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{{Short description|Event arena in Manchester, United Kingdom}}
{{Infobox_Arena |
{{pp-move-indef|small=yes}}
arena_name = Manchester Evening News Arena|
{{distinguish|text=the ] arena near the City of Manchester Stadium}}
nickname = M.E.N. Arena |
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
image = ] |
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
location = M.E.N. Arena<br>Victoria Station<br>Manchester<br>M3 1AR<br> England|
{{Infobox venue
opened = Saturday, ] ] |
closed = | | nickname =
demolished = | | logo_image = AO Arena logo.svg
owner = Capital & Regional and GE Real Estate UK | | name = Manchester Arena<br><small>AO Arena</small>
| image = Manchester Arena exterior, (3) May19.jpg
operator = SMG Europe (])|
| image_size = 300px
construction_cost = £132 Million|
| caption = Exterior of the arena in 2019, seen from the north
architect = DLA Architecture|
former_names = NYNEX Arena| | mapframe = no
| former names = NYNEX Arena (1995–1998)<br/>Manchester Evening News Arena (1998–2011)<br/>Phones 4u Arena (2013–2015)<br/>Manchester Arena (2015–2020)
tenants = No Regular Tenants|
| address = Victoria Station<br/>Manchester<br/>M3 1AR<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ao-arena.com/contact/|title=Contact The AO Arena Manchester|website=ao-arena.com|access-date=3 November 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031171813/https://ao-arena.com/contact/|url-status=live}}</ref>
former_tenants = ]| ]| ] |
| location = ], England, UK
seating_capacity = 3,000-21,000<ref name="smgeurope">{{cite web |url=http://www.smg-europe.com/venue-profile.php?iVenuesId=8 |author= |title=Manchester Evening News arena |publisher=smg-europe.com |accessdate=2008-03-28}}</ref>
| coordinates = {{coord|53|29|17|N|2|14|38|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground = {{Start date|1993|03|df=y}}
| opened = {{Start date|1995|07|15|df=y}}
| closed = 22 May 2017<ref group=nb>Temporarily closed for forensic investigation and repair work due to the ]. Events scheduled to take place were either cancelled or moved to alternative venues.</ref>
| reopened = 9 September 2017<ref name="Reopen">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849|title=Manchester Arena: Noel Gallagher to headline reopening concert|work=BBC News|date=16 August 2017|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816071206/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849|url-status=live}}</ref>
| owner = ]
| operator = ]
| cost = ]52 million<br />(£{{formatprice|{{Inflation|UK|52000000|1993}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} pounds{{inflation-fn|UK}})
| architect = DLA Design, ] and ]
| structural engineer = ]
| capacity = 21,000
| record_attendance =
| tenants = ] {{small|(]) (1995–2001)}}<br />] {{small|(], ]) (1995–2002)}}<br />] {{small|(]) (2003–2004)}}
| website = {{URL|www.ao-arena.com|Venue Website}}
| publictransit = {{rail-interchange|manchester|metrolink}} {{rail-interchange|gb|Rail}} {{rws|Manchester Victoria}}
}} }}
The '''Manchester Evening News Arena''' or '''M.E.N. Arena''' (commonly referred to as just '''The M.E.N.''' or simply '''Manchester Arena''') is a large indoor ] in ], ]. It is currently sponsored by the ] and has a capacity of 3,000&ndash;21,000.<ref>http://www.smg-europe.com/venue-profile.php?iVenuesId=8]]</ref> It was opened in 1995, and was initially sponsored by ] (a British cable television provider, as opposed to the NYNEX Corporation, a telephone service provider in the United States) as the '''NYNEX Arena'''. The Arena took its current name in 1998 after the NYNEX brand name had disappeared as a result of a merger with ] in 1997. '''Manchester Arena''' (currently known as '''AO Arena''' for sponsorship reasons) is an indoor arena in ], England, immediately north of the ] and partly above ] in ] space. Prior to the opening of ], the arena had the highest ] of any indoor venue in the United Kingdom, and is ] with a capacity of 21,000.


The arena is one of the world's busiest indoor arenas, hosting music and sporting events such as boxing and swimming.<ref name="smgeurope">{{cite web|url=http://www.smg-europe.com/venue-profile.php?iVenuesId=8 |title=Manchester Evening News arena |publisher=smg-europe.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210165419/http://www.smg-europe.com/venue-profile.php?iVenuesId=8 |archive-date=10 February 2009 }} Retrieved on 28 March 2008.</ref> The arena was a key part of Manchester's bids to host the ] in 1996 and ] and was eventually used for the ].
The M.E.N. Arena is currently Europe's largest indoor arena.<ref name="smgeurope"/> The arena was built to coincide with Manchester's two bids to host the Olympic games in 1996 and 2000 (which were won by ] in 1996 and ] in 2000).


The arena was temporarily closed following ], in which ] Salman Abedi killed 22 people, and injured 500 more, at the end of an ] concert during her ]. Shows and events that were scheduled to take place at the arena were either moved to alternative venues, or cancelled completely. The arena was reopened on 9 September with a special ] headlined by Manchester-born singer ].<ref name="Inrereopen">{{cite web |title=We Are Manchester: Tearful Noel Gallagher reopens Manchester Arena, performs 'Don't Look Back in Anger' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/noel-gallagher-manchester-arena-we-are-manchester-concert-tears-liam-pr-stunt-a7938746.html |first=Jack |last=Shepherd |work=The Independent |access-date=17 February 2023 |date=10 September 2017 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217103959/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/noel-gallagher-manchester-arena-we-are-manchester-concert-tears-liam-pr-stunt-a7938746.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The M.E.N. Arena was one of the first indoor venues in Europe to be built
following the traditionally American arena layout of 360 degree seating. Other European indoor venues built to the same concept are the ] in ], ] in ], ] in ], and ] (formerly the ]).


==Arena design==
The M.E.N.'s seating capacity is one of Europe's most flexible. It is often chosen by touring acts because its design and layout makes the venue ideal for any type of performance. The seating is split into an upper tier (bowl) and a lower tier, separated by 44 hospitality suites.
]
]
First proposed during the regeneration of Manchester city centre during the 1980s, the structure was designed by DLA Ellerbe Beckett, ], and ]. The arena is sited in ] space over the Manchester Victoria railway station and was constructed without disrupting use of the station. The original plans included a glass tower which was not built. It originally hosted a seven-screen multiplex cinema, a multi-purpose arena and multi-storey parking. The former multiplex cinema, which opened in 1996, closed after just four years and is now a ]. Following the bombing, the foyer underwent renovation.


