Olympic football action at Old Trafford

More than 75,000 spectators are expected to fill the Theatre of Dreams for the seven match-days, which kick off from July 26 when Team GB play their opening game against Senegal in the men’s tournament.

Unusually for matches at Old Trafford, some games are taking place on weekdays and during the working day. Combined with additional security precautions around the venue, which will further restrict access for cars and for parking, it means fans are being warned to not rely on their familiar match-day routes and parking arrangements.

Road closures will be in place around the stadium up to five hours prior to a match and remain for approximately 1 hour after the final whistle.

Ticket packs, emails and posters are all being used to urge spectators to plan ahead, set off in good time and use the transport options laid on for them by the Games organisers.

They are also being warned to avoid last-minute arrival as airport-style security checks will be in place at Old Trafford.

A 7,000-space park and ride service will be in operation for ticket-holders, bookable in advance online through the London 2012 website. Three sites have been specially set up at the Trafford Centre, Sportcity and Salford City Stadium, with a dedicated fleet of shuttle buses running between the car parks and Old Trafford.

In the city centre, at least 30 free shuttle buses will be available to run from Piccadilly Gardens to Old Trafford and back on match days.

Spectators will also be able to travel for free on Metrolink to and from the game just by showing their match ticket if asked.

Teams of Olympic Ambassadors will be strategically placed around key locations to help guide spectators to public transport.

The arrangements being put in place are all being paid for by the Games organisers as part of the cost for staging the overall event.

A special venue page has been created on the London 2012 website to explain the best ways to get to Old Trafford and an online journey planning tool is also available, helping spectators make the best use of public transport services.

Meanwhile, businesses are being reminded they should prepare for the Games too.

The Travel Advice for Business team at London 2012 has put together their top tips to help businesses plan to make sure they are ready for Games-time.

1. Check dates and times of events near to you and start to plan for these.

2. Raise awareness amongst your staff that their journey to work and any travel during the working day could be affected by an increase in visitors to your area.

3. Discuss travel requirements with your staff, customers, visitors and suppliers early. Consider how they could be affected and what that means for your business.

4. Consider reducing non-essential journeys. Discuss travel arrangements with staff and suppliers. Are they able to reduce non-essential journeys? Consider whether visitors and customers are able to reduce travel, retime journeys, change route or change method of transport. Alternatives such as tele/video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings should also be considered where possible.

5. Plan essential travel. Encourage staff, customers, visitors and suppliers making essential journeys to investigate different routes, times of travel and types of transport.

6. Think about deliveries. Where possible, reschedule deliveries to less busy days or times or even overnight. Stock up on non-perishables like stationery before the Games to reduce unnecessary journeys and carry out maintenance before the Games.

7. Use our tools for planning to create an action plan. Visit GetAheadoftheGames.com to download an action plan template and other useful tools such as staff survey templates.

8. Test your action plan. Check the plans you put in place are effective by testing them well in advance of the Games.

9. Communicate your plans to everyone who will be affected.