Where to stay Manchester City Centre or Salford Quays?

[MojacaSunset]

I'm not familiar with Manchester but I'm taking dd (18) for a long weekend in July. The main purpose is to watch a sporting event on Sat / Sun at the Etihad campus. We will be going by coach and staying 3 nights. I have seen a good deal for a hotel in Salford Quays, right on the tram line and although it's a 35 min journey to the event it seems straightforward (and we don't need to be there early).
Would we be better off staying in the city centre? Is there plenty to do around Salford Quays?
We want to be able to eat out in the evening but are not party animals.

We've stayed in various hotels in Manchester (including the Lowry) but now always go back to Jury's Inn. Cheap but always clean, quiet and a surprising good breakfast.

We stayed in a rented flat in New Islington at Easter which is one tram stop down from the Etihad campus or a short walk. Very quiet residential area but close to the canal and restaurants/shops if you want to eat out. It was a 2 bed place (two twins) so maybe too big for you but if you want details let me know.

I think so. Its a good point about the more central hotels in town being rammed with stag and hens at that time of year.

The city isn't overrun with stag and hens it's not Blackpool
There is a good mix especially if there are popular gigs on or football
I'd avoid staying out of time when it's park life as the trams are crazy busy

Update
I found a really good deal for the Mercure Picadilly Hotel and booked it. By using a few discount codes I got the price down to £303 for 3-night bed and breakfast.

I’m glad you did op, that copthorne hotel is nowhere near the bits of Salford quays with shops and restaurants. Hope you have a lovely time in Manchester