A large truss measuring {{convert|105|m|ft}} spans the roof. ] is used to increase sound insulation. The upper parts of the building are clad in purple-grey with green glass.<ref>{{Harvnb|Hartwell|2002|p=237}}</ref> The arena was opened on 15 July 1995.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arena ready for Wets sell-out|first=Janine|last=Watson|date=25 July 1995|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
==Arena success==


The arena is the only indoor venue in the UK to be built following a layout of 360-degree seating. (London's ], formerly the ], also has 360-degree seating, but only on its lower tier, whereas Manchester's arena features it on both tiers). Other European indoor venues built to the same concept include the ] (], Germany), ] (], Croatia), ] (], Croatia), ] (], Serbia), ] (], Czech Republic), and the ] (], Germany).
The M.E.N. Arena has attracted a huge number of customers since opening its doors in 1995, as it is the largest indoor arena in the country. The venue attracts over a million customers each year for concerts and family shows alone, making the venue one of the world's busiest indoor arena's, in regard to this the M.E.N. Arena was named "International Venue Of The Year" in 2001 by concert industry insiders in the 'Pollstar' awards, and was nominated in the same category in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The M.E.N. Arena was also named "Busiest Arena Venue In The World", based on ticket sales for concerts in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 beating competition from other indoor arena's including New York's ] and London's ]. The Arena has also been named the 'World's Busiest Arena' of the last 5 years (2001-2007) based solely on ticket sales for concerts attracting 5 and a half million customers to concerts.


A three-year £50{{nbsp}}million re-development started in 2022. The arena's capacity will increase to 24,000, and new public entrances and custom lounges will be opened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchesters-ao-arena-see-huge-23805884|title=Manchester's AO Arena to see huge £50m revamp this summer|date=27 April 2022|work=]|author=James Holt|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011184821/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchesters-ao-arena-see-huge-23805884|url-status=live}}</ref> Once complete, the increase in capacity will retain the indoor arena's place as the largest in the city after the 23,500-seat ] opened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/asm-eyes-summer-start-for-40m-ao-arena-revamp/|title=Summer start for £50m revamp of Manchester's AO Arena|date=27 April 2022|author=Dan Whelan|work=Place North West|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011184822/https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/asm-eyes-summer-start-for-40m-ao-arena-revamp/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Despite its success the venue is heavily criticised by locals. It is seen as a soulless concrete bowl, with heavily overpriced merchandise and food and drink. The upper tier of the arena is also exteremly steep and the view from the rear blocks (207-210) is very poor, yet the tickets in these blocks are often priced at the same rate as those with a much better view.


==Background==
]
]
]
The arena was constructed as part of the city's unsuccessful bid for the ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Parkinson-Bailey|first=John J.|title=Manchester: An Architectural History |publisher=Manchester University Press|date=25 May 2000|edition=Hardcover|page=250|isbn=0-7190-5606-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ush5WC9BM_gC&pg=RA1-PA250|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref> Construction cost £52&nbsp;million of which £35.5m was provided by government grants and £2.5m from the ]. Although built as an American style sports arena, it has been more successful hosting large music events.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Arena put Manchester on top of the world |last=Taylor |first=Paul |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/life_and_style/s/1301523_the_arena_put_manchester_on_top_of_the_world |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=13 July 2010 |access-date=14 November 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112192238/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/life_and_style/s/1301523_the_arena_put_manchester_on_top_of_the_world |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The arena opened in July 1995, sponsored by ] CableComms as '''NYNEX Arena'''. In July 1998, it was renamed the '''Manchester Evening News Arena''', or just the ''MEN Arena'', when it was sponsored by the '']'' newspaper. In December 2011, the newspaper ended its 13 year sponsorship, and the arena was renamed Manchester Arena in January 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |title=MEN Media ends naming rights at Manchester Evening News Arena |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/men-media-ends-naming-rights-870536 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=13 September 2011 |access-date=27 September 2011 |archive-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207192649/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/men-media-ends-naming-rights-870536 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2013, the arena was renamed '''Phones 4u Arena''' after the mobile phone company ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Ferguson |first=James |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/manchester-arena-signs-deal-phones-5385660 |title=Manchester Arena signs deal with Phones 4u |work=Manchester Evening News |date=31 July 2013 |access-date=2 August 2013 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925155333/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/manchester-arena-signs-deal-phones-5385660 |url-status=live }}</ref> but this deal ended in January 2015 after Phones 4u went out of business, renaming the arena back to Manchester Arena.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arena-mark-20-year-anniversary-8417976 |title=Manchester Arena to mark 20-year anniversary with name change |last=Evans |first=Denise |date=10 January 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=12 May 2015 |archive-date=23 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323182507/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arena-mark-20-year-anniversary-8417976 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2020, the arena was rebranded as the '''AO Arena''' as part of a five year sponsorship deal by the online electricals retailer ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Manchester Arena's new name revealed as bold redesign plans take another step forward |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arenas-new-name-revealed-18864103 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=2 September 2020 |access-date=2 September 2020 |archive-date=2 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902193954/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arenas-new-name-revealed-18864103 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2007 the Arena was named 'World's Busiest Arena' for a record 5th time, the top ten venues in 2007 are following:

On the opening night, 15,000 spectators watched ] and ] perform. The crowd was a record for an ice event.<ref name="Inglis101">{{Harvnb|Inglis|2004|p=101}}</ref> Attendance records were set in 1997 when 17,425 people watched Manchester Storm play ], a record for an ice hockey match in Europe at that time. When 14,151 people watched ] play ], it set a British record for attendance at a basketball match.<ref name="Inglis101"/> The venue attracts over a million customers each year for concerts and family shows, making it one of the world's busiest indoor arenas, and was named "International Venue Of The Year" in 2002 in the 'Pollstar' awards, and was nominated in the same category from 2002 to 2009. The arena was named "Busiest Arena Venue In The World", based on ticket sales for concerts from 2003 to 2007, ahead of other indoor arenas including ] and ]. The arena was the 'World's Busiest Arena' from 2001 until 2007 based on ticket sales for concerts, attracting five and a half million customers. It was voted 'Europe's Favourite Arena' at the TPi Awards in 2008 by the touring companies that bring the shows to the venue.

On the evening of 27 May 1999, a reception was held at the arena to celebrate ] ] triumph in ] 24 hours earlier, following the victorious side's parade around Manchester at the end of the season in which they became the first English team to win the treble of the ], ] and Champions League in the same season, which remained the case until ] achieved the same feat in 2022-23.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/354082.stm|title=BBC News - Sport - Manchester plans huge victory party|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=17 August 2017|archive-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/354082.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, the arena was the world's third busiest arena behind London's ] and New York's Madison Square Garden. In 2009, it was the world's second busiest arena behind The O2, and ahead of the ] in ] and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Although second to London's The O2, Manchester's arena had its busiest year with over 1,500,000 people attending concerts and family shows. The arena hosts over 250 events annually including comedy, live music and tours, sporting events, and occasionally musicals.<ref>{{cite web |title=From unwanted empty shell to the world's busiest venue |work=] |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3134279.ece |author=Will Pavia |date=5 January 2008 |access-date=31 August 2008 |archive-date=16 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042002/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3134279.ece |url-status=dead }} Retrieved on 31 August 2008.</ref>

==Events==

===Music===
{{prose|section|date=March 2019}}
]
As one of the largest venues in the UK, the arena has hosted music concerts since opening in 1995.

As of 2019, British pop group ], who were formed in Manchester, hold the record for the most performances, with 46. During the five-concert Manchester leg of their ], the arena was temporarily renamed after the band to honour their 30-year career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ao-arena.com/your-visit/news/article/manchester-arena-renamed-take-that-arena/11556/|title=Manchester Arena Renamed Take That Arena - AO Arena Manchester|website=ao-arena.com|access-date=3 November 2020|archive-date=4 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604185651/https://ao-arena.com/your-visit/news/article/manchester-arena-renamed-take-that-arena/11556/|url-status=live}}</ref> Irish pop group ] previously held the record with 33 performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article672907.ece|title=Record-breaking farewell for Westlife at Manchester Arena is a piece of cake|work=Manchester Evening News|date=10 January 2013|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304054653/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article672907.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Spice Girls performed 4 sold-out shows during their ] in April 1998, 4 sold-out shows in December 1999 on the ] Tour, and 3 sold-out shows in January 2008 on ] World Tour.

