Few stadiums in English football have a story as complicated as the
CBS Arena. Coventry City have played there since 2005, but for much of that time, the club didn't own it, couldn't control it, and was even forced to play elsewhere. Now, with the stadium finally theirs and the Sky Blues back in the Premier League after 25 years, the CBS Arena is entering its most exciting chapter yet.
Where is the CBS Arena?
The CBS Arena sits in the north of Coventry, in the Longford area, close to the M6 motorway. Its location makes it easy to reach by car from much of the Midlands, though match-day traffic can be heavy.
The stadium has its own railway stop, Coventry Arena station, with direct trains from Coventry city centre. Many fans also use buses from the city, especially on busy match days.
Where did Coventry City play before the CBS Arena?
For more than a century, Coventry's home was Highfield Road, east of the city centre. The club played there from 1899 until 2005, and generations of supporters grew up on its terraces.
Highfield Road saw the club's greatest era, including 34 consecutive seasons in the top flight. But by the early 2000s, the old ground had grown outdated, and the club moved to a brand-new stadium on the other side of the city.
Why has the CBS Arena's history been so turbulent?
The stadium opened in 2005 as the Ricoh Arena, financed by Coventry City Council and a local charity. Crucially, the football club didn't own it. It was a tenant in its own home.
Over the following years, disputes between the club's owners and the stadium's operators led to years of conflict. Twice, Coventry were forced to leave the city entirely:
- 2013–14: The club played home games at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium, more than 30 miles away.
- 2019–2021: Coventry shared Birmingham City's St Andrew's.
These were painful years for supporters, who saw their club drift as low as the fourth tier of English football. In 2021, the stadium was renamed the Coventry Building Society Arena, now widely known as the CBS Arena.
How did Coventry finally take ownership of the stadium?
The turning point came under owner and chairman Doug King, who took control of the club in 2023. In August 2025, Coventry City completed the purchase of the CBS Arena, ending two decades as tenants.
Ownership gave the club something it had long lacked: control over its own future. The club has since announced a major partnership with venue management company Legends Global, backed by more than £15 million of investment to improve the stadium and develop it as a year-round destination.
How did Coventry return to the Premier League?
With the stadium secured, Coventry turned their attention to the pitch. Under manager Frank Lampard, the Sky Blues won the Championship in the 2025–26 season, sealing their return to the Premier League after 25 years away.
For fans who'd endured relegations, ground-shares, and years in the lower leagues, it was a moment many thought they might never see. The CBS Arena now hosts top-flight football as the club's own home for the very first time.
What is the atmosphere like at the CBS Arena?
With a capacity of around 32,600, the CBS Arena is one of the mid-sized grounds in the Premier League. On big match days, the bowl-shaped design holds noise well, and the home support has been energized by the club's return to the top flight.
Supporters are known as the Sky Blues, after the club's famous colors, and the club's anthem, the "Sky Blue Song," is a proud part of match-day tradition. After everything the club has been through, the sense of pride in the stands is easy to feel.
Tips for visiting the CBS Arena
- Plan your transport. Trains to Coventry Arena station can be crowded, so allow extra time or use buses from the city centre.
- Book parking early. Premier League crowds mean more cars, and pre-booked parking is recommended.
- Arrive early. The area around the stadium gets busy well before kickoff.
- Explore Coventry. The city's cathedral and transport museum are worth visiting if you're making a day of it.
Finally, truly home
The CBS Arena's story is one of patience and persistence. A stadium that once kept Coventry City at arm's length now belongs to the club, and it's hosting Premier League football again. For Sky Blues fans, every home game this season carries a sense of homecoming.
So settle it. Compare Coventry City to any club — Aston Villa, Leicester City, Birmingham City, or a European giant — and get an instant AI verdict on tactics, form, and which club is actually better right now.