Manchester's New £365m Co-op Live Arena Opens, Backed by Harry Styles

Manchester's new £365 million Co-op Live arena has officially opened its doors, with a capacity of 23,500 and overtaking the city's AO Arena as the largest indoor venue in the UK outside of London. The state-of-the-art facility, backed by music heavyweights including Harry Styles, aims to attract major events from the capital and establish Manchester as a premier destination for entertainment.

The Co-op Live arena was built through a partnership between City Football Group and Oakview Music Group, with Styles serving as a minor partner. The venue's design prioritizes the artist experience, featuring no advertising hoardings on stage. While the nearby AO Arena recently underwent a £50 million renovation to expand its capacity, industry experts anticipate a challenging competitive landscape between the two Manchester venues.

The launch of Co-op Live comes amidst calls from smaller music venues for arenas to contribute a portion of ticket sales to support the grassroots music scene. The new arena has responded by awarding around 100 apprenticeships during construction and providing additional performance spaces for up-and-coming Manchester artists. The venue also features 41 bespoke bars, restaurants, and lounges that pay homage to the city's rich musical heritage.

Co-op Live's opening season is set to feature an impressive lineup of artists, including global superstar Charli XCX, who will perform on November 27, 2024, as part of her biggest-ever headline shows in the UK. The arena will also host the indie rock band Glass Animals for a live show in November 2024, with support from The Big Moon. Additionally, multi-platinum alternative pop star Melanie Martinez will bring her UK Trilogy Tour to the venue, featuring hits from her three Top 10 albums.

The arena has already secured a major coup by being chosen to host this year's MTV Europe Music Awards. Co-op Live will also welcome the UK's most successful duo, Pet Shop Boys, as part of its opening season. VIP customer packages are available, offering premium seats, luxury dining, exclusive access to the Atrium Club, fast-track entry, and complimentary parking for an elevated live event experience.

Why this matters: The opening of the Co-op Live arena signifies a crucial juncture in Manchester's cultural and entertainment landscape, cementing the city's position as a major player in the UK's live events industry. The venue's impressive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities are expected to attract world-class performers and events, boosting the local economy and enhancing Manchester's reputation as a vibrant, culturally-rich destination.

Speaking at the arena's opening ceremony, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his enthusiasm for the new venue, stating, "The Co-op Live arena is a game-changer for Manchester. It will not only bring the world's biggest artists to our city but also provide a platform for local talent to shine. This is a momentous day for Manchester's music scene and cultural offering." As the Co-op Live arena begins its journey, the

Key Takeaways

• Manchester's new £365M Co-op Live arena opens, capacity 23,500, largest UK venue outside London.
• Co-op Live aims to attract major events, establish Manchester as premier entertainment destination.
• Arena features no advertising hoardings, provides performance spaces for up-and-coming artists.
• Co-op Live's opening season features global stars like Charli XCX, Glass Animals, Melanie Martinez.
• Arena's opening signifies Manchester's growing cultural and entertainment prominence in the UK.