Led Zeppelin legends Jimmy Page and Robert Plant performed a sell out concert at the arena on 3 November 1998 as part of their Walking into Clarksdale tour.

On 26 March 2000, English boy band ] performed at this venue as part of their Invincible Tour. The show was also filmed for a ] called ''Five Live'' that was released on DVD and VHS later that same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Five-Live/dp/B0000524E0|title=Five: Live|date=5 December 2000|via=Amazon|access-date=19 January 2017|archive-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131192402/https://www.amazon.com/Five-Live/dp/B0000524E0|url-status=live}}</ref>

] performed here on 31 May 1998 as part of her ]. Jackson was scheduled to perform during her ] on 5 December 2001, but the show was cancelled with the rest of her European tour because of possible terrorist threats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dst03102001_053|title=Janet Jackson niet in Sportpaleis|website=Standaard|date=3 October 2001 |access-date=23 May 2017|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020941/http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dst03102001_053|url-status=live}}</ref> Her 2016 ] was also cancelled, this time because of scheduling conflicts.

] performed at the arena for the first time for two sold-out shows on 13 and 14 October 2000 during her ]. She has returned for additional sold-out shows on 1 May 2004 during ], 17 June 2009 during her ], in 2011 for the ], and on 18 August 2018 as part of her ].

] performed at the arena on 11 and 12 August 2001, for their ]. The band came back in 2018 during their ] for two shows on 19 and 20 October.

]
In 2002, ] performed for six shows as part of her ] tour. She returned for five sold-out shows in April 2005 as part of her ]. In 2007, she performed for seven sold-out shows in January as part of her ]. In 2008, she returned for six sold-out shows in July as part of her ] tour. Minogue performed for four shows in April 2011 as part of her ]. Minogue performed again at the arena on 26 September 2014. The performance marked the 30th time Minogue has performed at the arena.<ref name="Arena record">{{cite news |author=Evans, Denise |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/kylie-minogue-manchester-popstar-play-6840215 |title=Kylie Minogue to play record 30th show at the arena in Manchester |work=] |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=17 March 2014 |archive-date=17 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317212330/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/kylie-minogue-manchester-popstar-play-6840215 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a record for Minogue as the venue she has played to most in the world; she has played to 400,000 fans in total in the Manchester Arena.<ref name="Kylie record">{{cite news|author=Denise Evans|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-kylie-minogues-number-one-6842127|title=Manchester is Kylie's number one city|work=]|date=17 March 2014|access-date=17 March 2014|archive-date=17 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224817/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-kylie-minogues-number-one-6842127|url-status=live}}</ref>

Barbadian singer ] would perform her first concert in England here, as part of her worldwide ] that ran September 2006 to January 2009, starting and ending in North America. The full concert, named ] was released on DVD and Blu-ray on 9 June 2008, by ]. The concert promoted the songs from the ], however, also featured songs by Rihanna's two previous albums '']'' (2005) and '']'' (2006).

Madonna performed twice on her Re-Invention World Tour in Summer 2004, returning in 2009, on the second leg of the ]. Two shows were planned but one was cancelled due to unknown reasons. Madonna was late on stage in 2015 on the ] due to problems with the screen visuals resulting in a shortened set.
In October 2023 the singer booked this arena to perform the final rehearsals prior to the kick-off of her ], set to begin in ] on 14 October the same year.<ref name="manchester1">{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonnas-celebration-tour-gets-underway-27913056|title=Manchester Evening News|date=15 October 2023 }}</ref>

Pop/R&B singer ] would hold her last concerts ever here, 16 & 17 June 2010 on her ].<ref name="whitneyhouston2">{{cite web|url=http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/events|title=Events|access-date=3 November 2009|work=Whitney Houston Official Website|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113015309/http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/events|archive-date=13 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="pollstar">{{cite web|url=http://pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=2247&SortBy=Date&SearchBy=whitney%20houston|title=Whitney Houston: Concert Schedule|access-date=23 November 2009|work=Pollstar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715103023/http://pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=2247&SortBy=Date&SearchBy=whitney%20houston|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aftenbladet.no/kultur/1113825/Whitney_Houston_til_Soermarka_Arena.html |title=Whitney Houston til Sørmarka Arena|language=no |trans-title=Whitney Houston to Sørmarka Arena |last1=Tore Lindø |first1=Leif |last2=Rege Olsen |first2=Olav |date=17 November 2009 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222195130/https://www.aftenbladet.no/kultur/1113825/Whitney_Houston_til_Soermarka_Arena.html |archive-date=22 December 2009}}</ref><ref>Europe Boxcore Data:
*{{cite magazine|date=19 June 2010|title=Boxscore: Concert Grosses|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=24|page=11|location=Nashville, Tennessee|issn=0006-2510|access-date=7 January 2018|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|url-status=live}}
*{{cite magazine|date=16 October 2010|title=Boxscore: Concert Grosses|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=41|location=Nashville, Tennessee|issn=0006-2510|access-date=7 January 2018|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|url-status=live}}
*{{cite magazine|date=27 November 2010|title=Boxscore: Concert Grosses|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=47|location=Nashville, Tennessee|issn=0006-2510|access-date=7 January 2018|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|url-status=live}} </ref> Houston died 11 February 2012, at age 48.

On 12 December 2006 comedy rock duo ] performed as part of their ], ] was opening act. Tenacious D also performed on 8 May 2024 as part of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tenacious D |website=AO Arena |url=https://www.ao-arena.com/events/detail/tenacious-d |access-date=2024-02-07 }}</ref>

In July 2010, the arena celebrated its 15th birthday with a multi-artist gig, presented by ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Venue profile: Finger on the pulse|date=10 July 2010|work=Music Week}}</ref>

] performed at the arena on 12 November 2010 during their ], and came back on 1 December 2017, as part of their ].

] performed a sold-out show at the arena on 4 December 2011 as part of their ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-30 |title=Box Score - Concert Sales - Ticket Prices - Music Events - Billboard.biz |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp |access-date=2023-02-10 |archive-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

American entertainer ] performed three sold-out shows at the arena as part of her ] on 7, 8 and 9 May 2013. She returned on 25 and 26 February 2014 for two more sold-out shows. Both shows became the fastest concert to sell out the entire arena. This was the fifth tour Beyoncé has performed at the arena, following concerts for her ] (2003), ] (2005), ] (2007) and the ] (2009).
]

In 2014, ] performed twice at the venue, on 20 and 24 May as part of her third ], ].

] performed at the arena on 24 June 2015, as part of her fourth concert tour, ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.taylorswiftweb.net/2015/06/24/1989-world-tour-manchester-england/ | title=1989 World Tour: Manchester, England | date=24 June 2015 }}</ref>

] performed at the arena during her ] on 7, 8 March and 10, 11 March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adele - AO Arena Manchester|url=https://ao-arena.com/events/adele/3446/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=ao-arena.com|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218204153/https://ao-arena.com/events/adele/3446/|url-status=live}}</ref>

] performed at the arena on 17 and 18 March 2017, as part of the first leg for his new UK tour, ].

