Yahoo News Elbow at Co-op Live - seating plan, support, set times, parking and everything you need to know
On Tuesday evening, Co-op Live is set to welcome its first fans as Bury band Elbow take to the stage at the brand new £365m venue. The band's return to Manchester comes as they celebrate their 10th studio album, Audio Vertigo.
It's been a tumultuous few weeks for the landmark entertainment venue, which was originally slated to open back in April with Bolton comedian Peter Kay. Following a series of cancellations, postponements and rescheduling of gigs due to 'technical issues' at the venue, the baton has been passed - rather serendipitously - to another much-loved Greater Manchester act.
The Mercury Prize winners have already stopped off in Brighton, London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds, and their Manchester show marks their penultimate performance before closing the tour in Nottingham on Wednesday night.
READ MORE: Co-op Live confirms it will DEFINITELY open next week as bosses issue update
The band were winners of the 2008 Mercury Music Prize for their fourth studio album, the multi-platinum selling The Seldom Seen Kid, and won the 2009 BRIT Award for Best British Group. Over more than two decades, they've established them as one of the most respected musical forces of current times.
Elbow's new album, was written and recorded in their individual studios in Manchester and London and was developed further in progressed in the Cotswolds. Production and mixing were finalised at Blueprint Studios, Salford - a place central to all elbow albums.
Speaking about their tour when it was announced back in October, lead singer Guy Garvey said: "We love the intimacy of theatres, but we have some very big songs and the electricity of 20,000 people singing along cannot be denied. So, the big rooms it is and big shows they will be. Can’t wait to see everybody again."
Coop Live was originally due to open in April but has been hit with a number of setbacks due to 'technical issues' and ongoing building work. On Friday, bosses at the venue issued an update saying they were 'thrilled' to be gearing up to open its doors on 14 May with Elbow and to 'proceed with all scheduled events'.
Who are the support acts?
Before Elbow make their grand entrance on the Co-op Live stage, fans will be treated to support from London-based band The WAEVE.
Made up of singer-songwriters and musicians Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall, they describe their songs as a "liquid meeting of musical minds". Their debut album brings together British folk-rock, post-punk and some "freefall jamming".
Stage Times
Doors for Co-op Live's first official show open from 6.30pm and support will be on stage for 7.40pm.
Elbow are due on stage at 8.40pm - though it's worth noting that all set times are subject to change. As is the case for all main bowl events such as this, curfew is 11pm.
Setlist
The band's 10th studio album Audio Vertigo was released a couple of months back, so fans can expect a good showing for their latest record, but also some of their biggest hits. The setlist below is based off of what Elbow played at their recent 02 London gig.
Things I've Been Telling Myself for Years
Lovers' Leap
The Bones of You (+ outro of Summertime by George Gershwin)
Mirrorball
Charge
Fly Boy Blue / Lunette
The Picture
Dexter & Sinister (with Jessica Hoop)
Balu
Puncture Repair
Kindling
The Birds
Good Blood Mexico City
Station Approach
My Sad Captains
Magnificent (She says)
Grounds for Divorce)
Encore:
Lippy Kids
One Day Like This
Seating Plan
The £365m venue will feature a "smart bowl design" to maximise the sound and lighting design. The arena will also include the largest floor space of any indoor venue, a "significantly lower" ceiling, and tiered seating to bring fans closer to the artist. The seating plans for concerts will vary depending on the stage layout and whether it is gully seated or has a standing option/
Seating plan for Co-Op Live (Standing Option)
Depending on the gig, there may be the option of purchasing standing tickets at Co-op Live. The above picture shows how the ticketing system will work.
When purchasing tickets for this venue configuration, attendees can choose from standing, Level 1 seating, and Level 3 seating across various blocks, with the stage located in the central grey block.
Seating plan for Co-Op Live (Fully-seated Option)
The above picture shows the configuration for all-seated gigs at Co-op Live. Attendees for these style of gigs can choose from floor seating, Level 1 and Level 3 seating across various blocks, with the stage located in the grey block.
How to get there
One of the easiest ways to get to Co-op Live is via the Metrolink or by using the newly-opened walking route, linking up the city centre Holt Town tram stop to the venue. The arena is situated off Alan Turing Way in Beswick, which is next to the Etihad Campus tram stop and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.
During Co-op Live's opening season of events, ticketholders will be able to travel for free on trams between the city and the venue until June 30, 2024. Transport will be included on all days of the week in line with Metrolink operating hours.
The Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad Campus stop is located next to the venue. Frequent trams will also run every six minutes from the city centre and run until 1am on Saturdays.
There is also a city centre shuttle bus service, which will be included with all event tickets until June 30. The number of shuttle buses available will vary depending on each event with a maximum of ten buses per show. The buses will depart from Joe Mercer Way at the Etihad Campus and arrive at Piccadilly Gardens.
To use the walking route, gig-goers are advised to follow the blue lampposts through Ancoats, New Islington, and Holt Town areas.
You can also find more details on bus routes to get to Co-op Live here.
Is there food and drink at Co-op Live?
Whilst the venue will eventually have 32 bars, restaurants and lounges, only two of the main food and drinks spaces, The Founders Bar on The Street and the Canal Side Bar, were in operation during Co-op Live's first test event held on April 20.
Presently, pies and burgers form part of the food menu, whilst there will be your usual selection of beers, soft drinks and wine available from the bars.
You can see some of the food and drinks prices here but, and you're looking at paying £8.95 for a pint and £11.50 for a burger.
Is there parking at Co-op Live?
The arena has three official car parks, colour coded to blue, green and orange, but the available car parks will vary depending on the event. All Official parking spots must be pre-booked online ahead of the event here.
The blue zone located off Sport City Way and Forge Lane, opposite Philips Park and Co-op Live, whilst orange parking is located off Alan Turing Way next to the Etihad Stadium. Disabled parking will be available in the blue zone and is free for blue badge holders.
What is the Co-op Live ticket app and do I need it?
The official Co-op Live mobile app allows fans to access tickets and essential event information, and there will also be maps and further details too. Tickets should show no later than five working days before the show.
For those who booked through Ticketmaster, tickets will be accessible through the app. The app generates a barcode that can be accessed offline after its first open.
If you don't have a smartphone or a paper ticket entry can be gained via the Ticket Office team located on Level 1, Canalside. You will need to present the physical credit/debit card used for purchase alongside photo ID for for verification.
What is the bag policy?
Co-op Live operates on a one bag per person policy. Small handbags are permitted as long as they are no larger than A4 in size. However, large bags, like backpacks and laptop bags, will not be allowed in.
There will be limited bag storage on site priced from £15. This facility is located on Sir Howard Bernstein Way - opposite Gate J in the Orange Car Park on the Etihad Campus.
What items are banned?
Members of staff can remove items such as food, glass, bottles, cans, alcohol, large umbrellas, lighters, disposable vapes, professional cameras, plastic bottle tops, and recording equipment.
Devices like laptops, iPads, Go Pros, and similar items are also not permitted unless pre-approved for medical reasons.
