Sport

Thanks to the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester is home to world class sports facilities such as:

City of Manchester Stadium
National Squash Centre
North West Regional Basketball Centre
Manchester Velodrome (The North West's only indoor Olympic cycle track)
The Manchester Aquatics Centre, which was purpose built for the games and is now part of The University of Manchester campus

All of these facilities were used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games when the eyes of the sporting world were fixed on Manchester.

Manchester's reputation for hosting major events was further boosted by the UEFA Champions League Final, which was held at Old Trafford in 2003.

Manchester is a hotbed of top-flight football. The city is home to the world famous Manchester United, and their competitive local rivals Manchester City.

Further afield, the Northwest region can boast at least half-a-dozen other top class football clubs, as well as countless Rugby League teams.