Press Releases

June 21 2006

Sportcity Visitor Centre reaches 6000 milestone

The Sportcity Visitor Centre on Rowsley Street, off Ashton New Road in east Manchester has reached a milestone with over 6,000 visitors through its doors. To mark the occasion, the 6000th and 6001st visitors, Kath Bates from Miles Platting and Alf Almond from Chadderton, were presented with tickets for the FC Porto game on 12 August by Manchester City Football Club's chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh.

The centre, which opened to the public last July, is partly run by volunteers and contains a 65 sq metre permanent exhibition illustrating the past, present and future of East Manchester. The exhibition traces the history of the area from 1790 when the Bradford colliery started production right through to the Commonwealth Games and the current regeneration of the area promising a bright future for East Manchester. Visitors will get a fascinating insight into one of the most historically interesting parts of Manchester, brought to life with archive photographs, artefacts and memorabilia, some of which will be on show to the public for the first time.

Gary Crate, Sportcity's estate manager said: "The Visitor Centre gives people the opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of this fascinating part of the city. Since opening last summer, it has been extremely well received and we've had excellent feedback from visitors. Sportcity was the catalyst for the regeneration of east Manchester and it is now a destination in its own right for football, athletics, cycling, squash, tennis and concerts. There is no dedicated leisure facility quite like this anywhere in the country and we are pleased to be able to offer this information point that is not only educational but can help people get the most out of their visit to the complex."

The Sportcity visitor centre is open five days a week from Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm as well as match days and when other events are held at Sportcity. For more information call 0161 220 9739 or visit www.sportcity-manchester.com. Admission is free. As well as the exhibition, there are future plans to offer ticket sales, merchandise and tourist information from the site.