] performed at the arena on 18 April 2017 as the second date of the ]. He also performed on 7 April 2019 as part of his self-titled tour.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yates |first1=Jonathan |title=Shawn Mendes to play Manchester Arena date on UK tour - here's how to get tickets |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/shawn-mendes-play-manchester-arena-14669744 |website=Manchester Evening News|date=17 May 2018 }}</ref>

] performed at the arena on 22 May 2017 as part of the ]. After this, ] took place at the ] of the arena.

The arena was reopened by ] and a cohort of local stars such as ], ], ] and comedian ] as part of the "We Are Manchester" event on 9 September 2017.

] performed at the arena on 28 October 2017 in front of 19,423 people, as a part of their ].

On 29 November 2017, Phil Collins performed one night here with his ].

On 10 December 2017, ] brought her ] show here.

On 16 December 2017, ] performed here as part of his UK tour to celebrate the release of his debut album ].

On 10 February 2018, ] performed the 3rd date of the European leg of ]. This was his first time performing in Manchester since 2013.

On 22 June 2018, ] performed the 90th show of her fourth concert tour ].

South Korean girl group ] performed their first UK arena concert on 21 May 2019 as part of the ] schedule here.

] bought her ] to the arena on 3 July 2019.

Six time Grammy award-winning artist ] performed her 14th date of ] to full attendance on 12 November 2019.

On 15 April 2022, ] performed the 1st date of the European leg of highly anticipated ]. This was her first time performing in Manchester since 2016.<ref name="NME Second Reschedule">{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Nick |date=23 October 2020 |title=Dua Lipa reschedules UK and European tour for second time |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/dua-lipa-reschedules-uk-and-european-tour-for-second-time-2796025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702044154/https://www.nme.com/news/music/dua-lipa-reschedules-uk-and-european-tour-for-second-time-2796025 |archive-date=2 July 2021 |access-date=18 September 2021 |website=]}}</ref>

On 7 and 8 May 2022, ] performed 3 shows here. 2 evening shows and 1 Matinée, one of their 3 Matinée shows on ].

] performed the final date of the project's ] on 10 March 2023. It was its farewell concert, as leader ] will subsequently disband the name to focus on family. Panic! at the Disco had previously performed at the arena on 30 March 2019 for its ].

On 5 and 6 April 2023, ] was supposed to perform here during her ] due to a neurological disease, she had to cancel the remainder of her tour including these 2 shows.. During her ], Dion planned to perform two concerts here, but the shows were moved to Leeds following the arena closure in May 2017. She had previously performed at the arena on 14 November 1996 during her ] tour and on 2 and 3 May 2008 during her ].

On 10 and 15 November rapper ] performed at the arena as part of his ] with ] as opening act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hafazalla |first=Hakim |date=2023-11-11 |title=Review: 50 Cent rocks the AO Arena taking fans on a nostalgic journey |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/review-50-cent-takes-fans-28087226 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}</ref>

Hong Kong boy group ] performed their second UK arena concert on 14 March 2024 as part of the FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024 |url=https://concerttour2024.mirrorweare.com/en |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024}}</ref>

] played here as part of their The End Is Nero tour on 14 November 2023.

===Sports===
]
The arena has been the home of three sports teams: the ] and ] ] teams, and the ] ] team with limited success, as it is no longer used by sports teams but is used for one-off sporting events such as boxing and football masters.

Many boxers have had bouts in the arena, such as ], Jermaine Johnson, ], ], ], and ]. Hatton, from Manchester, became a regular and favourite at the arena. American professional wrestling promotion ] have regularly hosted both live events and TV tapings at the Arena, including Mayhem in Manchester in 1998, pay-per-view events such as the ], and ] in 2001 and 2002.

The arena hosted ] events. ] on 21 April 2007, and ] on 14 November 2009 for which it set the European record attendance for the largest UFC event outside the US with 16,000 spectators. The arena also hosted ] on 26 October 2013 as well as ] on 8 October 2016, headlining was a middleweight championship match between ] and ]. The World Taekwondo Qualification Event for the Beijing Olympic Games was held there on 28–30 September 2007 when 103 countries competed for 24&nbsp;places at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. In April 2008, the arena hosted the ], the first time the event has been held in the UK. The arena was transformed with two 25&nbsp;m swimming pools constructed in 18 days and seating provided for 17,250 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |title=City arena becomes swimming venue |work=BBC Online |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7302096.stm |date=18 March 2008 |access-date=31 August 2008 |archive-date=5 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205025833/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7302096.stm |url-status=live }} Retrieved on 31 August 2008.</ref> On 26 February 2011, it played host to ].

Monster truck racing events have been staged but the floor space has to be extended and the front section of seating in the lower tier removed.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Monster Jam |url=http://www.men-arena.com/?page_id=948 |work=Manchester Evening News Arena |access-date=6 July 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032555/http://www.men-arena.com/?page_id=948 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 2008, it has played host to a week of the Premier League Darts.

In May 2011, the arena hosted a basketball contest between the ] (]) and the ], billed as "WNBA Live", the first time a WNBA team had played in Europe. In July 2012, the arena hosted an international between ] and the ] in the buildup to the ].

In early April 2018, the ] performed at the venue.

On 13–15 April 2018, ] '']'' performed at the arena, as part of the tour's second UK leg.

On 25 August 2018, a ] between ] and ] was held at the arena. The match was live streamed via ] on ].

On 15–19 May 2019, the arena hosted the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchester-arena.com/events/world-taekwondo-championships-2019/10470/|title=World Taekwondo Championships 2019 - Manchester Arena|website=www.manchester-arena.com|access-date=2019-05-08|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508150330/https://www.manchester-arena.com/events/world-taekwondo-championships-2019/10470/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 12-17 September 2023, the arena hosted all Group B matches of the ], in which ] participated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Host Nations Announced For 2023 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage {{!}} ATP Tour {{!}} Tennis |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/davis-cup-finals-group-stage-locations-2023 |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=ATP Tour |language=en}}</ref>

On 14 October 2023, KSI and Logan Paul returned to the arena fighting a double main event, with KSI taking on the brother of ] and ] Diriyah Champion, ], and Logan Paul taking on ].

From 10 to 15 September 2024, the arena will host all Group D matches of the ], in which ] is participating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Davis Cup - Group D preview: Great Britain hoping home advantage helps |url=https://www.daviscup.com/en/news/334041.aspx |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.daviscup.com}}</ref>

===Comedy===
The first ] performance was ]'s final performance of his ''Mum wants a bungalow Tour'' in July 2003. He worked at the arena when it opened in 1995 and the performance was filmed for DVD release as ''Peter Kay at the Manchester Arena''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Peter Kay – July 2003 |url=http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=807 |work=Manchester Arena |access-date=24 September 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2005, ] set a world record for performing to the biggest audience in front of a crowd of 10,108.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Comic Evans breaks crowd record |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4454572.stm |work=BBC News |date=20 November 2005 |access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> ]'s '']'' ran for 20 consecutive nights and 20 nights at the end of the tour – a record for the venue.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Peter Kay – The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour – Farewell Tour |url=http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=1681 |work=Manchester Arena |access-date=24 September 2012 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724081100/http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=1681 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] filmed the DVD for '']'' in Manchester.

