October 13 – The Manchester-based National Football Museum welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors this summer, as numbers shot up 35% from 2022, eclipsing pre-Covid figures.
The statistics show that from June 1 to August 31, the National Football Museum had a record 68,253 visitors, a 35% increase from the previous year and, crucially, a 31% rise compared to 2019 pre-Covid numbers.
A key reason for the spike in visitors was the record number of interactive elements introduced to the museum as part of its Football Creates initiative, which helped visitors to more thoroughly engage with exhibitions .
Sheona Southern, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “The National Football Museum is a much-loved attraction in Manchester and is a key driver for sports-loving visitors who come to enjoy great events, including football. It is fantastic to see the museum’s visitor numbers are now even higher than before the pandemic, and particularly encouraging to see the strength of the international visitor market, which the museum and other attractions in Greater Manchester will see great benefits from.”
The increase in visitor numbers has led to the creation of 15 new jobs.
National Football Museum CEO Tim Desmond said: “The Summer of 2023 has been full of ground-breaking experiences, and these record figures pay testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the National Football Museum. Our visitor-first approach has delivered an innovative and inclusive programme of exhibitions and events, alongside a world-class visitor experience and welcome from our team. We continue to be thankful for the support of Manchester City Council and Arts Council England who play a vital role in the museum’s ongoing development, enabling us to engage more people and communities in football and creativity.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714289934labto1714289934ofdlr1714289934owedi1714289934sni@g1714289934niwe.1714289934yrrah1714289934