A new opening date has been set for the UK’s largest indoor arena. Find out everything you need to know about Manchester’s newest venue and the UK’s only music-first arena, including celebrity investors and the unique features that will provide fans with the ultimate live music experience.

Last updated: 05/06/2023 at 11:00 am

If you're a live music fan based in Manchester, you're probably eagerly anticipating the opening of Co-op Live, the city's newest and most exciting music venue.

With its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, Co-op Live promises to deliver an unparalleled live music experience for fans.

In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Co-op Live, from its location and opening date to its arena capacity, unique features, and more.

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Co-op Live Opening Date

Manchester’s newest live music venue is currently under construction but will be opening its doors for the first time in April 2024.

Initial trial events are scheduled for April, and the specific date for the first public performance will be disclosed in the upcoming months.

In a recent Business Live article, a spokesman for Co-op Live said "Co-op Live will be opening our doors to fans in April 2024. We're proud to be on the home stretch to delivering Co-op Live and we can’t wait to invite fans in to experience the biggest and most sustainable arena in the UK."

Plans for the new arena began back in February 2020. Eight months later, Co-op came on board as the venue’s naming rights partner.

Co-op Live Location: Where Will Co-op Live Be?

Co-op Live is located in the East of Manchester City Centre, just a stone's throw away from the Etihad Campus off Alan Turing Way.

As a result, the venue is easily accessible by public transport, with numerous bus and tram stops nearby, as well as a dedicated Metrolink station.

Co-op Live's opening date is set for April 2024, and fans can't wait to experience the first live music events in this groundbreaking venue.

Co-op Live Capacity: How Big Will The Venue Be?

The brand-new arena has a capacity of up to 23,500 fans, making it the largest indoor music venue in the UK.

It will have a seated capacity of 20,500 for centre-stage concerts, with a maximum capacity of 23,500, of which 7,500 would be standing when lower-tier seating is retracted.

Co-op Live has been designed with acoustics in mind, ensuring that every fan in the audience can hear every note and word. The auditorium is optimised for large-scale touring music performances with a relatively low ceiling and a flat floor area for standing - the arena also boasts the largest floor space of any arena.

The interior of the bowl is designed to feel like the UK's largest nightclub and the tiered seats on the Western side are comparably closer to the stage.

Who has invested in the venue?

Earlier this year, the full list of investors in Manchester's new £365 million venue was revealed.

Pop megastar Harry Styles was announced as one of the largest shareholders. Commenting on his involvement with the venue, Styles said: "I am incredibly proud to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live. Manchester is an incredible city, filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier being involved in this project.  It very much feels like coming home" (cooplive.com).

Other notable investors include concert promoters Simon Moran and Denis Desmond, Oak View Group and City Football Group.

Unique Features of Co-op Live

Co-op Live is a venue that is specifically designed to meet the needs of music fans. The arena is situated in a prime location in Manchester, making it easily accessible to people coming from different parts of the city. It has 32 bars, restaurants and lounges, providing a relaxing space for fans to soak up the pre and post-show atmosphere at their leisure.

The most notable feature of Co-op Live is its state-of-the-art visual and acoustic technology, which ensures fans have the best experience possible whether they are standing or seated.

Co-op Live also caters to those looking for a more exclusive experience. The venue features a range of hospitality options, including luxury boxes and a VIP lounge. These options provide a comfortable and luxurious setting for corporate events and special occasions, allowing guests to enjoy the music in style.

Overall, Co-op Live is a venue that has been designed with fans in mind. Its prime location, cutting-edge technology, and unique features make it the perfect destination for live music fans in Manchester. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a more exclusive experience, Co-op Live has something for everyone.

Want to find out more about the arena's VIP offering? Take a peak inside Co-op Live premium experience facilities here.