Is everyone exited, personally I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, finals make me feel like a kid at Christmas.
What are everyone's plans tomorrow? what time are we all getting there? anyone getting there early and making a day of it? How are we all getting down there?

Can’t wait for it. Same as we do every year, we’re out for breakfast in Manchester, tram over to Chorlton and a few beers there till about 4.30/5ish. A bit different this year compared to the last few, with us being in it but that just takes the excitement levels up.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Anyone any idea where the potential train issues will be, there are some reports of trains not running and replacement buses being used. May be the difference between train and driving for me.

Sounds good, we've always stuck around piccadilly, getting there for around 10.30, few beers, food then head up on tram to the tollgate, couple in there then walk down to old Trafford.
What's Charlton like mate?

Timetables are saying they expect it to be busy and Deansgate will be shut from 18.00 so no getting home from there but nothing about bus transfers

We always did the city centre but had issues with trams/taxis a couple of years on the spin and decided to head to Chorlton the following year for a change and we’ve done it for about 8 or 9 years now. Plenty of bars and pubs and quieter on the tram back towards OT. You get a few fans around the pubs but not too many. Depends what you want I guess. We used to go to Shambles Square for the atmosphere pre game.

That's were we've always gone, the oyster bar, bit different this year as am taking one of the kids for the first time so want the atmosphere but don't want anything too crowded for her.

Does anyone know if there is anything going on outside the ground this year.
They used to have various different things going on around the ground but the last time wigan went I remeber they hardly had anything other than bars and the armed forces stands.
Also anyone know what band (if any) are on pre game

Catalans have told their fans to meet outside the Oyster Bar, so it could be lively. I know they’re not bringing loads but I’d imagine a fair percentage of them will rock up there.

First few times I always went the Oyster Bar but to save hassle with getting from their to OT we just decided to go straight to OT and drink in the pubs around there or other years just congregate outside the spoons with cans bought from Tesco, last time was a nightmare, couldn’t get in the pub and the Tesco had been told to stop serving alcohol so we are going to go to the Oyster Bar this year, taking my 5 year old lad and my wife to their first final so wanting to show them the atmosphere. With a bit of luck the weather might be decent too.

Why did I think 'Blue Oyster Bar' when I read this?

17 of us heading to hotel football.

As always will be plotting a way of sneaking some decent food into the ground.

Think we'll probably end up there too for a bit, if I figure out who you are ill get you a pint

Oyster bar is grim and will be packed. If it’s not raining The Dockyard in media city is a good option. 20 minute walk from OT.

It’s Reverend and the makers, Indy band from Sheffield, not really mainstream but fairly well known if you are into that sort of music.

I think we have previously gone to one of the other bars in that area that was a little easier to get served, if the rain stays away the courtyard will be good and normally a good atmosphere, it’s all I know aside from going straight to the ground which the last couple of times has been a bit naff.

Oyster Bar if its dry (and probably even if it isn't!). Dockyard is a good shout if its pouring it down. Corbieres and then down to the Tollgate before the game.

Always a good atmosphere around the Oyster Bar but tricky getting served. The last few GFs we have done the afternoon around the bottom end of Deansgate near the station - taxi & tram options with a direct route to the ground.

Good selection of pubs too - The Deansgate, Cask, Atlas, Briton’s Protection. Lock91, White Lion, usually all get a good RL crowd. Looking forward to it.

The last time i went to GF in 2001 Wigan got battered and there where i saw large amount of people wanting public transport and fighting between rival fans it put me off from going to Finals i said to myself thats it never again

The last time i went to GF in 2001 Wigan got battered and there where i saw large amount of people wanting public transport and fighting between rival fans it put me off from going to Finals i said to myself thats it never again

Thought about doing this so many times! Too late for this year (train to Victoria, drinks in the Northern Quarter then to the Trafford Hall Hotel for a Signature Steak for our party of

but definitely next time!

Sound so boring to be just going on the coach!

Yeah, if you’re doing public transport on the way home you’re probably better going in one of the local pubs around OT for a pint or two to wait for the crowds and mayhem to die down, or maybe better taking the extra financial hit and trying to get a taxi back into Manchester rather than the metrolink or a bus.

Late breakfast in Wigan then the train to Deansgate for a few scoops then onto the game for our happy band of Wiganers.

I have noticed with you my friend your comments are always upbeat and happy,please keep it up,cheers me up no end.