When the weekend comes around, it’s too easy to fall into a routine, particularly if City are at home.
If you usually head for a pint in the local before ordering a takeaway, why not spice things up the next time City play at the Etihad? After all, Manchester is full of awesome venues that you can take advantage of to add some flair to your post-match routine.
With that in mind, here are eight awesome alternative things to do in Manchester after the fixture list throws up the next home game.
Take aim at Point Blank
Point Blank Shooting is tucked away on Deansgate and is a great bar in its own right, serving up signature cocktails and great food. But the highlight is the simulation shooting range where you can compete for superiority against your friends. Will your marksmanship be on a level with Erling Haaland?
The pizza at Point Blank is also particularly good – perfect for sharing over a few beers after the match.
Escape from Alcotraz
Based on Watson Street, Alcotraz is one of Manchester’s best-loved bars. Your job is to smuggle liquor past the warden into the hands of the inmates in this awesome drinking experience based on the notorious American prison.
Dressed in orange jumpsuits and locked in iron-bar cells, you have the perfect opportunity to experience a drink at the heart of Manchester city centre.
Head to the casino
After dinner and drinks, you can take to the gaming tables to try favourites like roulette or try your hand at Texas Hold’em poker, which is relatively easy to learn and great fun.
The popular Genting Casino is located on Portland Street in the city centre and is a great venue for a night of gambling with your mates after the big game.
But remember, there is probably more chance of City winning at home than you walking away with a big profit.
Start your engines and race your mates
TeamSport Go Karting is a great venue for go-kart enthusiasts and promises a unique after-footie experience in Manchester.
Here are 550 metres of multilevel tracks within the venue, offering an adrenaline-fuelled end to the evening. After racing around at speeds of up to 40KPH, you can then enjoy a few beers in the on-site bar and show off your medals.
Hit the boundary at Sixes Cricket
One of Manchester’s most popular activity bars is Sixes Cricket, where you can smash boundaries in their high-tech batting nets. There’s also a bowling simulator for you to channel your inner Stuart Broad, as well as a delicious food menu and a champagne bar to keep things interesting throughout the night.
It’s not football, we get it, but cricket is surely the next best thing?
Play games at Pong & Puck
The awesomely named Pong & Puck is a party venue in Deansgate that is the perfect place to enjoy your favourite drinking games. Enjoy beer pong and classic games from the 80s and 90s as you sip delicious cocktails and cold beer from the bar.
It’s best to book ahead if you’re heading to Pong & Puck at the weekend – you won’t be disappointed, and it’s the ideal way to keep City football celebrations going well into the evening.
Eat the best pizza in town
Crazy Pedro’s Pizza Parlour serves up the best pizza in Manchester, with a twist. You will find bizarre toppings and combos at this popular Deansgate eatery, including the likes of the Mac Daddy (mini hamburgers on pizza!) and the Fried Chicken & Waffle, topped with maple syrup.
The bar is open ‘till late, and it’s the perfect place to spend a night in the city, celebrating or commiserating City’s performance out on the pitch.
Sip cocktails at the Alchemist
The Alchemist is the place to be in Manchester when it comes to signature cocktails. Located on New York Street, you can enjoy an ever-changing menu of wonderful creations, and you can even book your beverages ahead of time, so you don’t need to wait at the bar for your order to be prepared. If cocktails are your thing, the Alchemist is your venue.
The verdict
Manchester is awash with awesome venues for you to experience after a game at the Etihad, whether you’re looking to smash a cricket ball for six or try your hand at a spot of poker.
With our home form back to what it should be, what better way to celebrate three points than a slightly unconventional night out on the town with your mates?