The Merrion Centre is set to become one of Leeds’s must-visit destinations for football fans this summer with the launch of a unique new exhibition, Football in Fabric, alongside a programme of World Cup-themed activity across the centre.

Opening this week to coincide with the start of the FIFA World Cup, Football in Fabric is an immersive exhibition exploring football culture, identity, memory and community through decades of shirts, memorabilia, photography and personal stories.

Created by lifelong football enthusiast and collector Nicol Rorrison, the exhibition charts a deeply personal journey through football fandom — from childhood memories of the 1986 World Cup and classic kits to the wider social impact football has had on generations of supporters, families and communities.

Located on the Merrion Centre’s upper balcony level, the exhibition will showcase rare and nostalgic football items alongside stories celebrating how sport connects people across cities, countries and generations.

The timing of the opening forms part of the Merrion Centre’s wider “World Cup Ready” campaign, helping visitors prepare for the biggest tournament in football with shopping guides featuring tournament essentials including food, drinks, decorations and match-day supplies available from retailers across the centre.

In addition, throughout the World Cup, visitors will be able to take part in the Merrion Centre’s “Take a Shot and Win” social media competition. Football fans will be invited to pose in a specially designed World Cup-themed photo board installation within the centre and share their photos online for the chance to win a host of prizes courtesy of Merrion Centre tenants.

Prizes include:

• Tickets to a gig of the winner’s choice at first direct bank arena
• Complimentary meals at selected Merrion Centre food outlets
• Free karaoke sessions at K-Cube
• Exclusive retailer prizes and giveaways throughout the tournament

The campaign is designed to celebrate the communal spirit of the World Cup while encouraging visitors to experience the diverse leisure, retail and hospitality offering at the Merrion Centre.

James Broughton, Head of Marketing & Communications for Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “Football has an incredible ability to bring people together and this summer we wanted to create something that captures that excitement and sense of community throughout the World Cup.

“‘Football in Fabric’ is a brilliant addition to the centre and offers something genuinely unique for Leeds. Alongside the exhibition, our wider World Cup activity will give visitors plenty of reasons to visit the Merrion Centre during the tournament — whether that’s picking up match-day essentials, entering competitions or simply soaking up the atmosphere.”

Nicol Rorrison, creator of Football in Fabric, added: “This exhibition began as a personal project rooted in football, nostalgia and memory, but it has grown into something much broader about people, friendship and shared experience.

“Football shirts and memorabilia often carry stories that go far beyond sport itself. I hope visitors will see parts of their own lives and memories reflected in the exhibition.”

Further details regarding opening dates, launch events and competition activity will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information click here.