Manchester named one of the top ten best cities in the world for sport

Manchester has been named as one of the best top ten cities in the world globally for sport according to the BCW Top 50 Global Sport Cities for 2022.

Manchester is currently ranked in eighth place, the only UK city apart from London (placed third) to make the top ten.

As Birmingham is set to embark on the 2022 Commonwealth Games this week, twenty years on from hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2002, Manchester continues to be recognised as a sporting powerhouse and sits alongside global cities such as New York, Barcelona and Paris, all cities that hosted the modern Olympic Games.

The tangible benefits of hosting the Commonwealth Games and the legacy that sporting regeneration brings continues apace as the council continues to co-invest public funds in sporting infrastructure with 20 capital projects either in development or underway and anticipated to be completed by 2025.

“Hosting the Commonwealth Games cemented Manchester’s reputation as one of the leading cities for sport and two decades on participation in sport has grown, we have widened access and encouraged residents to lead more active lifestyles, connecting sport with health and well-being,” said Councillor John Hacking.

“I am also very proud of the recognition that we have received and aware that the investment in sport has truly put Manchester on the international sporting map.

“The long-term benefits of sporting regeneration are not just seen at a national level but regional and local level as well as we continue to see capital investment in our sporting infrastructures, and major sporting events being held here.

“We have continued to expand, extend and modernise many of our facilities and are currently renovating the National Cycling Centre and the Aquatics Centre, facilities which are used, not only by elite athletes but local residents, as well as the future sporting stars of tomorrow.”

Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Manchester’s ranking as the 8th leading sports city in the world is a fantastic recognition of the city-region’s sporting success and we are delighted to be ranked amongst some world-class sporting cities.

“Manchester’s passion for sport is evident in our two world-famous football clubs, and our hosting of major sporting events including the recent UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, with all three finals taking place across the city region.

“Manchester is synonymous with sport, and this announcement comes at a significant point in our history as we celebrate 20 years since the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the legacy of our world-class facilities including the National Cycling Centre and National Squash Centre, alongside a thriving visitor economy which is further strengthened by sporting attractions such as the National Football Museum, and Emirates Old Trafford.”