===Other===
In 1998, the game show ] was filmed on the arena's ice rink.

On 19 July 2011, (with a final dress rehearsal in front of an audience on 16 July 2011) the arena hosted the world premiere of ], a touring stage show, including theatrical, circus and stage-magic elements, that focuses on the ] ] ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8650466/Batman-Live-Manchester-MEN-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8650466/Batman-Live-Manchester-MEN-review.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Batman Live, Manchester MEN, review |author=Hughes, Rob |date=20 July 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The arena also hosted the annual convention of ]. In 2014, this was held on 22–24 August.

The arena also hosted ''Ant & Dec's Takeaway on Tour: Live'' on 15–16 August 2014. Over the two days, about more than 120,000 people attended both matinee and evening shows.

The American league ] attended the venue for the first time in 2005 during the European Tour. They would not attend again for over ten years until 2019 when a second show took place.

==2017 bombing==
{{Main|Manchester Arena bombing}}

Following the ] concert by American pop singer ] on 22 May 2017, a ] occurred in the arena's foyer area. ] confirmed that twenty-three adults and children were killed, including the bomber, and 500 were injured.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rawlison|first1=Kevin|title=Police warning after reports of explosion at Manchester Arena|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-police-explosion-ariana-grande-concert-england|work=The Guardian|date=22 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508121327/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-police-explosion-ariana-grande-concert-england|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Manchester Arena blast: 22 dead and 59 hurt|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40010124|work=BBC News|date=22 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102031719/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40010124|url-status=live}}</ref> The terrorist group Islamic State (]) claimed responsibility for the attack.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Samuelson |first1=Kate |title=ISIS Claims Responsibility for Manchester Concert Terrorist Attack |url=https://time.com/4790201/isis-manchester-concert-terrorist-attack/ |magazine=Time |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=17 January 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513050804/https://time.com/4790201/isis-manchester-concert-terrorist-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Reopening===
]
On 14 June 2017, it was confirmed that the arena would remain closed until September, with scheduled concerts either cancelled or moved to other venues.<ref name="concerts">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40275744|title=Manchester Arena to stay closed until September|work=BBC News|date=14 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614122402/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40275744|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 September 2017, the arena re-opened with a benefit concert featuring ] and other acts associated with ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849 |title=Manchester Arena: Noel Gallagher to headline reopening concert |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816071206/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was broadcast live on ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41160803 |title=Manchester Arena: Radio stations to broadcast reopening concert |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=5 September 2017 |access-date=5 September 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906025932/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41160803 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Transport==
].]]
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Public transport access'''
| '''Manchester Metrolink''' {{rail-interchange|manchester}}
| rowspan=2| ]
|- |-
| '''National Rail''' {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
! '''Venue'''
! '''Annual Ticket Sales'''
|-
| Manchester Evening News Area, Manchester, UK
| 1,245,196
|-
| Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA
| 1,230,433
|-
| O2 Arena, London, UK
| 1,209,376
|-
| Wembley Arena, London, UK
| 901,778
|-
| ], Lyon, France
| 700,000
|-
| Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
| 670,255
|-
| HP Pavillion, San Jose, California, USA
| 666,587
|-
| Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada
| 620,403
|-
| ], Paris, France
| 616,000
|-
| Philips Area, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| 564,258
|-
| American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| 539,030
|-
| Izod Center, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
| 527,694
|} |}
Today, it plays host to many worldwide performing artists and shows including comedy acts, live music and tours, sporting events, and occasionally musicals.
Notable stars to appear at the venue are: ], ],], ], ], ],], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] amongst myriad others.


The arena adjoins ] which is served by ], ], and ].
==Sports==
The M.E.N. Arena has been the home of three sports teams: the ] and ] ] teams, and the ] ] team. However, with limited success, as the arena is not currently the home of any sports teams.


The arena car park is operated by Citipark, and has 958 standard and 65 disabled spaces.
Boxers such as ], ], ], ], ] and other world champions have fought there. Hatton became a regular and favourite of the M.E.N. Arena until his split with ], who has exclusive rights there for boxing shows. On ], ] it hosted the ] UK-only pay-per-view ]. Also on ], ], it hosted the first ever ] that was filmed in Europe, and was followed the next day by a taping of ]. RAW and SmackDown! returned to the M.E.N. Arena on ] and ] ], and they will once again be held on ] ]. The M.E.N. Arena hosted the ] event ] on ] ]. The World Taekwondo Qualification Event for the Bejing Olympic Games was held at the Arena on September 28-20 2007 at this event 103 countries competed for 24 places at the Beijing Oympic Games in 2008.


==See also==
The arena was also used by ] when they won the ] in ]. The arena was the final destination of their bus tour which saw United parading the trophy to around 750,000 fans across Manchester, including 19,500 fans in the arena itself.
{{Portal|Sports}}
*]
*]
*]
*]


==Technical facts== ==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}
* Lower bowl capacity- 10,762
* Upper bowl capacity- 8,870
* Large Theatre setup- 7,600
* Small Theatre setup- 3,500
* Hockey and Gymnastics- up to 17,643
* ] Swimming championships 2008- 17,250
* Basketball- up to 20,500
* WWE Wrestling Entertainment- up to 15,500
* Boxing- up to 21,000 (fully seated- although has been quoted by the media that up to 22,000 people have attended high profile boxing matches)
* Side stage- up to 10,600 (fully seated)
* Conventional end stage concerts- 13,500-15,800 (fully seated)
* Conventional end stage concerts- up to 19,350 (floor standing){{Fact|date=October 2007}}
* In the round concerts- up to 20,400 (fully seated)
* In the round concerts- up to 21,000 (floor standing)
* 32 hospitality business suites (seats up to 12 guests)
* 8 VIP suites (seats up to 15 guests)
* 4 party suites (seats up to 25 guests)
* The Arena has its own 1,500 capacity car park
* The Arena is the European flagship venue of SMG
* Like Madison Square Garden in New York and ] in Boston, The M.E.N. Arena is situated beside/above a main railway station (]). This means that people can get a train to the venue instead of driving.
* The M.E.N. Arena claims to have the world's largest indoor video scoreboard.

== Trivia ==
{{Unreferenced|date=November 2007}}
{{trivia|date=August 2007}}
*Popular Manchester based band ] played their "final" show in 2001 with lead singer ] at the arena. They have since reformed, and played there again in April 2007.
*In 1996 British boyband ] played ten consecutive nights at the venue with 142,000 tickets being sold.
*]n pop singer ] is the female who has played the venue the most times. She played six shows as part of her ] tour in 2002 (of which one was filmed for DVD release), She played the venue again for five consecutive nights as part of her ] in 2005 and She ended her 'Homecoming World Tour' with 7 consecutive shows in January 2007. Kylie will return to the M.E.N Arena in July 2008 for 6 nights as part of her ] tour meaning she will have headlined the venue 24 times in 7 years. Kylie has also appeared at both Top of the pops award shows held in 2001 and 2002 and performed along ] in 2000 as his special guest to perform their duet ], therefore making a total of 27 appearances at the venue.
*British comedian ] worked as a steward at the arena before becoming famous. This was spoofed in "]". Kay also entered the stadium from the back, passing through the crowd, dressed in a distinctive yellow steward's jacket, on the last night of his sell-out "Mum Wants A Bungalow" UK tour.
*The arena was the venue of the last ]* concert in Britain during their reunion tour.


