users.
Post-match traffic from the venue car park can build quickly; if you're not in a hurry, grab a drink and let the rush settle.
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 is parking at the AO Arena for the Manchester Storm match
CitiPark AO Arena Car Park (the venue's own car park) charges £6.00 for 2 hours, £22.00 for the day, or a flat £16 on event nights between 5pm and 12am. Other car parks and street bays nearby have different rates — check the Parkwise app for current prices and availability.
How early should I arrive for the 14:30 kick-off
Aim to arrive at least 60 minutes before kick-off so you've got time to find a space, park, and get to your seat without rushing. Traffic around the AO Arena builds quickly on match day, so leave earlier if you're coming from further out.
Is there street parking near the AO Arena
Yes. Verified street bays are mapped across Manchester city centre, including near Deansgate and around the arena. Use the Parkwise app to see real reports from other drivers about where spaces are available.
How do I check live parking availability
Download the Parkwise app and check the live reports before you drive. You'll see verified reports from other drivers about which car parks and street bays have space, so you can plan your route with confidence.
What's the best car park if I want to leave quickly after the match
APCOA Manchester Printworks on Shudehill is positioned to let you slip out without sitting in the post-match queue at the venue car park. It's a 6-minute walk from the arena. If you're not in a hurry, grab a drink and let the rush settle before heading back to your car.
Do I need to book parking in advance
The venue's own car park doesn't require advance booking — just turn up. Most nearby car parks operate on a pay-on-arrival or pay-on-exit basis. Check the Parkwise app for live availability and tariffs at each location.
Can I pay for parking by app or card
Most car parks accept card and contactless payment on-site or via machines. Some use PayByPhone or RingGo. Check your chosen car park's website or signs for payment methods. Street bays in Manchester typically use PayByPhone or Parking Eye.
Not here for this event? See all AO Arena parking