Yahoo News Where is Co-op Live Manchester and how to get there on tram, car, bus, train and walking
The new Co-op Live Manchester arena at the Etihad Campus is set to open in April 2024.
A raft of superstar names are already confirmed to perform at the arena in its opening season, including Take That, Olivia Rodrigo, The Killers, Liam Gallagher and Barry Manilow to name but a few.
But as excitement builds for its opening, fans are keen to ensure they can reach the venue with ease. So we've taken a look at all the public transport options here to help you plan your visit.
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The Co-op Live Arena is situated off Alan Turing Way in Beswick, which is right next to the Etihad Campus tram stop and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.
Naturally, with the venue being so closely located to the Metrolink, this is likely to be the most popular method of transport for gig goers. There's also a walking route from the stadium back to town which has been "enhanced" with more signage ahead of the opening.
Here's all the info you need on the different ways to get there.
Travelling by Metrolink
Co-op Live has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to offer an initiative which will see travel on Metrolink included in all arena event tickets from 20 April to 30 June 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 directly next to the venue. Frequent trams will also run every six minutes from the city centre ( and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays).
Fans will be able to use Metrolink from four hours before and up to four hours after (depending on the timing of each show) with a valid arena event ticket. The initiative will be active across all four Metrolink zones, allowing people to travel at a time most convenient to them.
When asked, you will need to show your digital ticket to TfGM staff (all tickets will be available in advance of events through the Co-op Live app). You can also plan your journey here.
Travelling by train
Manchester's extensive train network offers numerous options for attendees travelling to the city. Here's how to get to the Co-op Live Arena from these stations:
Manchester Piccadilly: 25-minute walk or 10-minute tram direct to the Etihad Campus.
Manchester Victoria: 45-minute walk or 30-minute tram to the Etihad Campus, changing at Piccadilly Station.
Manchester Oxford Road: 45-minute walk or 12-minute tram from nearby St Peter’s Square to the Etihad Campus.
Manchester Deansgate: 60-minute walk or 15-minute tram direct to the Etihad Campus.
Salford Central: 60-minute walk or 12-minute tram from St Peter’s Square to the Etihad Campus. Note St Peter's Square is a 15-minute walk from Salford Central.
Ashbury's Station: 10-minute walk to the Etihad Campus.
Travelling by Shuttle Bus
Co-op Live and TfGM are also introducing a city centre shuttle bus service to support peak demand across the Metrolink network. The shuttle bus travel is also included with all event tickets from 20 April to 30 June 2024. The number of shuttle buses available will vary 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.
Travelling by bus
You can catch a bus to or from Co-op Live through the following commercial bus services:
53 - Cheetham Hill - Higher Crumpsall - Old Trafford - Pendleton
216 - Piccadilly Gardens - Ashton-under-Lyne - Stalybridge
230 - Piccadilly Gardens - Droylsden - Ashton-under-Lyne
231 - Piccadilly Gardens - Droylsden - Hurst - Ashton-under-Lyne
83 - Piccadilly Gardens - Failsworth - Oldham - Sholver
84 - Piccadilly Gardens - Hollinwood - Oldham - Lees - Uppermill
181 - Piccadilly Gardens - Chadderton - Royton - Wrens Nest
182 - Piccadilly Gardens - Chadderton - Royton - Wrens Nest
219 - Manchester City Centre - Stalybridge - Hadfield - Glossop
Journey times are expected to be impacted due to the increased levels of traffic so it is advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for your travel.
Travelling by bike
Greater Manchester offers the option to hire bikes and there are 500 cycle parking spaces at the Etihad Campus. There are two bike hire points near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road. Bag drop will also be available on the Etihad Campus if you need it. Co-op Live accepts no liability and all bikes are left at their own risk.
Travelling by Taxis
For private hire, designated drop-off and pick-up points are located across the Etihad Campus, dependent on specific events. Hackney Carriages will also be available from Rowsley Street to the west of the Etihad Campus.
Travelling by Foot
For those preferring to take in the sights on foot, a leisurely 25-minute stroll from the heart of Manchester will lead you to Co-op Live. Follow the blue lampposts through Manchester’s Ancoats, New Islington, and Holt Town areas, guided by a regenerated, step-free CityLink walking route.
Getting home?
As events wind down, fans are advised to plan their return journey in advance, considering the operating hours of public transport networks. Post-event crowd management measures include the closure of specific tram stops including Velopark and Holt Town.
All main performances at Co-op Live are expected to finish by 23:30 but events in ancillary spaces may continue until 01:00 Sunday - Thursday, and until 02:00 Friday, Saturday and a Sunday before a bank holiday. The CityLink walking route will remain staffed up until 00:00 following all main performances at Co-op Live.
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