Last Updated: 2004/08/31

Manchester, NH
by David Litterer

Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire, with a population of approx. 107,000. Its nickname is the “Queen City” but it is also known as the place where history invites opportunity. As such it is a major regional industrial center, and was named by Money Magazine in 1998 as the number one small city in the East. Manchester was once home of the largest textile manufacturing plant in the world but its economic base has shifted considerably in recent years to include more high tech businesses. In fact, Manchester is the home of Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway Human Transporter. The city is also home to the Currier Museum of Art, the New Hampshire Institute of Art, the SEE Science Center and the Massabesic Audubon Center. The City Hall Plaza is the tallest building in northern New England. There are over 900 acres of parks and recreation facilities. The Verizon Wireless Arena hosts the American Hockey League’s Manchester Monarchs. If you’re into watching varsity sports, the city boats University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University, St. Anselm College and Springfield College.

New Hampshire Phantoms (D3Pro)
New Hampshire Lady Phantoms (W-League)
One Park Avenue
Hudson, NH 03051
(603) 578-5588

History
The New Hampshire Ramblers were formed in 1995 in Montreal. After the Canadian Association forbid them to play in the US-Based USISL, the team moved to Nashua, New Hampshire. They folded after one season, and the Phantoms were formed the following year. After two seasons, the team moved north to Manchester, to the brand new Singer Park, a jewel just south of downtown. The Lady Phantoms were formed that year, and both teams are going strong to this day. The Phantoms made it to the D3 Pro finals in 1998 and the semifinals in 1997. They’ve fallen back a bit since then but hope to rebound in 2003. The Lady Phantoms have struggled through constant rebuilding efforts and are still looking for their first winning season. The Phantoms are an affiliate of the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer, and also run a Youth Academy with Y-League teams form Boys U14-U18 and Girls U-14, as well as skills clinics through the winter.

Singer Park
South Commercial Street, Manchester, NH
(603) 578-5588
Capacity: 5,000
Field: 120 X 76

Team colors:
Phantoms: Blue, Black
Lady Phantoms: White, Black, Royal Blue

Honors: Phantoms - D3 finalist, 1998; D3 semifinals, 1997

Directions: Take I-93 N towards Concord, NH. (46 mi.) Take the I-293/Rt-101 W exit on the left towards Manchester/Bedford. Take the I-293 N exit towards Manchester/Concord. Take exit 5 Granite St towards Downtown. Turn right onto Granite St. Turn right at first light onto S Commercial St. The stadium is at the end of the street. Parking is approx. $2.00 and is plentiful.

Tickets: (Tentative): $8.00 adults, less for children.

Refreshers:
The usual basic food - burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, candy, popcorn, sodas. All reasonably priced.

Club Merchandise: T-Shirts, yearbooks, programs, pennants

Fan Culture:
The fans are enthusiastic, friendly and family oriented. The Stadium often feels more like one large community picnic. One unique feature at Phantom games: At halftime, the field is opened up to the kids who run out and kick soccer balls around for ten minutes of enjoyable chaos.

Media Coverage:

In Print: New Hampshire.com: http://www.newhampshire.com/sports/index.cfm

On the Air: No local TV or radio coverage

On the Web: (Phantoms & Lady Phantoms): http://www.nhphantoms.com

Around Town

Bars & Pubs

Cahoots Sports Bar & Grille
20 Old Granite Street, Manchester
(603) 626-4898

Tim & Angela’s Sports Bar & Grill
21 Central Street, Manchester
(603) 666-4011

Restaurants

Athens Restaurant
31 Central Street, Manchester
(603) 623-9317

Baldwin’s
1105 Elm Street, Manchester
(603) 622-5975

Greg’s Place
641 Elm Street, Manchester, NH
(603) 622-4713

Hotels & Accommodations

Queen City Motor Inn
140 Queen City Avenue, Manchester
(603) 666-0901

The Radisson Inn
(Team Hotel)
4 Executive Park Drive
Merrimack, NH 03054

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