==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |publisher=English Heritage and Manchester City Council |year=2004 |isbn=1-873592-78-7}}
* {{citation |last=Hartwell |first=Clare|title=Manchester |series=Pevsner Architectural Guides|publisher=Yale University Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0-300-09666-8}}
{{Refend}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{Commons category|Manchester Arena}}
* {{Official website|http://www.manchester-arena.com/}}
*
* *
*


{{Indoor arenas UK}}
{{Elite Ice Hockey League Venues}} {{Elite Ice Hockey League Venues}}
{{Manchester B&S}} {{Manchester B&S}}
{{EAA members}}
{{coor title dms|53|29|17|N|2|14|38|W|type:landmark}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Manchester Arena}}
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Latest revision as of 20:31, 24 December 2024

Event arena in Manchester, United Kingdom Not to be confused with the Co-op Live arena near the City of Manchester Stadium.

Manchester Arena
AO Arena
Exterior of the arena in 2019, seen from the north
Former namesNYNEX Arena (1995–1998)
Manchester Evening News Arena (1998–2011)
Phones 4u Arena (2013–2015)
Manchester Arena (2015–2020)
AddressVictoria Station
Manchester
M3 1AR
LocationManchester, England, UK
Coordinates53°29′17″N 2°14′38″W / 53.48806°N 2.24389°W / 53.48806; -2.24389
Public transitManchester Metrolink National Rail Manchester Victoria
OwnerMansford
OperatorASM Global
Capacity21,000
Construction
Broke groundMarch 1993 (1993-03)
Opened15 July 1995 (1995-07-15)
Closed22 May 2017
Reopened9 September 2017
Construction cost£52 million
(£134 million in 2025 pounds)
ArchitectDLA Design, Austin-Smith:Lord and Ellerbe Becket
Structural engineerArup Group Limited
Tenants
Manchester Giants (BBL) (1995–2001)
Manchester Storm (BISL, BJL) (1995–2002)
Manchester Phoenix (EIHL) (2003–2004)
Website
Venue Website

Manchester Arena (currently known as AO Arena for sponsorship reasons) is an indoor arena in Manchester, England, immediately north of the city centre and partly above Manchester Victoria station in air rights space. Prior to the opening of Co-op Live, the arena had the highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the United Kingdom, and is the third-largest in Europe with a capacity of 21,000.

The arena is one of the world's busiest indoor arenas, hosting music and sporting events such as boxing and swimming. The arena was a key part of Manchester's bids to host the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000 and was eventually used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

The arena was temporarily closed following a terror attack on 22 May 2017, in which suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people, and injured 500 more, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert during her Dangerous Woman Tour. Shows and events that were scheduled to take place at the arena were either moved to alternative venues, or cancelled completely. The arena was reopened on 9 September with a special benefit concert headlined by Manchester-born singer Noel Gallagher.

Arena design

Steps leading to southern entrance from Hunts Bank
Panorama of the arena, facing the main stage

First proposed during the regeneration of Manchester city centre during the 1980s, the structure was designed by DLA Ellerbe Beckett, Ove Arup & Partners, and Austin-Smith:Lord. The arena is sited in air rights space over the Manchester Victoria railway station and was constructed without disrupting use of the station. The original plans included a glass tower which was not built. It originally hosted a seven-screen multiplex cinema, a multi-purpose arena and multi-storey parking. The former multiplex cinema, which opened in 1996, closed after just four years and is now a call centre. Following the bombing, the foyer underwent renovation.

A large truss measuring 105 metres (344 ft) spans the roof. Reinforced concrete is used to increase sound insulation. The upper parts of the building are clad in purple-grey with green glass. The arena was opened on 15 July 1995.

The arena is the only indoor venue in the UK to be built following a layout of 360-degree seating. (London's The O2, formerly the Millennium Dome, also has 360-degree seating, but only on its lower tier, whereas Manchester's arena features it on both tiers). Other European indoor venues built to the same concept include the Lanxess Arena (Cologne, Germany), Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia), Spaladium Arena (Split, Croatia), Kombank Arena (Belgrade, Serbia), O2 Arena (Prague, Czech Republic), and the Barclaycard Arena (Hamburg, Germany).

A three-year £50 million re-development started in 2022. The arena's capacity will increase to 24,000, and new public entrances and custom lounges will be opened. Once complete, the increase in capacity will retain the indoor arena's place as the largest in the city after the 23,500-seat Co-op Live Arena opened.

Background

The arena during sponsorship by Manchester Evening News
Phones 4u Arena logo used from 2013 to 2015

The arena was constructed as part of the city's unsuccessful bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics. Construction cost £52 million of which £35.5m was provided by government grants and £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund. Although built as an American style sports arena, it has been more successful hosting large music events.

The arena opened in July 1995, sponsored by NYNEX CableComms as NYNEX Arena. In July 1998, it was renamed the Manchester Evening News Arena, or just the MEN Arena, when it was sponsored by the Manchester Evening News newspaper. In December 2011, the newspaper ended its 13 year sponsorship, and the arena was renamed Manchester Arena in January 2012. In July 2013, the arena was renamed Phones 4u Arena after the mobile phone company Phones 4u, but this deal ended in January 2015 after Phones 4u went out of business, renaming the arena back to Manchester Arena. In September 2020, the arena was rebranded as the AO Arena as part of a five year sponsorship deal by the online electricals retailer AO.

On the opening night, 15,000 spectators watched Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean perform. The crowd was a record for an ice event. Attendance records were set in 1997 when 17,425 people watched Manchester Storm play Sheffield Steelers, a record for an ice hockey match in Europe at that time. When 14,151 people watched Manchester Giants play London Leopards, it set a British record for attendance at a basketball match. The venue attracts over a million customers each year for concerts and family shows, making it one of the world's busiest indoor arenas, and was named "International Venue Of The Year" in 2002 in the 'Pollstar' awards, and was nominated in the same category from 2002 to 2009. The arena was named "Busiest Arena Venue In The World", based on ticket sales for concerts from 2003 to 2007, ahead of other indoor arenas including Madison Square Garden and Wembley Arena. The arena was the 'World's Busiest Arena' from 2001 until 2007 based on ticket sales for concerts, attracting five and a half million customers. It was voted 'Europe's Favourite Arena' at the TPi Awards in 2008 by the touring companies that bring the shows to the venue.

On the evening of 27 May 1999, a reception was held at the arena to celebrate Manchester United's UEFA Champions League triumph in Barcelona 24 hours earlier, following the victorious side's parade around Manchester at the end of the season in which they became the first English team to win the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season, which remained the case until Manchester City achieved the same feat in 2022-23.

In 2008, the arena was the world's third busiest arena behind London's The O2 Arena and New York's Madison Square Garden. In 2009, it was the world's second busiest arena behind The O2, and ahead of the Sportpaleis in Antwerp and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Although second to London's The O2, Manchester's arena had its busiest year with over 1,500,000 people attending concerts and family shows. The arena hosts over 250 events annually including comedy, live music and tours, sporting events, and occasionally musicals.

