Co-op Live Manchester Arena £365 Million Prepares for Grand Opening
Manchester’s newest entertainment venue, dubbed Co-op Live, is preparing to open its doors after a £365 million construction project. Located next to the Etihad Stadium, the 23,500 capacity Manchester arena hopes to attract major concerts and events that have traditionally been hosted in London.
Artists like Harry Styles, Take That, and Liam Gallagher have already committed to performing at the Manchester arena in its inaugural year. Styles was actively involved in advising on the venue’s design, aiming to provide an enhanced experience for both performers and audiences. With 32 bars and restaurants available, the space has been created with an emphasis on being the UK’s “most socially responsible” live entertainment location.
A Home for Music in Manchester
Co-op Live’s opening week will see test events like a concert by Rick Astley leading up to the official grand opening, to be conducted by comedian Peter Kay. The arena is located on Etihad Campus, connected to the local football and sporting community. Its operators anticipate being able to generate over 3,600 new jobs for Manchester residents through event operations.
Supporters believe the new Manchester arena can help decentralize top touring acts from solely playing in London. With Manchester’s established music scene and the venue’s state-of-the-art facilities, Co-op Live is hoping to put the northern city on the map as a major stop for artists embarking on international tours. Fans will soon experience the new space for themselves at what is poised to be an exciting time for live entertainment in Manchester.
