Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena Set to Revolutionize Entertainment Landscape

Manchester’s entertainment scene is about to witness a major shift as the highly-anticipated Co-op Live arena prepares to open its doors. This £365 million state-of-the-art venue, located next to Manchester City‘s Etihad football stadium, is set to become the largest indoor arena in the UK, boasting a staggering capacity of 23,500.

The grand opening, slated for Tuesday, will be headlined by comedian Peter Kay, following a test event featuring the iconic Rick Astley. The star-studded lineup scheduled to grace the Co-op Live stage includes heavyweights like Olivia Rodrigo, Take That, Eric Clapton, and local legend Liam Gallagher, among others.

The arena’s development is a collaborative effort between City Football Group, owned by UAE royalty Sheikh Mansour, and Oakview Music Group, co-founded by industry mogul Irving Azoff. Notably, global superstar Harry Styles has not only invested in the project but has also played a significant role in advising on various design elements, adding a touch of star power to the venture.

Co-op Live aims to challenge London’s dominance in attracting major events and artists, positioning itself as a premier destination for live entertainment. With its sleek black box exterior, the arena promises a host of cutting-edge features and amenities designed to enhance the artist-fan experience, including a spacious floor accommodating 9,200 standing fans, a multitude of food and beverage options, and state-of-the-art acoustics.

The venue’s commitment to social responsibility is underscored by its pledge to donate £1 million annually to charitable causes through the Co-op Foundation. Additionally, Co-op Live has created over 3,600 job opportunities for local residents during its construction phase, further solidifying its ties to the Manchester community.

As the curtain rises on this new chapter in Manchester’s entertainment landscape, industry insiders and fans alike are eager to witness the impact of Co-op Live. With plans to host high-profile events like the MTV Europe Music Awards and collaborate with smaller venues to cultivate local talent, the arena is poised to make a lasting mark on the city’s cultural scene.