Co-op Live issue important message to fans with rescheduled tickets

Co-op Live bosses have issued an update regarding a series of rescheduled gigs at the venue. It follows weeks of disruption at £365m arena that originally due to open in April.

This afternoon bosses at the venue, which is the UK's largest indoor arena, have confirmed that it will open on Tuesday evening (14 May) with Bury band Elbow taking to the stage. It will be the fourth time the venue has attempted to open following last-minute cancellations, postponements and rescheduling.

In a statement issued to the Manchester Evening News, Co-op Live confirmed that Tuesday's gig will take place as scheduled. It has also issued an update to ticketholders who have had their bookings disrupted by the events of the last few weeks.

READ MORE: Keane announce new Manchester show after Co-op Live gig cancelled

Originally due to open with Bolton comedian Peter Kay on April 23, its opening has been delayed several times due to 'technical issues' at the 23,500 capacity venue. The comedian's gigs were moved to later dates in May as were The Black Keys, while last Wednesday, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's gig was cancelled with minutes to go after a part of an air conditioning event fell from the gantry.

As a result of this, bosses announced a further delay to its opening season - and offered 'sincere apologies' to all ticketholders. They said they would take a 'short pause' to 'fully ensure the safety and security of fans' following the incident on Wednesday, May 1.

The venue then confirmed Friday and Saturday’s gigs with pop star Olivia Rodrigo would also be cancelled. And on Friday morning, Take That's epic run of shows were also relocated to the AO Arena.

This resulted in a number of ticketholders raising concerns about when gigs would take place and whether they would receive compensation for money spent on travel and hotels. In some cases, Take That fans also complained about being swapped into 'far worse' seats as the shows moved to the AO Arena.

In its statement issued this afternoon the venue has said it was, "especially disappointed to have delayed our introduction and frustrated so many in the process", and wants to ensure the that all fans 'have the best possible experience'.

In addition to integrated round-trip tram travel, every ticket holder will now also be offered a free drink and a free food item of their choice when they visit Co-op Live for the show. Ticket holders will be able to collect the vouchers on arrival and redeem the offer at the venue.

Commenting on the free food and drink for those with rescheduled gigs, Co-op Live said: "Whilst we know this won’t erase the inconvenience and upset caused by the original postponements, we hope it will help everyone have the best possible time on the night.

"Since our first postponement on 23 April 2024, we have remained strongly committed to ensuring all events are rescheduled and returned to Manchester, allowing as many fans as possible to experience their favourite artists. We deeply appreciate the cooperation and hard work of ticketing agents, promoters and artists to make this a reality."

For those eager to know what will happen to Olivia Rodrigo's shows, the venue has also provided an update. It reads: "Collaboratively working hard behind the scenes, we are happy to have rescheduled all shows to the city, and we continue to work with Olivia Rodrigo and team to secure new dates.

"We will update ticket holders to those events as soon as possible."

The initiative includes vouchers at the following shows:

• 14 May 2024 – elbow

• 15 May 2024 – The Black Keys

• 18 May 2024 – Eric Clapton

• 19 May 2024 – Barry Manilow

• 23 May 2024 – Peter Kay

• 24 May 2024 – Peter Kay

• 19 Oct 2024 – Keane

• TBC – Olivia Rodrigo