Just
before Maine Road finally closed its doors to football I went on the 'City
Tour' so it was very interesting to look around the new Stadium as part
of the City Experience recently. Below are a few images to give you a flavour
of the visit.
The
Mancunian Legends Lounge has images of some of the home grown talent that have
graced the turf at Maine Road.
The
home dressing room seems very clinical. There is very little to say, apart for
a City logo near the door, that this belongs to City. It certainly needs some
feeling. It is of course much more upto date than the old one at Maine Road with
no big tub. I understand the kit alcoves for the players are allocated from left
to right to the keeper, defence, midfield and attack.
A
view from the Legends Lounge.
The
physio and medical section of the home dressing room. Note the diagrams on the
walls in case anyone forgets!
Situated
next to the tunnel is the area where players and managers are interviewed for
TV
Both
the home side and visitors have a fair sized indoor warm-up area kept at constant
temperature.
I
was quite surprised to learn that City team come direct from Carrington by coach
and that the coach goes into a tunnel at the edge of the stadium complex and the
players de-bus underground.
Near
the tunnel entrance is a wall with supporters names etched into the surface.
A
bit disappointed I was not able to have a kick-about on the ground itself. Still
it was a bit wet and it would have ruined my shoes! What was interesting was the
camber of the pitch over its width - see the image above.
There
is a meeting room for press announcements etc. I was hoping I might have witnessed
news of the arrival of a new star striker, fullback and centre back. No such luck.
This
is the press area and as they all have small TV's giving a live feed of the match
there is no excuse for poor info now lads!
