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Co-op Live

Coordinates: 53°29′11″N 2°11′59″W / 53.48639°N 2.19972°W / 53.48639; -2.19972
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Not to be confused with the Manchester Arena in Manchester city centre.

Co-op Live
Map
AddressEtihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DL
LocationManchester, England
Coordinates53°29′11″N 2°11′59″W / 53.48639°N 2.19972°W / 53.48639; -2.19972
Public transitManchester Metrolink Etihad Campus
Owner
OperatorOak View Group
Capacity20,500 (all-seated)
23,500 (with standing)
Construction
Broke groundMay 2021 (2021-05)
Opened14 May 2024 (2024-05-14)
Construction cost£365–450 million[2][3]
ArchitectPopulous
Main contractorsBAM Construct UK
Website
cooplive.com

Co-op Live is an indoor arena in Manchester, England, sited in the Etihad Campus next to the City of Manchester Stadium. It opened on 14 May 2024 and is the largest indoor arena in the UK by capacity.[4][2][3]

The venue has 32 bars, restaurants and lounges and has the largest floor space of any comparable UK arena.[5] Oak View Group operates the venue in partnership with City Football Group.[6] Further investors in the arena include singer Harry Styles[7]

Co-op Live is the UK's first fully electric arena,[8] and notes its strong sustainable credentials including a football pitch worth of solar panels, rainwater harvesting to flush the toilets and water the plants, intelligent building controls, reusable cups, locally sourced food and materials, and a zero waste direct to landfill policy.[9]

The venue has been commended for its sound design,[10] with Liam Gallagher comparing the venue to New York City's iconic Madison Square Garden.[11] Opening the venue, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey noted the arena's design, calling it a "feather in the cap of Manchester's music [scene]".[12]

In its first year of opening, Co-op Live announced 12 UK arena exclusives, including well-received performances by Paul McCartney[13] and the only UK dates on Eagles' farewell tour.[14] The venue marks its one year anniversary with the first of an exclusive run of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band performances.[15]

Co-op Live has also demonstrated a commitment to the local community and charity, pledging at least £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation,[16] and having donated funds to the likes of Liam Gallagher's chosen charity, Happy Doggo.[17] In March 2025, Co-op Live confirmed a donation in the name of opening act elbow to Manchester's Northern Quarter venues to help improve their sound equipment.[18]

History

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Co-op Live was first approved in September 2020, announcing BAM Construct UK as the primary contractor[19]. At the time, Tim Leiweke, co-founder of Oak View Group, said: "We’re delighted that Manchester City Council has given our proposals the go-ahead, and we can’t wait to get started, bringing £350m of private investment, creating thousands of jobs, and delivering one of the world’s best arenas to this amazing city.[20]"

In 2020, the Co-operative Group announced it would be a significant investor in the arena, which would be named after it, and that Co-operative members will receive exclusive benefits regarding use of the arena.[21]

Construction, undertaken by BAM Construct UK,[22] started in 2021.[23] As of 2022, the estimated cost of the scheme was £365 million.[5] In July 2024, Royal BAM reported its UK construction business had suffered a £19.5m loss due to problems at the arena, and would be cutting jobs.[24]

Opening events

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Manchester indie band Elbow officially opened the venue on 14 May 2024[25]. The opening period also included notable performances by the likes of comedian Peter Kay, Liam Gallagher, The Killers, Take That and Nicki Minaj[26].

The Eagles also performed a five night residency at the venue as part of their farewell "Long Goodbye" tour, taking place in May and June 2024.[27]

On 25 May a performance by Nicki Minaj was cancelled, after most attendees had been admitted into the venue, after an arrest for drug possession at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol;[28] the concert, which was part of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour, was rescheduled to 3 June.[29]

Notable events

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The first 12 months of Co-op Live has seen over 100 shows take place, including performances by Liam Gallagher, Diljit Dosanjh, Janet Jackson and Pearl Jam. In February 2024, it was announced that the arena would host the MTV Europe Music Awards in November, which took place on 10 November 2024.[30] On 24 April 2024, the UFC announced it would hold UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 at the venue on 27 July.[31][32]

In July 2024, Sabrina Carpenter announced she would play two gigs at the Co-op Live Arena as part of the European leg of her Short n' Sweet Tour.[33]

Paul McCartney played the arena on 14–15 December as part of his Got Back tour.[34]

Other upcoming events

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Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are set to perform across three nights, with the first on 14 May 2025.[35] Olivia Rodrigo has confirmed her rescheduled shows for late June and early July 2025, now her only UK indoor shows announced for 2025.[36] The venue has also announced a UK arena exclusive run by stateside R&B artist, Chris Brown.[37] Upon announcing Chris Brown, the venue revealed their highest ticket sales to date, and the most across Europe during that single week.[38]

