National Squash Centre

I spent a few hours here last Saturday to watch the semi-​finals of the British National Squash Championships with some workmates, so I didn’t actually use the facilities for exercise, though on seeing what was there I’d definitely consider coming back again and playing in one of their six squash courts.
As for the championships, they’ve been held here every year in early February since 2003 as the centre was built for the Commonwealth Games in 2002.
We watched the over 35s men’s, the professional women’s and finally the men’s semi-​finals which were pretty thrilling (especially with all the ‘argy bargy’ and numerous ‘verbal exchanges’ the players had with the referees — the men were the worst offenders, quelle surprise). For £12 a ticket it was pretty reasonably priced given the unexpected drama and skills we got to watch.
The seating behind the glass show court meant we had uninterrupted views of all the action. There were small intervals between the matches so people could go and get some refreshments from the food stalls.
Tip: there’s masses of free parking nearby as the centre forms part of Sportcity which is next to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. Plan you visit to not coincide with a football game!

How on earth I haven’t utilized the facilities here until recently is incredible. Us Mancunians really don’t know how good we have it here.
This is the national squash center folks, it was built for the common wealth games over a decade ago. There are 6 state of the art courts and a center court which is out of this world. The court comes equipped with a control centre from which it can be steered like a hover craft. The women’s world open was held here in 2008 and numerous national as well as International matches are also housed here. So if you’re a squash fan or just want to experience something different, this place is highly recommended.
Furthermore residents of certain parts of Manchester can gain access to the world class facilities for free. The incentive is to get local communities to take part in sport and make use of the facilities otherwise not available. Part of the pledge includes the following:
Reduced cost cycling and spinning at the National Cycle Centre. Opportunities to watch Team GB Olympians train. Free use of indoor and outdoor tennis courts. Free use of squash courts. Badminton court hire for £1.00. Automatic entry into annual Free Prize Draw and opportunities to win selected MCFC home game tickets.
It’s very easy to find out if you are eligible, simply visit the Manchester sports and leisure website, or email
for more details. I did and now I play squash here twice a week free of charge. God I love Manchester!

National Squash Centre is all part of the Sportcity «complex» near the Man City stadium — which I think it technically part of the Sportcity as well?
The building also has a big athletics hall.
Considering its the National Squash Centre and a fancy show court, its actually very good value the squash courts. You would think it would be expensive because of this.
Off peak, a court for an hour (for adults) is just £4.30 (for I think its an hour??). So just over £2 each person. Compare this to the Sugden Centre — which is kind of for students — and it costs £7.50. Even if your a student, a squash court in Sugden is £4.85 (for 40 minutes). So costs more, for possibly longer, and the courts are not as nice.
I know which one I would choose!
(The Armitage Centre — which is another place kind of for students is potentially cheaper at only £2.80 if off peak for 45 mins — so very cheap. Peak for public is £5.90. Students is £3.90. I have not played squash here so don’t know condition of courts etc but I would guess its not as good as National Squash Centre???)
Also, its much better for parking with its own car park — which is actually right next to City ground. So if City are playing, get your timing right or could get stuck in traffic. Went once just before City game — traffic not too bad. Gates to NSC car park and the security had to check we were playing squash and not just having a very handy parking space for the match! Before he said anything, he saw squash rackets in the back of car so let us in. We could have still been going to the match! (But we were not).