A huge exhibition center just two miles from Old Trafford is hosting a 'Rangers Takeover' when Glasgow plays Manchester United next Thursday.
Bowlers, at nearby Trafford Park, will entertain thousands of traveling fans without tickets for the Europa League match, in a move that may raise eyebrows.
In 2008, ticketless Rangers fans rioted in Manchester as their side reached the UEFA Cup final, in scenes branded 'a disgrace' by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Much of the trouble – which saw 11 men jailed – centered around an area of the city where a large screen had been erected to show the match to those unable to gain entry to the Etihad Stadium. way south.
A judge later described what unfolded as 'the worst night of violence and destruction that Manchester city center has suffered since the Blitz', with 42 arrests.
The event, which will see the game shown on a 'big Super TV screen', has been dubbed 'Rangers FanZone: Manchester Takeover'. The start is at 3 p.m., about five hours before kick-off.
An advertisement online claims more than 2,000 Rangers supporters will be in attendance and only 97 tickets remain. It adds that the event will include a live DJ and a “loyalist singer.”
Parking has been created and more than 300 parking spaces are available for buses. Under-18s are also welcome, with the event considered 'family friendly' and former defender Marvin Andrews a special guest.
As Mail Sport's Man United Confidential reported, Rangers were allocated 3,768 tickets for the Europa League match and a request for more was rejected.
Given the alluring nature of the match, the level of support from Rangers and the accessibility of Manchester to the Scottish city, it is expected that many more people will travel.
Adding to what could be a complex police operation, Chelsea are due to play City in Manchester on Saturday. Parts of each club's fan base are connected and it is clear that some are heading from London to Manchester early to soak up the atmosphere.
Trafford Council, the licensing authority, declined to comment other than to say it has been working closely with Greater Manchester Police. GMP and Bowlers have been contacted for comment.
The following week, Rangers' rivals Celtic head to Birmingham to face Aston Villa in the Champions League. A separate event will be held at the Second City, which will show the match to fans who traveled without tickets.
It's called 'The Fanzone', runs from 2pm to 2am and features a number of Celtic bands at Luna Springs, Digbeth Arena. Celtic have only been allocated 2,100 tickets for the tie.
Chief Inspector Jack Hadley, Match Commander for West Midlands Police, said: “We are looking forward to another great Champions League event here in Birmingham.
'We expect many people to come to the city and we want everyone to enjoy what the city has to offer.
'We will have extra officers in and around the city center and as a police force we are used to major events such as high-profile football matches.
“We will have plans in place to ensure fans enjoy the occasion and the city, as well as keeping the wider public safe.”
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