Radisson Hotel Group has signed two new hotels, to be developed at Manchester City and Oxford United football clubs.
The latest additions to the pipeline are creating something of a trend for Radisson. It has already agreed to open hotels at a number of other major sports venues, including cricket grounds in the UK and India, and at the home of English rugby, in Twickenham.
A new entertainment hub for Manchester
The Manchester hotel, to be named The Medlock, will sit alongside the Manchester City stadium, and will be part of the growing Etihad Campus. Radisson Blu branded, it will have 401 rooms across a mix of standard, deluxe, suites and even a luxury penthouse suite.
The complex will also include a roof walk and museum experience, making for a unique destination for visitors. Valor Hospitality has been selected to manage the new hotel, which is expected to open in late 2026.
The new hotel will provide essential accommodation for visitors to the stadium, particularly those attending football games, as well as attendees of music and other events at the Co-op Live arena, which is the UK’s largest such facility. The stadium also features a range of meetings and events spaces, ideal for companies wishing to plan large gatherings.
And at Oxford United’s new football ground, Radisson will open a new hotel as part of the Triangle development, north of the city. More than half of the 180 rooms at the new hotel will have a view of the pitch.
The new 16,000 capacity stadium will also feature conference and exhibition space with a 1,000 capacity. The Radisson hotel will also contribute to the site’s amenities, with bars, restaurants and fitness facilities. Cycas Hospitality has been appointed to operate the new hotel, once it opens.
“The hotel is a key part of our plans to create a multi-purpose venue, whilst supporting the Club’s ability to operate an economically sustainable long-term home,” said Adam Benson, chief commercial and marketing officer at Oxford United.
More hotels at sporting venues
Those sporting hotels in the pipeline include the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nathdwara Stadium, Rajasthan. Three quarters of its 234 rooms will have a stunning view of the cricket field, something keen cricket fans are sure to relish. Setting the pace as India’s first hotel at a cricket stadium, the property is set to open towards the end of 2025.
And at Twickenham, where the Allianz Stadium is the home of English rugby, Radisson is undertaking a refurbishment of the existing hotel. The Rugby Football Union opted to rebrand the 150 room hotel, which is an integral part of the stadium, and selected Radisson RED as its new brand. Aimbridge Hospitality, which manages the hotel, will continue to run it while a refit takes place, and the transition is completed.