Printworks Manchester has become the first venue in the world to secure a lease for Crossbar, a “revolutionary” football entertainment concept, signing a 20-year agreement that will bring the world’s first ‘total football’ venue to the city.
Crossbar, created by hospitality entrepreneur Brett Duarte, will “bring together his lifelong passion for football with a vision for elevated seamless entertainment.” The venue will cater to all levels of players, from casual gamers to competitive enthusiasts.
At the heart of the venue will be the fully immersive football boxes, EA-style gameplay with real footballs, player leaderboards and spot prizes for goals. The immersive football boxes are private tech-enabled playing spaces with motion tracking, reactive projection, surround sound and tactile floor vibrations. Guests can compete in skill challenges and tournaments while friends watch, dine and cheer from custom-built lounges. VIP and private event spaces provide exclusive hires for families, corporate groups and special occasions. Crossbar also features a steak-led restaurant, two bars, and food and drinks served directly to the immersive football boxes.
Spread across 25,000 sq ft, Printworks’ new Crossbar venue represents a flagship letting, further diversifying the scheme’s tenant mix following the recent success of viral LA brand Dave’s Hot Chicken.
The entertainment and dining destination continues to buck industry trends and has seen footfall rise by over 15% in the last year. This is supported by a series of live events and breathtaking immersive content on Europe’s largest digital ceiling as part of its £27m, 2024 transformation.
Crossbar also extends its reach beyond the venue through its charity foundation, delivering the experience to children with special needs via haptic-enabled sensory pods, ensuring football is accessible for everyone.
Dan Davis, general manager at Printworks, said: “Crossbar’s arrival at Printworks perfectly embodies our ambition to create dynamic experience-led destinations and strengthens our reputation as Manchester’s leading leisure destination. We’re thrilled to be the first to secure a lease for such a groundbreaking brand and can’t wait to see guests experience it for themselves. With an exciting partnership announcement with a major sports brand on the horizon, Crossbar is set to become one of the city’s most talked-about venues.”
Crossbar is scheduled to open in June 2026.
