Co-op Live celebrates first year as top arena in UK and Europe

01 May 2025 - Press release

Innovative, music first venue reaches #1 in gross ticket sales aided by UK arena exclusives

Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena, has been named the No.1 venue for gross sales in the UK and Europe since its opening in May 2024, outranking The O2, according to Pollstar’s data rankings. In its first 12 months, Co-op Live has sold over one million tickets, will have hosted 105 events, confirming a total of 12 UK arena exclusives since opening including triumphant performances by global artists like the Eagles, Pearl Jam, Paul McCartney and Burna Boy. It has announced more than 150 events including upcoming UK arena exclusive show runs from Chris Brown and Morrissey, and multi-night performances by Billie Eilish and Tyler The Creator. Co-op Live will celebrate its anniversary with a UK arena exclusive run by Bruce Springsteen. The arena has also brought world-class events to Manchester for the first time – including MTV EMAs.

Co-op Live’s music first approach, featuring an immersive bowl design and next generation acoustics have featured prominently in the venue’s success. Global artists including Liam Gallagher, Take That’s Gary Barlow, global Afrobeats star, Burna Boy and elbow frontman Guy Garvey have all praised the venue, with Gallagher saying the arena “is up there with NY MSG”, Barlow praising the venue’s “amazing sound” and the Burna Boy highlighting its unforgettable “big stadium energy”.

Co-op Live’s success has also featured an unmatched commitment to sustainability. As Europe’s first all-electric arena, Co-op Live has celebrated Net Zero building status since opening, and aims to become one of the first carbon neutral venue outside of the United States. Co-op Live has invested heavily in carbon reduction technologies including solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, and continues to work with fans on encouraging sustainable practices including use of the CityLink walking route through the Climate Pledge partnership.

Tim Leiweke, Oak View Group CEO & Chairman, commented: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year. Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come.  And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come.  We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London. It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”