On the third anniversary of the Commonwealth Games, a new visitor centre opens at Sportcity.

The new centre hosts an exciting new permanent exhibition. The information panels provide a lively interpretation of the area's history ranging from 1790 when the Bradford colliery started production, through to the starring role in the staging of the Commonwealth Games. The centre also acts as a signpost and information service for the legacy of world class sports facilities available at Sportcity and the ongoing regeneration of East Manchester.

On Sunday 31 July, an Open Day will be held at Sportcity from 10am – 4pm to mark the opening of the new visitor centre. This will be the first opportunity for members of the public to see the exhibition and visit other facilities  including the City of Manchester Stadium, the Regional Athletics Arena, National Squash Centre, Regional Tennis Centre and the National Cycling Centre.

Free taster sessions in tennis, squash, badminton and basketball will be available. Demonstrations and fun activities involving cycling, football, lacrosse and netball will also take place. A Go Ride cycle skills course from the velodrome and tours of the stadium and Manchester City Football Club museum should not be missed.

For those finding all this sporting activity a little too frenetic for their tastes, an arts and craft market should provide the therapy needed. There are regular bus services from Manchester City Centre, carparking is free and the open top city centre sight-seeing bus takes in Sportcity on its tours leaving from St Peter's Square.