City of Manchester Stadium: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Built for the Commonwealth Games of 2002, the City of Manchester Stadium (also known as COMS, Eastlands and Sportcity) is located in Manchester, England.

The stadium was given to Manchester City Football Club in exchange for their old stadium Maine Road. Since Manchester City F.C. moved to the new stadium they have also lowered the field of play and removed the athletics track (installed for the Commonwealth Games) and installed an additional level of seating.

The COMS boasts the widest pitch in English football, and is the only ground in the UK where entry is gained by electronic smart card rather than the traditional manned-turnstyle.

The stadium recently became the 50th stadium to host an England international match when England played Japan on June 1st, 2004.