New images have been released that give a glimpse inside the Co-op Live arena, the enormous 23,500-capacity venue that’s being built beside the Etihad Stadium.
As the UK’s only music-first arena, and with expert design input from Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles, Manchester’s exciting new arena will feature an innovative ‘smart bowl’.
It will have the largest floor space of any indoor venue, a lower ceiling than other arenas, and tiered seating that will take fans closer to the action.
Co-op Live is the first of its kind to be built with concert acoustics as a priority.
Not only will gig-goers experience state-of-the-art acoustics, there’ll be nothing to detract from the visual spectacles on stage either – the bowl will feature no corporate branding, and soundproof black curtains will be used in the suites that line the edges of level two.
The smart bowl at Co-op Live arena. Credit: Supplied
There’ll be 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges around the site, including a locally sourced and sustainable food and drink offering.
The shell of the arena is now clearly taking shape just north of the city centre, with the project set to be complete in December 2023.
It’s a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, with Harry Styles as a private investor and consultant in the design.
Harry said: “I am incredibly happy 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 to be involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.”
President of OVG International, Jessica Koravos, said: “Co-op Live is about the fan and the artist, it is specially designed to deliver the best sound, atmosphere and experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
“Innovative technology and design will bring a unique live entertainment experience to the UK.”
The venue will also have 330 tonnes of rigging capacity and eight loading bays, so some of the world’s biggest live productions can come to Manchester.
More images of Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena
The state-of-the-art smart bowl at Co-op Live. Credit: SuppliedThe Co-op Live’s atrium. Credit: SuppliedThe entrance. Credit: SuppliedA bar at the Co-op Live arena. Credit: SuppliedCanalside. Credit: SuppliedCredit: SuppliedThe backstage club. Credit: SuppliedThe Deck Suite. Credit: SuppliedThe Atrium Mezzanine. Credit: SuppliedAtrium. Credit: SuppliedDressing room. Credit: SuppliedBackstage Club entrance. Credit: Supplied
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‘Very hot weather’ alert issued ahead of Oasis Live ’25 Manchester gigs this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Event organisers have issued a hot weather alert ahead of Oasis’ long-awaited return to Manchester this weekend.
Manchester is all set for a sensational summer of sound, and as more than 300,000 music fans prepare to descend on our city from tomorrow as a little-known band called Oasis (sarcasm detected) reform for the first time in over a decade.
With the Gallagher brothers staging five nostalgia-drenched gigs at Heaton Park starting this Friday (11 July), event organisers have now announced some very important information for gig-goers.
Hot weather alert issued ahead of Oasis Live ’25 Manchester gigs / Credit: Simon Emmett (Publicity Picture)
But one of those all-important details that everyone heading to Heaton Park this Friday or Saturday needs to have on their radar is the weather – that’s right, the ‘suuunshhhiiiiiiiiine’.
In case you weren’t aware, both the Met Office and UKHSA has already issued heat health warnings for much of the UK – with temperatures warming up more as the week goes on, and heatwave criteria expected to be reached in parts of the UK by the end of it.
Here in Greater Manchester, it’s forecasted that we could be seeing highs of 30°C tomorrow (Friday 11), and similarly again on Saturday with highs of 29°C.
Our third heatwave of the summer is coming this week. But which areas will it affect, and how long will it last? 🌡️
“With very hot weather forecast on both Friday and Saturday, please stay hydrated,” event organisers issued ahead of the gigs this weekend.
“You will be permitted to bring a sealed bottle of water up to 500ml. This must be collapsible plastic. Solid plastic, metal etc containers will not be permitted on the grounds of safety. Bottles with broken seals will be emptied. There is free water to refill your bottle on site.
“Wear sunscreen. You will be permitted to bring in a small bottle 200ml or under and protect yourself from the sun overall. You can also wear a hat, we know the legendary bucket hat will be making an appearance, so you’ll fit right in.”
Drinks prices for Manchester Oasis gigs announced – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised
Daisy Jackson
The prices of drinks at Heaton Park for the five huge Manchester Oasis shows have been released in advance.
With the Gallagher brothers reuniting on stage in their hometown for the first time this weekend (and then again next week), it’s a huge moment for our city.
Those lucky enough to snag tickets have already forked out a small fortune to witness this moment in history (still scarred from the dynamic pricing debacle).
And most of us were probably bracing to spend another small fortune on beers at the Oasis Manchester gigs.
But you might be pleasantly surprised at the drinks prices up at Heaton Park for Oasis Live ’25.
It’s now been confirmed that pints of lager and cider will be just £6.50.
Before you turn your nose up, remember that pints at our two arenas – the AO Arena and Co-op Live are now sitting around the £9 mark.
Prices for other drinks, like wine and spirits, we’ll have to wait until Friday to see.
Heaton Park will also be the home of the ‘largest beer garden’ and the longest bars in the city for the Oasis reunion.
With a major heatwave predicted for the first shows, fans are being encouraged to stay hydrated (on WATER, not beer, please).
Ticket-holders will be allowed to bring a sealed bottle of water up to 500ml in with you, but it must be collapsible plastic.
Solid plastic and metal containers will be rejected on safety grounds.
There’s a free water point on site where you can fill up your bottles again.
Oasis will perform at Heaton Park in Manchester on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Daisy Jackson -
19th October 2022 
