The ongoing project to expand and improve Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport has taken another step forward with the opening of a new space, including a 470-seat sports bar. The new bar, Sporting Chance, has opened in a section of Terminal 3 that was previously occupied by private lounges and a viewing area, adding 250 new seats.
Sporting Chance: the new sports bar at Manchester Airport Terminal 3
Sporting Chance features 69 television screens that will show a wide range of sporting events – including some screens in booths that can be controlled by guests. The sports bar also offers a huge food menu and panoramic views of the airfield from one of the airport’s best vantage points.
The opening of Sporting Chance means another bar, the Lion and Antelope, will close. The Lion and Antelope bar occupies a central space in the terminal, so its closure will open up more capacity for passengers.
Richard Jackson, retail director at Manchester Airport, said: “Everything we’re doing in Terminal 3 is focused on improving the passenger experience – our new bar, Sporting Chance, will be a great addition to the terminal and will provide more than 200 extra seats.
“But that doesn’t mean we’re not really sad to see last orders the Lion and Antelope. It’s been here since 2015 and I know that it’s got a special place in a lot of people’s hearts; it’s been the starting point for people’s first holidays, a place for newlyweds to raise a toast before they go on honeymoon, it’s where business travellers have relaxed ahead of long trips and much more.
“So people can feel assured that we know how special it is – and we wouldn’t be closing it if we didn’t know that what we’re putting in its place will be brilliant.”
Manchester Airport’s decade-long programme
The new sports bar is part of a programme of improvement to Manchester Airport Terminal 3. This has been enabled by the airport’s £1.3bn investment into Terminal 2, which has more than doubled in size.
The wider project has allowed for Terminal 1 – the airport’s oldest section – to close because Terminal 2 can now cater for around 75% of the airport’s overall traffic. It leaves just Ryanair operating from Terminal 3 – and as terminals 1 and 3 are linked it means Terminal 3 can expand into space that was previously part of Terminal 1.
The opening of Sporting Chance is just one part of the work to improve Terminal 3. A new entrance and security hall that makes use of space from Terminal 1 has already opened, and further new spaces and facilities will open in due course.
The final touches to the new-look Terminal 2 are expected to be complete in time for the summer.
“The opening of Sporting Chance is a huge step forward” in the improvement of Terminal 3
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world with a route network of more than 200 destinations through upwards of 50 airlines. It means we have something for everyone in terms of where you can go – but that’s matched by what we offer right here at the airport.
“We’ve talked a lot about our £1.3bn investment in Terminal 2 but a key thing that has enabled is our work to improve Terminal 3 – and the opening of Sporting Chance is a huge step forward in that project.
“Sporting Chance is a fantastic new bar – perfect for watching your favourite team before your flight, eating a great meal or just enjoying a spectacular view – but it’s also in a whole new area for most passengers adding more seats and space to the terminal.
“It means even passengers who don’t use the bar will be able to enjoy the extra space and capacity in the Terminal. I’m looking forward to sampling the bar myself and hearing people’s feedback.”