Events

Music

This section is in list format but may read better as prose. You can help by converting this section, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (March 2019)
Arena during a concert

As one of the largest venues in the UK, the arena has hosted music concerts since opening in 1995.

As of 2019, British pop group Take That, who were formed in Manchester, hold the record for the most performances, with 46. During the five-concert Manchester leg of their 2019 tour, the arena was temporarily renamed after the band to honour their 30-year career. Irish pop group Westlife previously held the record with 33 performances.

Spice Girls performed 4 sold-out shows during their Spiceworld Tour in April 1998, 4 sold-out shows in December 1999 on the Christmas in Spiceworld Tour, and 3 sold-out shows in January 2008 on The Return of the Spice Girls World Tour.

Led Zeppelin legends Jimmy Page and Robert Plant performed a sell out concert at the arena on 3 November 1998 as part of their Walking into Clarksdale tour.

On 26 March 2000, English boy band Five performed at this venue as part of their Invincible Tour. The show was also filmed for a concert special called Five Live that was released on DVD and VHS later that same year.

Janet Jackson performed here on 31 May 1998 as part of her The Velvet Rope Tour. Jackson was scheduled to perform during her All for You Tour on 5 December 2001, but the show was cancelled with the rest of her European tour because of possible terrorist threats. Her 2016 Unbreakable World Tour was also cancelled, this time because of scheduling conflicts.

Britney Spears performed at the arena for the first time for two sold-out shows on 13 and 14 October 2000 during her Oops!...I Did It Again Tour. She has returned for additional sold-out shows on 1 May 2004 during Onyx Hotel Tour, 17 June 2009 during her Circus Tour, in 2011 for the Femme Fatale Tour, and on 18 August 2018 as part of her Piece of Me Tour.

U2 performed at the arena on 11 and 12 August 2001, for their Elevation Tour. The band came back in 2018 during their Experience + Innocence Tour for two shows on 19 and 20 October.

Kylie Minogue previously held the record for the most performances at the arena

In 2002, Kylie Minogue performed for six shows as part of her KylieFever2002 tour. She returned for five sold-out shows in April 2005 as part of her Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour. In 2007, she performed for seven sold-out shows in January as part of her Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour. In 2008, she returned for six sold-out shows in July as part of her KylieX2008 tour. Minogue performed for four shows in April 2011 as part of her Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour. Minogue performed again at the arena on 26 September 2014. The performance marked the 30th time Minogue has performed at the arena. It is a record for Minogue as the venue she has played to most in the world; she has played to 400,000 fans in total in the Manchester Arena.

Barbadian singer Rihanna would perform her first concert in England here, as part of her worldwide Good Girl Gone Bad Tour that ran September 2006 to January 2009, starting and ending in North America. The full concert, named Good Girl Gone Bad Live was released on DVD and Blu-ray on 9 June 2008, by Def Jam Recordings. The concert promoted the songs from the album of the same name, however, also featured songs by Rihanna's two previous albums Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl like Me (2006).

Madonna performed twice on her Re-Invention World Tour in Summer 2004, returning in 2009, on the second leg of the Sticky & Sweet Tour. Two shows were planned but one was cancelled due to unknown reasons. Madonna was late on stage in 2015 on the Rebel Heart Tour due to problems with the screen visuals resulting in a shortened set. In October 2023 the singer booked this arena to perform the final rehearsals prior to the kick-off of her Celebration Tour, set to begin in London on 14 October the same year.

Pop/R&B singer Whitney Houston would hold her last concerts ever here, 16 & 17 June 2010 on her Nothing But Love World Tour. Houston died 11 February 2012, at age 48.

On 12 December 2006 comedy rock duo Tenacious D performed as part of their Pick of Destiny Tour, Neil Hamburger was opening act. Tenacious D also performed on 8 May 2024 as part of The Spicy Meatball Tour.

In July 2010, the arena celebrated its 15th birthday with a multi-artist gig, presented by Real Radio (North West).

Gorillaz performed at the arena on 12 November 2010 during their Escape to Plastic Beach Tour, and came back on 1 December 2017, as part of their Humanz Tour.

Coldplay performed a sold-out show at the arena on 4 December 2011 as part of their Mylo Xyloto Tour.

American entertainer Beyoncé performed three sold-out shows at the arena as part of her The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour on 7, 8 and 9 May 2013. She returned on 25 and 26 February 2014 for two more sold-out shows. Both shows became the fastest concert to sell out the entire arena. This was the fifth tour Beyoncé has performed at the arena, following concerts for her Dangerously in Love Tour (2003), Destiny Fulfilled...and Lovin' It (2005), The Beyoncé Experience (2007) and the I Am... World Tour (2009).

Take That has performed at the Arena a record 38 times

In 2014, Katy Perry performed twice at the venue, on 20 and 24 May as part of her third concert tour, Prismatic World Tour.

Taylor Swift performed at the arena on 24 June 2015, as part of her fourth concert tour, The 1989 World Tour.

Adele performed at the arena during her world tour on 7, 8 March and 10, 11 March 2016.

Olly Murs performed at the arena on 17 and 18 March 2017, as part of the first leg for his new UK tour, Spring & Summer Tour 2017.

Shawn Mendes performed at the arena on 18 April 2017 as the second date of the Illuminate World Tour. He also performed on 7 April 2019 as part of his self-titled tour.

Ariana Grande performed at the arena on 22 May 2017 as part of the Dangerous Woman Tour. After this, a suicide bombing took place at the foyer of the arena.

The arena was reopened by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and a cohort of local stars such as The Courteeners, Blossoms, Rick Astley and comedian Peter Kay as part of the "We Are Manchester" event on 9 September 2017.

Metallica performed at the arena on 28 October 2017 in front of 19,423 people, as a part of their WorldWired Tour.

On 29 November 2017, Phil Collins performed one night here with his Not Dead Yet Tour.

On 10 December 2017, Mariah Carey brought her All I Want for Christmas Is You, A Night of Joy and Festivity show here.

On 16 December 2017, Liam Gallagher performed here as part of his UK tour to celebrate the release of his debut album As You Were.

On 10 February 2018, Kendrick Lamar performed the 3rd date of the European leg of The Damn Tour. This was his first time performing in Manchester since 2013.

On 22 June 2018, Katy Perry performed the 90th show of her fourth concert tour Witness: The Tour.

South Korean girl group Blackpink performed their first UK arena concert on 21 May 2019 as part of the Blackpink World Tour (In Your Area) schedule here.

Carrie Underwood bought her Cry Pretty Tour 360 to the arena on 3 July 2019.

Six time Grammy award-winning artist Christina Aguilera performed her 14th date of The X Tour to full attendance on 12 November 2019.

On 15 April 2022, Dua Lipa performed the 1st date of the European leg of highly anticipated Future Nostalgia Tour. This was her first time performing in Manchester since 2016.

On 7 and 8 May 2022, Little Mix performed 3 shows here. 2 evening shows and 1 Matinée, one of their 3 Matinée shows on The Confetti Tour.

Panic! at the Disco performed the final date of the project's Viva Las Vengeance Tour on 10 March 2023. It was its farewell concert, as leader Brendon Urie will subsequently disband the name to focus on family. Panic! at the Disco had previously performed at the arena on 30 March 2019 for its Pray for the Wicked Tour.

