The City of Manchester (also known as Eastlands) is the home stadium of Premier League big boys Manchester City. It is located east of Manchester city centre (hence the name 'Eastlands'!) and its maximum capacity is 47,726.

Eastlands is an absolutely fantastic stadium in so many different ways. Although I am a Liverpool fan and not a Manchester City fan (my Dad is however - the reason why I have been to the stadium on numerous occasions!) I have been to see at least four games - two vs Liverpool and two or three other games where I was a neutral. Each time I go to watch a match I have an thoroughly good day out.

First of all, the stadium is so easily accessible by car mainly due to the excellent car parking facilities. This makes your day out so much easier as you can leave at a decent time and get there comfortably knowing you can park right next to the stadium for a mere £5. There is one drawback however...you do end up waiting quite a while to get out after the game but that is to be expected in my opinion.

When you get inside the gates, there is so much space around the ground....its not tight and you don't find yourself squashed up next to people as you try to find your terrace or as you try to find the merchandise store! The stadium also employs the genius 'credit card' system for tickets.....you purchase your ticket online and the ticket is activated onto your 'City Card' as they call it. Then all you do is hold your card into the turnstile, the machine goes green and in you go. Simple. The tickets are generally great value too. The ticket for Man City vs Liverpool was a huge £45 which was expensive, but worth it in my opinion as it was a big game. It is not uncommon for City to do deals i.e. £10 tickets for midweek games and tickets for 4 matches = £130, that sort of thing, which is great value. Also, they do kids tickets for £5 a match under certain circumstances so all in all, a thumbs up for value.

Once you get inside, again there isn't a shortage of space or amenities.....plenty of toilets, bars and food stands (I personally go for the old hot dog and chips!) and they also throw in the old Ladbrokes kiosk...a nice touch as I like an old flutter at a footy match especially when Liverpool aren't playing as I prefer to bet as a neutral!

The stadium itself is very impressive and when its full it seems that the capacity would be well over its maximum 47,726. You always get a great atmosphere too.

I would definitely recommenda visit to the City of Manchester Stadium if you have never been before.........whether you are a die-hard city fan or a neutral like me that just loves a good footy match...its a must. You will have a great day out!!