Manchester's AO Arena has unveiled how its new VIP mezzanine level will look ahead of its formal launch. The new luxury suite, The Mezz, is now available to book for shows in 2024.
The new development is part of the multi-million pound expansion and upgrade of the AO Arena, which is currently Europe's largest indoor arena. It includes a new VIP entrance to the arena for hospitality guests heading to the venue.
The Mezz will be the latest premium suite at the arena, boasting its own bar and restaurant, as well as an "unrivalled view" of the stage. It will also stay open after the show with a DJ to keep the party going and sits on a new "members only" level being built inside the arena.
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It will fit within a portfolio of premium offerings for VIP experiences at the music venue which has played host to some of the world's biggest stars including the likes of Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Take That and Beyonce.
A statement released today said: "As AO Arena undergoes its major, transformational redevelopment, the venue today announces the launch of The Mezz; a brand-new suite, premium bar and restaurant, set for completion in early 2024 and open for bookings from May 2023.
"News of this latest, state-of-the-art offering comes as AO Arena continues to expand and elevate its entire premium portfolio, delivering the next level in exclusive luxury experiences in the heart of Manchester city centre.
"The Mezz is the new and exclusive, members-only level at Manchester’s iconic, award winning venue. Opening early 2024, The Mezz promises to take guests above and beyond the show.
"With two connected experiences, The Mezz’s bar and restaurant, guests can expect the very best modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails and post show entertainment."
Bosses say The Mezz restaurant will showcase freshly prepared modern dishes with local, seasonal ingredients, complemented by an expertly-crafted wine list and "impeccable service timed to perfection" around the live shows. It will have space across both spaces for up to 380 people when it launches.
Master mixologists will man the bar at The Mezz, delivering champagne, mocktails and cocktails accompanied with snacks and sharing platters. After the show, The Mezz bar will stay open with a DJ on the decks to keep the party going.
From The Mezz, guests will have an "unrivalled view" of the arena bowl and world famous stage, as well as direct access to the "best seats in the house". Bookings are live for 2024 gigs - which means the first gigs people can currently book are for Peter Kay on his return to the arena on January 26 and 27.
Jen Mitchell, General Manager at AO Arena, said: "With our redevelopment works well underway, we are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of The Mezz. A stunning new suite, premium bar and restaurant for guests, right here in Manchester city centre.
"And of course, there will be access to watch the shows from some of the best seats in the house. We’re incredibly proud to be elevating AO Arena as we drive ahead to a bright future, so it’s fantastic to be able to reveal this latest addition in the works, as part of our state-of-the-art premium portfolio."
The new VIP entrance to the arena opened for the first time at the Duran Duran shows last weekend, and offers a snazzy new way for hospitality guests to head to their suites, including a stylish new reception. It sits next to the main entrance to the arena.
Meanwhile, The Mezz will sit alongside the raft of other premium seating options at the arena. Expanded "super-suite" The Beautiful North was the latest to open as part of the redevelopment last year which can host up to 34 guests.
Entrance to that suite is via an annual membership which costs a cool £15,000 per person plus VAT - and for that figure you get to attend 50 shows of your choice over the course of the year, and all food and drink is included in that price.
Guests can also book premium experiences at the AO Electric Loung and Heineken Sky Lounge which have undergone recent revamps too. There are also private boxes across the venue that seat from 14-16 people which cost an eye-watering £126,000 annually - but that includes tickets to every show.
Entrance to The Mezz will be via membership, with packages from £8,500 for the year which includes entrance to 50 shows in the bar space. Packages for the restaurant space are £12,500 for the year.
Bookings can now be made at The Mezz for shows booking in 2024, via MezzSales@ao-arena.com or by calling 0161 950 1069.
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