On 5 and 6 April 2023, Celine Dion was supposed to perform here during her Courage World Tour due to a neurological disease, she had to cancel the remainder of her tour including these 2 shows.. During her 2017 tour, Dion planned to perform two concerts here, but the shows were moved to Leeds following the arena closure in May 2017. She had previously performed at the arena on 14 November 1996 during her Falling into You: Around the World tour and on 2 and 3 May 2008 during her Taking Chances World Tour.

On 10 and 15 November rapper 50 Cent performed at the arena as part of his The Final Lap Tour with Busta Rhymes as opening act.

Hong Kong boy group MIRROR performed their second UK arena concert on 14 March 2024 as part of the FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024

Queens of the Stone Age played here as part of their The End Is Nero tour on 14 November 2023.

Sports

The arena in ice skating configuration

The arena has been the home of three sports teams: the Manchester Storm and Manchester Phoenix ice hockey teams, and the Manchester Giants basketball team with limited success, as it is no longer used by sports teams but is used for one-off sporting events such as boxing and football masters.

Many boxers have had bouts in the arena, such as Amir Khan, Jermaine Johnson, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Mike Tyson, and David Haye. Hatton, from Manchester, became a regular and favourite at the arena. American professional wrestling promotion WWE have regularly hosted both live events and TV tapings at the Arena, including Mayhem in Manchester in 1998, pay-per-view events such as the UK version of No Mercy in 1999, and Rebellion in 2001 and 2002.

The arena hosted mixed martial arts events. UFC 70 on 21 April 2007, and UFC 105 on 14 November 2009 for which it set the European record attendance for the largest UFC event outside the US with 16,000 spectators. The arena also hosted UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz on 26 October 2013 as well as UFC 204 on 8 October 2016, headlining was a middleweight championship match between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping. The World Taekwondo Qualification Event for the Beijing Olympic Games was held there on 28–30 September 2007 when 103 countries competed for 24 places at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. In April 2008, the arena hosted the FINA Short Course World Swimming Championships, the first time the event has been held in the UK. The arena was transformed with two 25 m swimming pools constructed in 18 days and seating provided for 17,250 spectators. On 26 February 2011, it played host to BAMMA 5.

Monster truck racing events have been staged but the floor space has to be extended and the front section of seating in the lower tier removed.

Since 2008, it has played host to a week of the Premier League Darts.

In May 2011, the arena hosted a basketball contest between the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and the Great Britain women's basketball team, billed as "WNBA Live", the first time a WNBA team had played in Europe. In July 2012, the arena hosted an international between Great Britain men's basketball team and the United States men's basketball team in the buildup to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

In early April 2018, the revamped Dancing on Ice tour performed at the venue.

On 13–15 April 2018, Universal's Fast & Furious: LIVE performed at the arena, as part of the tour's second UK leg.

On 25 August 2018, a boxing match between KSI and Logan Paul was held at the arena. The match was live streamed via pay-per-view on YouTube.

On 15–19 May 2019, the arena hosted the 2019 World Taekwondo Championships.

On 12-17 September 2023, the arena hosted all Group B matches of the 2023 Davis Cup Finals, in which Great Britain participated.

On 14 October 2023, KSI and Logan Paul returned to the arena fighting a double main event, with KSI taking on the brother of Tyson Fury and WBC Diriyah Champion, Tommy Fury, and Logan Paul taking on Dillon Danis.

From 10 to 15 September 2024, the arena will host all Group D matches of the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, in which Great Britain is participating.

Comedy

The first stand-up comedy performance was Peter Kay's final performance of his Mum wants a bungalow Tour in July 2003. He worked at the arena when it opened in 1995 and the performance was filmed for DVD release as Peter Kay at the Manchester Arena. In 2005, Lee Evans set a world record for performing to the biggest audience in front of a crowd of 10,108. Peter Kay's The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour...Now On Tour ran for 20 consecutive nights and 20 nights at the end of the tour – a record for the venue. Alan Carr filmed the DVD for Spexy Beast in Manchester.

Other

In 1998, the game show Ice Warriors was filmed on the arena's ice rink.

On 19 July 2011, (with a final dress rehearsal in front of an audience on 16 July 2011) the arena hosted the world premiere of Batman Live, a touring stage show, including theatrical, circus and stage-magic elements, that focuses on the DC Comics superhero Batman.

The arena also hosted the annual convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. In 2014, this was held on 22–24 August.

The arena also hosted Ant & Dec's Takeaway on Tour: Live on 15–16 August 2014. Over the two days, about more than 120,000 people attended both matinee and evening shows.

The American league Monster Jam attended the venue for the first time in 2005 during the European Tour. They would not attend again for over ten years until 2019 when a second show took place.

2017 bombing

Main article: Manchester Arena bombing

Following the Dangerous Woman Tour concert by American pop singer Ariana Grande on 22 May 2017, a suicide bombing occurred in the arena's foyer area. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that twenty-three adults and children were killed, including the bomber, and 500 were injured. The terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Reopening

The 'City Room' foyer of the Manchester Arena. Photo taken in 2020 after the completion of the renovation works.

On 14 June 2017, it was confirmed that the arena would remain closed until September, with scheduled concerts either cancelled or moved to other venues. On 9 September 2017, the arena re-opened with a benefit concert featuring Noel Gallagher and other acts associated with the North West. This was broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester, Key 103 and Radio X.

Transport

The entrance to the foyer of the arena from Victoria station.
Public transport access
Manchester Metrolink Manchester Metrolink Victoria
National Rail National Rail

The arena adjoins Manchester Victoria station which is served by Northern, TransPennine Express, and Metrolink.

The arena car park is operated by Citipark, and has 958 standard and 65 disabled spaces.

See also

Notes

  1. Temporarily closed for forensic investigation and repair work due to the Manchester Arena bombing. Events scheduled to take place were either cancelled or moved to alternative venues.

Footnotes

References

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  2. "Manchester Arena: Noel Gallagher to headline reopening concert". BBC News. 16 August 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  3. UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  4. "Manchester Evening News arena". smg-europe.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved on 28 March 2008.
  5. Shepherd, Jack (10 September 2017). "We Are Manchester: Tearful Noel Gallagher reopens Manchester Arena, performs 'Don't Look Back in Anger'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  6. Hartwell 2002, p. 237
  7. Watson, Janine (25 July 1995). "Arena ready for Wets sell-out". Manchester Evening News.
  8. James Holt (27 April 2022). "Manchester's AO Arena to see huge £50m revamp this summer". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  9. Dan Whelan (27 April 2022). "Summer start for £50m revamp of Manchester's AO Arena". Place North West. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  10. Parkinson-Bailey, John J. (25 May 2000). Manchester: An Architectural History (Hardcover ed.). Manchester University Press. p. 250. ISBN 0-7190-5606-3. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
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  37. Hafazalla, Hakim (11 November 2023). "Review: 50 Cent rocks the AO Arena taking fans on a nostalgic journey". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  38. "MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024". MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
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Bibliography

  • Inglis, Simon (2004), Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play, English Heritage and Manchester City Council, ISBN 1-873592-78-7
  • Hartwell, Clare (2002), Manchester, Pevsner Architectural Guides, Yale University Press, ISBN 978-0-300-09666-8

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