GREATER MANCHESTER is celebrating becoming a major centre for international sport following the announcement that the final of the 2003 UEFA Champions League is to be held at Old Trafford.

The home ground of Manchester United beat off an eight-stadia challenge from across Europe to land the prestigious role of hosting the final.

The event will be the next showcase sporting fixture to be held in the city after the Commonwealth Games.

Manchester City Council Leader Richard Leese said: ''Manchester is becoming a real mecca for international sport. The city is now a magnet for investment, which means jobs, jobs, jobs. This is fantastic news.

''The UEFA Champions League final is so much more than a football match - it's a celebration of excellence and we will work with our partners in the north west to ensure we have a city packed with events for millions to enjoy in 2003.''

The event will be hosted by Manchester and Trafford councils, Greater Manchester Police and the airport.

Benefits

Trafford council leader David Acton said: ''The benefits from hosting the Champions League final will roll out to families throughout Trafford and the north west.

''Everyone will be able to play a part in the celebrations and it will be an event for all the community.''

Manchester United's £100m-plus redevelopment of their HQ in the past five years has helped them convince UEFA's executive committee that the European Cup Final venue should be taken to the north of England for the first time.

And the success of United's application and the Reds' coup is a triumph for the city as well as the club.

''There are a number of factors taken into account and considered when choosing the venue for a European final,'' a UEFA spokesman said.

''They include infrastructure, security, hotel accommodation in the city, transport facilities to the ground and airport facilities.

''The fact that Manchester United was the choice means that overall they were the best candidate in all areas.''

The final takes place on May 28, 2003.

Tweet