Brand new image renders have been revealed for the upcoming Manchester-based Co-op Live arena.
Boasting itself as the only music-first arena, the 23,500-capacity venue will feature an innovative 'smart bowl' which was inspired by conversations with rock legend Bruce Springsteen and star Harry Styles. The music-focused approach to the arena's design has resulted in an impressively large floor space, a noticeably lower ceiling, and tiered seating that allows fans to be as close as possible to their favourite musicians.
The arena has also been designed to bring a more immersive experience to live music, with no corporate branding during shows as well as soundproof black curtains in the suites lining the edges of level 2 to maximise the impact of a show's sound and lighting.
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“Co-op Live is about the fan and the artist, it is specially designed to deliver the best sound, atmosphere and experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” says President of OVG International, Jessica Koravos. “Innovative technology and design will bring a unique live entertainment experience to the UK.”
The venue is set to open in December 2023 and is currently under construction at the Etihad Campus. It is a huge joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football group, as well as Harry Style who's privately invested in the arena's development.
In 2020, Harry Styles said: "I am incredibly happy to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live. Manchester is an incredible city filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier to be involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.”
Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, previously told the Manchester Evening News that there are big plans in place for the arena. "Manchester deserves one of the great, great music venues," he claimed.
"The arena we’re building here, it’s going to be the greatest music arena ever built.” He added: "The amount of expertise, knowledge and passion we have on this arena and this design, it’s the best design I have ever seen and the proudest I have ever been.”
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