Manchester United has announced that it will open a series of tech-driven entertainment and experience centres throughout China.
The first Manchester United Entertainment and Experience Centres are scheduled to open in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenyang by the end of 2020 after the Red Devils partnered with leading Chinese property developer Harves.
The Beijing centre will be located within the Beijing FUN development in the historic Qianmen Dashilan area right next to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Each venue will feature interactive and immersive experiences, using state-of-the-art technology to bring United to life.
Fans who visit will be able to experience the thrill of a matchday at Old Trafford as well as learn the history and heritage of English football’s most successful and storied club. Each centre will offer visitors a different experience and will include restaurants, along with a club retail store.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Harves on the Manchester United Entertainment and Experience Centres concept, offering our millions of Chinese fans the chance to experience the club in a new and innovative way,” said Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold.
“We first visited China in 1975 and we’re proud to have seen our fan base in the region grow and develop their passion for United over the years.
“This new concept will allow them to get closer to the club they love.”
The club has an estimated 100 million followers in China.
“Harves is honoured to partner with Manchester United and bring our property development expertise in the creation of these centres,” said its CEO Bo Zhang.
“They were the first club to broadcast games in China and I can remember setting my alarm to watch the best players in the world play.
“Manchester United was also the first to tour China and the first to host fan events in the country. But they are so much more than a football club.
“Rooted in its unique approach to training, its storied legacy and leadership, and its status as the most successful club in the world, we will create a fully immersive experience that entertains, educates, and inspires the next generation of football fans.”