Manchester’s Co-op Live welcomes one millionth fan

Manchester’s Co-op Live is celebrating welcoming the one millionth fan through its doors – just under ten months since its inaugural performance.

The UK’s largest live entertainment arena (cap. 23,500), which launched last May with a hometown concert by Elbow, passed the milestone this week prior to the first of two Teddy Swims concerts (10 & 16 March) at the venue.

The celebration included a surprise giveaway of a pair of complimentary tickets to a future show, a £50 Ticketmaster giftcard courtesy of the ticket agent, a signed Teddy Swims poster, Co-op Backstage Club upgrades, and £40 to spend in a local Co-op.

The £365 million facility – a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group – has hosted prestigious events such as the UFC and the MTV EMAs, as well as indoor shows by the likes of Paul McCartney, the Eagles and Pearl Jam.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the shows and events we have already hosted, and the ones to come”

This year has seen shows by Snow Patrol and Trivium, among others, with Sabrina Carpenter set to play Co-op Live tonight and tomorrow (13-14 March). Acts including Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Tyler, the Creator, Burna Boy, Robbie Williams and Billie Eilish are also set to follow over the next few months.

“2025 is our first full year in operation, and I couldn’t be more excited about the shows and events we have already hosted, and the ones to come,” Co-op Live general manager and SVP Guy Dunstan tells IQ.

“We’re coming up to a year since opening, and now is the time to maximise on our success. Our schedule is the strongest I have seen, and our fan and artist feedback continues to back up our drive to offer a world-class experience. But we aren’t one to stand still, and my focus is on ensuring we drive forward and upward – locking in more world-class events, bringing even more excitement, with plenty more innovation to set us apart.”

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