Co-op Live makes big announcement as it confirms first ever sporting event at venue

Co-op Live is set to hold its first ever sporting event later this summer. Announcing the news today, the brand new £365m venue will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Competition (UFC) in July.

It marks the UFC's first European event of 2024 for the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation. Arriving in Manchester on Saturday, 23 July, it will begin with prelims at 11pm BST, followed by the main card airing at 3am BST.

UFC Fight Club members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets first on Wednesday, June 5, at 9am, while those who registered their interest to the event will gain access to a special pre-sale which starts Thursday, June 6, at 10am. Tickets for UFC 304 will then go on general sale from 10am on Friday, June 7, via Ticketmaster here.

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The card marks the first sporting event announced for Co-op Live, the UK’s largest and most sustainable live entertainment arena. The venue, which is due to fully open this Saturday (April 27), features With a unique bowl design to bring fans closer to the action, as well as 32 restaurants and bars spread across the venue.

“I’m so excited to get back to Manchester. And no better time than this summer,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “We have two champions from the UK and fans have been dying for a UFC PPV event. So here we come to the largest indoor arena in the UK. See you soon, England!”

The UK has long been regarded as the home to huge UFC events and has played host to some of the most memorable Octagon moments in recent history, including Michael Bisping’s defeat of the legendary Anderson “The Spider” Silva in February 2016. UK fans also watched as Leon Edwards successfully defended his title in front of a home crowd last year at UFC 286.

Co-op Live Executive Director & General Manager, Gary Roden added: “With the north of England home to so many of the world’s leading fighters, we are primed and ready for UFC and its knowledgeable, passionate fanbase. Offering a state-of-the-art platform for globally broadcast events, Co-op Live is extremely proud to welcome entertainment of this scale and calibre as the future home of combat sports in the UK.

VIP Experience packages will be available soon via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Fans of UFC will be able to enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that in some cases features premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, and meet-and-greets athletes and more.

Fans have also been are advised to register their interest early via the UFC website to secure their tickets. The latest updates on the Manchester event can also be found via their social media channels.