Old Trafford staged Super League final on 3 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 04:50 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Old Trafford staged the Betfred Super League Grand Final in Manchester on 3 October 2026, when Wakefield Trinity beat Warrington Wolves 23-10. The rugby league event brought a major sporting programme to the home of Manchester United, including live music, a light show and a trophy presentation.
Old Trafford staged the Super League final on 3 October
The 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final took place at the stadium on Saturday 3 October 2026. Warrington Wolves faced Wakefield Trinity in a final that guaranteed a new name on the competition trophy, because neither club had previously won the Super League title. The official final programme listed player arrivals, performances and entertainment around the match.
Wakefield Trinity won 23-10, securing the club's first Super League title. The result was reported from Old Trafford by BBC Sport's live coverage on 3 October 2026. The match therefore turned the Manchester stadium into the setting for a significant moment in Wakefield's modern rugby league history.
The pre-match programme included the final stage of Sir Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7 challenge. He was due to complete the final run at the stadium and bring the match ball on to the pitch before presenting the trophy. Soul Symphony performed before kick-off and at half-time, while CUE provided the planned light show.
Old Trafford's 1910 stadium history shaped the setting
Manchester United moved to the stadium in 1910, according to the club's published stadium history. The original ground opened on 19 February 1910 with capacity for approximately 80,000 people. Scottish architect Archibald Leitch designed the stadium in 1909.
Wartime damage changed the building long before the 2026 final. A German bombing raid heavily damaged the ground on 11 March 1941, and the rebuilt stadium reopened on 24 August 1949. Its current listed capacity is 75,454, although the Super League final's travel guidance referred to more than 65,000 expected spectators.
The rugby league occasion connected that long history with a sport beyond football. A stadium opened for Manchester United in 1910 became the final venue for a competition whose 2026 season ended on 3 October, while Wakefield's victory added a new sporting chapter to the ground's record.
Travel arrangements surrounded the Manchester final
Transport for Greater Manchester published special advice for the event. Its guidance placed the stadium on Sir Matt Busby Way and identified Old Trafford tram stop on the Altrincham line, with Trafford Bar, Wharfside and Exchange Quay also serving the area.
The same advice recorded that the final began at 6pm on 3 October 2026. It also listed post-match shuttle buses from Chester Road towards Deansgate-Castlefield, Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens. These arrangements were specific to the event and reflected the expected pressure on roads and public transport around the stadium.
Visiting Old Trafford: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Betfred Super League Grand Final took place at Old Trafford on 3 October 2026, with a 6pm start.
- The event has concluded. The match was played between Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity, and Wakefield won 23-10.
- The stadium is on Sir Matt Busby Way in Manchester. The Old Trafford tram stop is on the Altrincham line, while Trafford Bar, Wharfside and Exchange Quay provide additional nearby tram options.
- Old Trafford is a large stadium with lift access to its seating areas, according to the final's spectator information. The venue opened in 1910 and was rebuilt after wartime damage.
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Frequently asked questions about Old Trafford
When did the Super League Grand Final take place at Old Trafford?
The 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final took place on 3 October 2026, with a 6pm start. Wakefield Trinity beat Warrington Wolves 23-10.
Where is Old Trafford and how do you get there?
The stadium is on Sir Matt Busby Way in Manchester. Old Trafford tram stop is served by the Altrincham line, with other nearby stops at Trafford Bar, Wharfside and Exchange Quay.
What is Old Trafford?
Old Trafford is Manchester United's stadium, opened in 1910 and rebuilt after heavy wartime damage. It hosted the Betfred Super League Grand Final on 3 October 2026.
