Featured image credit: Co-op Live
Co-op Live has further stepped up preparations for its impending opening by announcing a partnership with Seat Unique which aims to enhance the hospitality provision at what will become the UK’s largest live entertainment arena.
Seat Unique will leverage its expertise and technology to support the Manchester venue in expanding its online hospitality sales giving fans the opportunity to access hospitality through the company’s platform, including the soon-to-be-revealed dedicated Seat Unique Deck Suite.
Gary Roden, executive director and general manager of Co-op Live, said: “We’re proud to partner with Seat Unique to elevate the fan experience even further.
“Our partnership is rooted in a shared vision of putting the fan at the heart of everything we do and both Co-op Live and Seat Unique are dedicated to making high-end hospitality effortlessly available, ensuring that unforgettable memories are made night in and night out.”
Robin Sherry, CEO and founder at Seat Unique, added: “Through our innovative technology and commitment to customer satisfaction, we will create a safe and seamless customer experience, enabling fans to enjoy premium hospitality like never before. Fans are wanting more from live events than ever, and by partnering with Co-op Live we’ll ensure that those experiences are unforgettable.”
Co-op Live is set to provide more than 120 annual music, sport, comedy, and family events, with the arena featuring 13 different clubs and lounges, including the dedicated 54-person Seat Unique Deck Suite.
As the official premium hospitality sales platform, official hospitality packages for Co-op Live events are available to buy from Seat Unique from today (Wednesday).
Co-op Live last month teamed up with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to aid travel to the new arena during its opening season of events, with travel on Metrolink and new city centre shuttle buses set to be included in all arena event tickets during the first two months of operation.
The announcement came after it was revealed that Co-op Live will open as planned following the award of a premises licence. Manchester City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee approved Co-op Live’s application, recognising that the venue will be a “significant benefit to the local community, Manchester and the wider region”.
The announcement came after Oak View Group (OVG) and ASM Global, the respective operators of Co-op Live and AO Arena, resumed battle over the development of the new 23,500-capacity venue for the English city during the licensing process.
In terms of opening times, conditions stipulate that Co-op Live can operate ancillary spaces until 1am GMT (1:30am close) from Sunday to Thursday, until 2am (2:30am close) on Friday and Saturday, and until 2am (2:30am close) on a Sunday before a Bank Holiday. All auditorium bowl activity must end by 11:30pm daily.
Co-op Live is permitted to apply for extended hours for a maximum of 25 events per year. Twelve can be for 24 hours opening, and 13 for opening until 4am. Each application for extended hours is subject to case-by-case approval by the Licensing Authority. Co-op Live’s operating hours had been questioned in relation to transport plans and impact on local residents during the arena’s planning and development process.
Comedian Peter Kay will be the first act to play at the venue on April 23. Co-op Live had been due to stage its first event in 2023, but last June the opening date was pushed back until April 2024. Co-op Live is a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group, parent company of Manchester City. It will form part of the Etihad Campus, which houses City’s Etihad Stadium.
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