Co-op Live, opened in May 2024, and is the largest indoor arena in Europe. The arena has 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges, and has already brought many more live events to the North of England where people who cannot travel to London can still see their favourite artists perform at a large venue. 

Co-op Live’s size might be a little intimidating for a newcomer, but don’t worry! This blog post has all the information you need to know if you’re heading to the arena for an event. Keep reading to get familiar with everything from transport to what to do in the Manchester area.

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Co-op Live Quick Facts

Capacity

Co-op Live has a staggering capacity of 23,500 with standing, making it the largest indoor arena in Europe by capacity.

Address

The address of Co-op Live is Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DL.

Historical Information

Compared to many other arenas and arenas in the UK, Co-op Live is very new. It officially opened in May 2024 and is situated next to the Etihad arena. Already Co-op Live has housed popular acts such as Sam Fender, Megan Thee Stallion, Liam Gallagher, and Paul McCartney, with many more lined up for 2025.

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How To Get to Co-op Live, Manchester

By Bus

Co-op Live is located on the Etihad Campus, and several bus routes serve this area. Bus 216 and Bus 231 from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens travel directly to the Etihad arena, which is a short walk from Co-op Live. The journey from the city centre takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

By Train

Manchester Piccadilly Station is the nearest major train station, about 1.5 miles from Co-op Live.

  • From Manchester Piccadilly, you can take a Metrolink tram on the Ashton-under-Lyne line and get off at the Etihad Campus stop, which is a short walk from the venue. The tram ride takes around 8 minutes.
  • Trains also run to Manchester Victoria Station, but Manchester Piccadilly is the most convenient for Co-op Live. From Victoria, you can take a tram to the Etihad Campus as well.

By Car

From the M60 (ring road), exit the M60 at junction 23 or 24 and follow signs for Manchester City Centre.

From here, head towards the Etihad arena area, as Co-op Live is located nearby on the Etihad Campus.

There are several parking options around the Etihad Campus. Visitors are advised to pre-book parking when possible. Car parks near the arena include official event parking spaces, and there are accessible parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Support Services Are Available at Co-op Live?

Fan Support Staff

Fan services at Co-op Live are information points that can be found scattered across the venue. There are two Fan Services points found on Level 1 and Level 3 of the arena, which can help answer questions on the day of your visit.

Ticket Office

Co-op Live’s ticket office can be located outside the arena on Level 1, opposite the canal. The ticket office can answer questions about your tickets or the app before you head into the venue.

Accessible Facilities

Co-op Live is equipped with many accessible features to make fan experiences more inclusive for everyone. Everything from accessible seating, toilets and parking, to allowing assistance dogs and even having a respite room. The respite room is located on Level 1 on the Northeast corner of the venue, adjacent to the Co-op Backstage Club.

What Can I Expect at an Event at Co-op Live?

Food & Drink

Co-op Live has 32 food and drink concessions in total, so there will definitely be something for everyone. Concession stands can be found on every floor, so the queues for refreshments are evenly distributed.

Retail Store

Official merchandise concessions can also be found on Level 0, 1, 2, and 3. Please note that merchandise stands are the only place where cash payments will be accepted, the rest of the arena is card or contactless payment only.

What Facilities Are Available at Co-op Live?

Toilets

Co-op Live is equipped with toilet facilities throughout the arena. The nearest toilet facilities outside of the venue are North-East of the Etihad arena.

Cash Points

As Co-op Live is a mostly cashless venue, there are no cashpoints inside the arena.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Co-op Live.

Faith Room

Co-op Live is equipped with a multi-faith prayer room. Please speak to a steward in the venue who can allow you access to the room.

What Safety and Security Measures Are in Place at Co-op Live?

Prohibited Items

Items that you are not permitted to bring into Co-op Live are as follows:

  • Food 
  • Glass, bottles, cans, plastic bottle tops, alcohol
  • Large umbrellas 
  • Lighters, disposable vapes 
  • Professional cameras and recording equipment
  • Weapons, explosives, or anything that could cause danger or disruption to the event
  • Laptops, iPads or Go Pro's

Bag Policy

For security reasons, Co-op Live does not allow large bags into the arena. Small handbags are permitted, as long as they are no larger than A4 in size. There is limited bag storage on-site, with costs starting at £15. Please note that bag searches will be performed upon entry to the venue.

Things To Do Near Co-op Live, Manchester

Accommodation

Some of the many hotels near Co-Op Live, Manchester are the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly, Holiday Inn Manchester, and Hyatt Regency Manchester.

Shopping

As Co-op Live is located near to Manchester City Centre, there are plenty of other activities to do on the day of your event. Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre and Great Northern have a wide array of high street shops close to Co-op Live.

Dining

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and drink before doors open, Manchester has plenty of options close to Co-op Live. Some of the restaurants you could go to are Freight Island, The Pen & Pencil, Bondi Bowls, Diecast, Great North Pie Co and more.

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