I think this may be some sort of record for contemporary history. This is a splendid building which was only completed in 2002 and started the first phase of its existence on 25 July 2002. This phase ended at about 2145 on 31 July 2002 and so it can already be called [1 August 2002] that place that USED TO BE the athletics stadium for the XVII Commonwealth Games, 2002. This weekend will see the end of the next stage which will feature the seven -a-side rugby and the closing ceremony of the same games and its future will be as the home of Manchester City Football Club.
Time and time again athletes paid tribute to the excellent stadium and the terrific atmosphere. The tickets for the final night of the athletics could have been sold at least three times over and I felt very privileged to be there with two sons and my granddaughter.
The whole period of the athletics had been terrific and as the last night crowd we had something to keep up to - and by all accounts we did. What a fabulous spirit! and what tremendous organisation! and with all respect to Man. City, what a shame that Manchester is not retaining the track and keeping this fabulous stadium.
The building is huge and my camera was tiny but I am putting in some photos as a tribute to this small piece of 21st Century history.