Ticketmaster issue statement on rearranged Take That Manchester gigs after fans slam 'far worse' seats

Ticketmaster has issued a statement after furious Take That fans complained of being given 'far worse' seats for the band's rearranged Manchester gigs. The ticket provider, which is one of the companies re-allocating seats for the gigs, has responded to the complaints.

The Manchester pop group were supposed to be performing at Co-Op Live on May 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12. However, the new £365m venue had to cancel and reschedule several concerts - including moving some to the AO Arena - after its opening was repeatedly delayed.

Thousands of A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie fans were set to attend the opening night on Wednesday (May 1) after performances by Peter Kay the previous week were postponed. But at 6.40pm, with queues forming outside ahead of the concert, the venue told fans to leave as the gig was cancelled and later revealed that this was because of a piece of an air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling.

READ MORE: 'You can get two pints in here for what they're charging at Co-op Live'

Soon after, all five nights of Take That were moved to the AO Arena. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie went ahead at the AO last night (May 4).

However, some Take That fans who bought tickets for the Co-op Live shows have complained that the seats they have been given at Manchester's other arena are 'far worse'. Several ticket holders who forked out hundreds of pounds for prime tickets to the cancelled Co-op Live performances told the Manchester Evening News that they have been given 'far worse' seats at the 23,000-capacity venue.

AO Arena general manager Jen Mitchell said the venue 'completely sympathises' with fans, but explained that the venue does not manage ticketing. She said: "Ticketing providers are working incredibly hard to do what they can to allocate the best appropriate equivalent seats for upcoming shows, and to make sure fans are as well located as they can be based on original bookings."

One of the ticketing providers has now commented too. In a statement on X, Ticketmaster said: "With Take That’s shows moving to a new venue with a different layout, new seating locations may vary but are as close to the original seats as possible. Refunds are available by request and the team is available if you need any information, please reach out via your Ticketmaster account."

Responding to the post on X, some people have questioned the statement. Sammy wrote: "They’re not even “close to the original” though. How is floor seats 5 rows from the front, anywhere near block 105 at the back corner of the venue?

"This is happening to so many people who paid presale/VIP pricing."

Another person responding on X wrote: "As close to the seats as possible?! Are you messing? B1 on the floor to block 101 with restricted view? Who can’t do the match here?? I want my seat back or a refund please!"

Ticketmaster says refunds are available by request. Ticket holders have been told to make contact through their online account.