[6][7][8] For 18 years from opening, it was the only indoor Olympic-standard track in the United Kingdom before the completion of the Lee Valley VeloPark for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

[9][10][11] The venue hosted track cycling for the 2002 Commonwealth Games and forms part of the Sportcity complex, located adjacent to the City of Manchester Stadium, host stadium for the 2002 Games and home of Manchester City F.C.

The National Indoor BMX Arena adjacent opened in 2011 and the Velodrome can be accessed from the Metrolink Velopark tram stop on the East Manchester Line.

[1] The Velodrome was dismissed by some as a potential white elephant prior to opening – concerns that were later unfounded with the facility well used by the public and a key part of Britain's ascension to the top of track cycling.

[16] The centre's roof structure is based around a 122-metre, 200 tonne arch allowing for an unrestricted viewing area for spectators.

[20] The velodrome has become a popular venue for cyclists with taster and practice sessions frequently booked up several weeks in advance.

A Future Stars competition has races for young riders aged 15 or 16 to test their sprint and endurance.

As they performed Tour de France, four members of the British Olympic cycling team entered and rode laps of the track.