After a series of high-profile delays and cancellations, Manchester’s highly anticipated Co-op Live arena successfully hosted its first show on Tuesday 14 May. The opening act was UK rock band Elbow, who were met with cheers of excitement and relief. Two weeks prior, the arena cancelled a show by US hip-hop artist A Boogie Wit da Hoodie at the last minute, after part of a ventilation system fell from the ceiling into the standing area shortly after the doors had opened.
This was just one in a string of problems to affect the £365 million (US$456 million) arena, which also had to cancel shows by popular UK comedian Peter Kay and US rockers the Black Keys, due to power issues. Despite these problems, the arena claims to be “one of the safest venues in the world,” stating on its website: “safety and security are our top priority. We will lead the way as we aim to meet or exceed security legislation and standards to ensure our fans and artists are safe and secure.”
According to Elbow’s lead singer Guy Garvey, there had been a sense of excitement in the venue before the doors opened on Tuesday.
“There was already electricity in the air before you lot got in,” he told the crowd. “Now it’s thoroughly amped up. I hope you can feel it.”
Hailing from Bury in Greater Manchester, Elbow’s unexpected role as the inaugural act filled the occasion with a sense of local pride and authenticity.
With a capacity for 23,500 attendees, Co-op Live stands as the UK’s only music-centric arena, offering an expansive floor space and intimate seating arrangements that bring audiences closer to the action. The venue’s state-of-the-art visual technology, high-tech acoustics, and innovative sound bowl design promise an unparalleled concert experience for both standing and seated spectators.
Co-op Live will play host to many more big names in the coming weeks, including Eric Clapton, Barry Manilow, Peter Kay, Nicki Minaj, the Pet Shop Boys and Take That.
