The Co-op Live arena in Manchester, costing £365 million and boasting a capacity of 23,500, will finally open its doors with a performance by the local band Elbow. This inaugural event follows multiple delays, including three cancellations of previous opening acts due to technical issues.
Originally, comedian Peter Kay was scheduled to open the venue on April 23, but his show was postponed following operational problems that surfaced during earlier test events. Subsequently, an opening concert by U.S. rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on May 1 was also canceled just an hour before it was due to start because part of the arena's ventilation system fell from the ceiling during a soundcheck.
These issues further led to the postponement of performances by Olivia Rodrigo and British band Keane, with several shows by Take That being relocated to Manchester’s AO Arena. Nevertheless, the arena has announced a forthcoming headline performance by U.S. rapper Travis Scott scheduled for July 13.
Despite the rocky start, Co-op Live has confirmed that the problem with the ventilation system was an isolated manufacturing defect, and with added inspections and precautions in place, the venue is set to proceed with its scheduled events.