The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, which was originally scheduled to open on April 20, has announced further cancellations of events. Take That and Keane were due to perform between May 5 and May 12, but their shows have been postponed or moved to the rival AO Arena. The crisis-hit venue announced a short pause on events ahead of its new opening date on May 14. The venue has faced multiple postponements and cancellations after its first scheduled public gig from Peter Kay last month, a double-bill from Olivia Rodrigo with 48 hours’ notice and the last-minute cancellation of A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s show on Wednesday.
Last week, hundreds of people waited outside the 23,500-capacity venue for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, only to be told to leave due to technical issues just 10 minutes before the rapper was due on stage. The Manchester Evening News reported that the event was cancelled after part of an air conditioning unit fell from the ceiling inside the venue. Co-op Live explained that it will take this time before its next scheduled show to “fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists” by conducting an “independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling”.
The statement added that it has worked with promoters to limit the impact on fans and will be “keeping as many shows as possible in Manchester”. Take That’s five-date bill at Co-op Live has now been moved to the AO Arena. Meanwhile, thousands of fans who purchased tickets to cancelled and postponed shows are now demanding compensation as many were left “stranded” in Manchester after the venue pulled the plug on events just minutes before opening.
Last week, Co-op Live’s general manager, Gary Roden, resigned just days after the venue was scheduled to open. The decision followed controversy, delays, and rows surrounding the £365m venue. Mixed opinions and delays surround the what was labeled at one point, “the greatest arena in the world.
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