Additionally, American rapper Tyler, the Creator is scheduled to perform two nights at the arena on 27 and 28 May 2025 on his tour Chromakopia: The World Tour.[39] Robbie Williams is set to perform on 10 and 11 June 2025 as part of his 2025 tour.[40] Additionally, Lady Gaga, with her Mayhem Ball, will perform two nights at Co-op Live on 7 and 8 October.[41]

Billie Eilish confirmed the venue would host four nights of her Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour in July 2025.[42]

Delayed opening

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The arena was officially due to open on 23 April with a headline act by comedian Peter Kay; however, due to power supply issues at a test event featuring Rick Astley on 20 April, which resulted in 4,000 tickets being cancelled, the venue announced that Kay's performance was to be postponed until 29 and 30 April. The Black Keys were scheduled to perform on 27 April, but this was later rescheduled to 15 May.[43][44] On-going technical issues saw Kay's performances rescheduled for a second time to 23 and 24 May.[23] The venue was due to be opened on 1 May with A Boogie wit da Hoodie, but this was also postponed, as well as Olivia Rodrigo and Keane who were scheduled for the following weekend.[23][45][46] In the wake of the delayed opening and cancellations, Take That opted to move their five concert dates from Co-op Live to rival venue the AO Arena.[47] Co-op Live officially opened on 14 May 2024, with the band Elbow being the opening act.[48]

Arena design

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Another perspective on the construction site (August 2023)

The arena is planning to host live music, sports, comedy acts, and family entertainment events. It will have an all-seated maximum capacity of 20,500 (for a centre-stage concert, extending the retractable seating in the lower tier); but with an enhanced maximum capacity of 23,500, of whom 7,500 would be standing, when lower tier seating is retracted.[49][50][51]

The audience bowl will be approximately square with retractable seating on level 0 and level 1, premium seating on level 2, upper tier seating on level 3, and hospitality lounges overlooking the stage at level 4 from the North and South sides; while the configuration of the auditorium is intended to be optimised for larger-scale touring music performances with a relatively low ceiling (to enhance the acoustic experience), an extensive potential flat floor area at Level 0 for standing, and minimised distances from the upper tiers to the stage. Compared to a more conventional arena bowl of equivalent size, the tiered seats on the Western side of the Co-op Arena are claimed to be around 20 metres (70 ft) closer to the performance stage. The promoters state that the interior of the bowl "has been designed to feel like the UK's largest nightclub".[52]

The arena is planned to host around 120 events per year, 100 of which are planned music events. The design of the arena is primarily focused on hosting live music with Tim Leiweke, the CEO of the Oak View Group, stating that the design "made it about music and started there" as other arena projects had been "compromised by trying to please everyone".[5]

