Images: AO Arena
Manchester’s AO Arena has unveiled the latest part of its transformational redevelopment, The Mezz, a brand-new suite, premium bar and restaurant.
Set for completion in early 2024 and open for bookings from this month, the latest offering comes as AO Arena continues to expand and elevate its entire premium portfolio, aiming to deliver the next level in exclusive luxury experiences in the heart of the English city.
The Mezz will be the new and exclusive, members-only level at AO Arena, with operators promising that it will 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.
After the show, The Mezz bar will stay open with a DJ on the decks. From The Mezz, guests are set to have an unrivalled view of the arena bowl and stage, as well as direct access to the best seats in the house.
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.”
A new VIP entrance to the arena, located next to the main entrance, became the latest addition to the venue earlier this month. AO Arena’s existing portfolio of suites, VIP lounges and bars also includes The Beautiful North, AO Electric Lounge and Heineken Sky Lounge.
TheStadiumBusiness.com understands that the new spaces were designed by architects HOK and interior specialists 20:20, with early product conceptualisation by Forward Associates.
As part of the £50m (€57.4/$62.6m) redevelopment works, first announced in April 2022, customers will see upgraded concourse areas with revamped bars and refreshed, new menu offerings, catering for diverse and evolving food and drinks requirements for all guests, opening throughout 2023 and into 2024. Within the main arena bowl, the floor space is being expanded to allow for increased capacity.
AO Arena is operated by ASM Global, which in November told TheStadiumBusiness.com that it is confident that the ongoing renovation project will enable the facility to stay at the “cutting edge” of live entertainment amid impending competition from rival venue Co-op Live.
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