Manchester Arena has struck a deal with Bolton-based online electrical retailer AO to rename the city centre’s major entertainment venue.
The new headline sponsorship will see the site titled the ‘AO Arena’ until 2025 – with AO customers entitled to exclusive access, tickets and experiences.
This is the first time the arena has been branded since 2014.
In addition to the sponsorship announcement, arena operators ASM Global have also submitted a planning application for the first phase of the venue’s major redevelopment.
The strategy is aiming to turn the arena into one of the lowest carbon venues in Europe, enhance its existing access to onsite transport links, and act as hub for communities.
Over 6,800 people from across Greater Manchester provided feedback as part of an extensive consultation on the plans – ‘with 94% voting positively on the proposals.’
AO Founder and CEO, John Roberts commented on the announcement; “The Arena holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in Manchester so we’re hugely proud to add the AO smile, especially after such an emotional and difficult period. Our home is firmly in the North West, something we’ve never forgotten while building the business into a global destination for electricals.
“We hope today’s redevelopment plans for the AO Arena which, combined with soon-to-be-announced good news about the events coming in 2021, will create hope and excitement about the future of entertainment in our great city.
“Through this sponsorship, we can deliver our famous AO smile to millions of visitors every year and we can’t wait to welcome them to the AO Arena. Thousands of our customers will also be able to enjoy amazing events with tickets, exclusive access and money-can’t-buy experiences.”
James Allen, General Manager of the AO Arena added: “We are thrilled to have secured this partnership and we look forward to a dynamic relationship with this exciting brand.
“Marking our 25th anniversary with redevelopment plans and our new partnership with AO highlights our commitment to the future of this venue in the heart of Manchester. And after such a long period of pause, we look forward to being able to press play and welcome fans back to the AO Arena.”
AO and ASM Global will be working together to turn the venue ‘AO green’, with ambitions to book the biggest talent for shows once the arena is ready for a full reopening.
Learn more online.