The newly opened Co-op Live arena in Manchester encounters severe operational problems, resulting in the cancellation of concerts by well-known artists and prompting widespread criticism from ticket holders and local authorities.
The Co-op Live arena in Manchester, a £365 million venue intended to compete with leading London venues, has encountered numerous operational problems leading to the cancellation of several opening events. These issues include a ventilation malfunction and a broken pipe during a soundcheck. As a consequence, highly anticipated concerts including performances by The Eagles, Janet Jackson, and Olivia Rodrigo, have been cancelled, causing dismay among ticket holders.
Many fans, including those who travelled significant distances and incurred substantial expenses, have expressed their frustration over the disruptions and the perceived lack of effective communication from the venue operators. Individual cases like Danielle Nolan from Belfast, who spent over £1,500, and Jo Lunn, who spent nearly £1,000, underline the personal financial impacts of these cancellations.
In response to these incidents, Manchester City Council has withheld final approval for the venue and stakeholders like the Co-operative Group have sought answers from Oak View Group, the operators of Co-op Live. Amid continuing doubts regarding the arena’s readiness to host future events such as Take That’s residency, the operator has faced critical scrutiny.
In addition, the recent resignation of the venue’s general manager and ongoing safety concerns about emergency services and transport arrangements at the venue indicate broader management and operational challenges.
The operators of Co-op Live have issued an apology and cited factors such as Brexit, Covid, and local weather conditions as contributors to the setbacks. Despite remedial efforts, including addressing a list of 600 operational issues, public confidence in the venue’s readiness and management remains shaken.