In addition to live music and entertainment, the developers propose basketball, netball, tennis, esports and gymnastics as sports that could be hosted within the dimensions of the arena floor, and for which there was not, at the time, an appropriate larger venue in Manchester capable of hosting championship events. With lower-tier seating retracted, the floor would accommodate a standard ice hockey rink. For events configured with a centre stage or using the arena floor, there will be additional upper-tier seating on the East side; above and behind the normal end-stage position.[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ O'Connor, Roisin (2 May 2024). "Falling debris, broken hand dryers and Harry Styles: inside the Co-op Live arena's nightmare launch". The Independent. London. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b Youngs, Ian (14 May 2024). "Co-op Live arena finally opens doors after delays". BBC News. London. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b Halliday, Josh (14 May 2024). "Co-op Live finally hosts first gig after spate of cancellations". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  4. ^ "About Us". www.cooplive.com. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Chris Slater (28 June 2022). "'It'll be the greatest music arena ever built': Manchester's Co-op Live boss gives exciting update on £365m venue - and how Harry Styles and Bruce Springsteen helped". Manchester Evening News.
  6. ^ Robinson, Jon (21 February 2023). "The investors behind Manchester's £365m Co-op Live - including Harry Styles and Manchester City group". Manchester Evening News. Reach plc. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  7. ^ Robinson, Jon (21 February 2023). "Co-op Live: Full list of investors including Harry Styles and Man City". Business Live. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  8. ^ Billington, James (16 March 2022). "Co-op Live: The all-electric arena that aims to be UK's most sustainable venue". Stadia Magazine. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  9. ^ "Sustainability". www.cooplive.com. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  10. ^ "I watched Black Keys rock Co-op Live on arena's second night and one thing stood out". ManchesterWorld. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  11. ^ England, Adam (18 June 2024). "Liam Gallagher compares Co-Op Live to Madison Square Garden". NME. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Elbow lead singer Guy Garvey praises Co-op Live after band opens troubled arena". Sky News. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  13. ^ Hughes, Rob (16 December 2024). "Paul McCartney, Co-op Live, Manchester, December 14". UNCUT. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  14. ^ Heward, Emily (31 May 2024). "Review: Eagles at Co-op Live masterfully perform the classics for farewell tour". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  15. ^ Melia, Thomas (1 October 2024). "Bruce Springsteen is playing a trio of massive Manchester gigs at Co-op Live next year". The Manc. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  16. ^ "Community". www.cooplive.com. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  17. ^ Mwamba, Ramazani (20 August 2024). "Liam Gallagher gifts Co-op live with stunning globe installation". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 22 September 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  18. ^ Dunworth, Liberty (27 March 2025). "Elbow and Co-Op Live team up to donate sound equipment to Manchester grassroots venues". NME. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  19. ^ Whelan, Dan (24 September 2020). "Manchester approves £350m Eastlands arena". Place North West. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  20. ^ Whelan, Dan (24 September 2020). "Manchester approves £350m Eastlands arena". Place North West. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  21. ^ "New Arena in Manchester to be Called Co-Op Live Following Major Investment". Co-operative Group. 26 September 2020. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  22. ^ "Crisis-hit Manchester Co-op Live Arena 'monitored closely' after embarrassing delays". ITV News. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  23. ^ a b c Vinter, Robyn (26 April 2024). "More gigs postponed amid opening week chaos at Manchester Co-op Live arena". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  24. ^ Morby, Aaron (25 July 2024). "BAM plans wave of job cuts at UK Construction arm". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  25. ^ Slater, Chris (14 May 2024). "Review: Elbow bring an uplifting note as Co-op Live puts misery behind it". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  26. ^ "Peter Kay to perform at opening of UK's largest indoor arena". BBC News. Manchester. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  27. ^ Tyler Kelly (22 January 2024). "The Eagles announce residency at Co-op Live arena in Manchester". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  28. ^ Walker, Amy (25 May 2024). "Full statement as Nicki Minaj Co-op Live gig cancelled hours after star's arrest". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  29. ^ Peters, Mitchell (27 May 2024). "Nicki Minaj Announces Rescheduled Manchester Concert Following Amsterdam Arrest". Billboard. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  30. ^ "Manchester's new Co-op Live arena to host MTV's Europe Music Awards". BBC News. Manchester. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  31. ^ "UFC 304 confirmed for Manchester in July". BBC Sport. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  32. ^ "Fans' dismay as Co-op Live Arena cancels show again". BBC News. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Sabrina Carpenter announces second Manchester date at Co-op Live as part of UK tour". www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  34. ^ "Paul McCartney Got Back tour".
  35. ^ Melia, Thomas (1 October 2024). "Bruce Springsteen is playing a trio of massive Manchester gigs at Co-op Live next year". The Manc. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  36. ^ "Olivia Rodrigo reveals rescheduled gigs at Manchester's Co-op Live". BBC News. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  37. ^ Stereoboard. "Chris Brown Adds Third Co-Op Live Manchester Show To UK Leg Of Breezy Bowl XX Tour - Stereoboard". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  38. ^ Areas, Access All (9 April 2025). "Co-op Live celebrates landmark week for ticket sales". Access All Areas. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  39. ^ "Tyler The Creator". AEG Presents. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  40. ^ "Robbie Williams announces huge 2025 UK, Ireland and Europe tour". NME. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  41. ^ Kaufman, Gil (4 April 2025). "Lady Gaga Adds 13 New Shows to Mayhem Ball Tour: See the Dates". Billboard. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  42. ^ "Billie Eilish announces Hit Me Hard And Soft tour UK dates". news.sky.com. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  43. ^ Vinter, Robyn (21 April 2024). "Thousands 'fuming' after tickets cancelled for Co-op Live arena show in Manchester". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  44. ^ "Co-op Live: New Manchester arena postpones Peter Kay's opening shows". BBC News. Manchester. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  45. ^ Wootton-Cane, Nicole; Campbell, Jenna (1 May 2024). "Co-op Live first gig cancelled again after weeks of chaos". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  46. ^ "Keane announce Co-op Live show cancelled after week of chaos for troubled arena". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  47. ^ "Take That move Co-op Live shows to rival arena after chaos". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  48. ^ "Manchester's Co-op Live arena finally opens after weeks of cancellations and setbacks". Sky News. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  49. ^ "Design and Access Statement". Manchester City Council. 31 March 2020. pp. 39 and 115.
  50. ^ a b "Erection of a multi-use arena" (PDF). Manchester City Council. 31 March 2020.
  51. ^ "Manchester plans revealed for UK's largest indoor arena". BBC News. Manchester. 28 February 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  52. ^ "Bosses of huge new arena next to the Etihad issue update ahead of grand opening". NME. 26 April 2022.
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