Music fans have been given a first look inside Britain’s largest arena which is opening in December next year:
Concertgoers in Manchester will be treated to 12 lounges and nightclubs on the complex at Co-op Live, as well as 28 premium suites to watch the action unfold.
The £365 million venue located in East Manchester will accommodate up to 23,500 people and boasts a 'bowl' design to bring fans closer to the stage, as well as a lower ceiling which is said to boost acoustics.
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Fans seem to be excited about the prospect of a new music venue on their doorstep, with one social media user saying: “It’s a great city that artists want to perform in. Why shouldn’t it have two arenas?”
“We'll have to see a concert here when it opens,” another wrote.
Another suggested: “This would make an excellent place to host Eurovision!”
“Looks mega,” wrote someone else.
“Can’t wait till this is finished,” a different onlooker penned.
“I’m envious I wish I could go there when it opens,” someone else added.
Meanwhile, other social media users expressed concern about the increased footfall, which they believe is bound to cause stress on the transportation infrastructure and traffic in the city.
One person expressed: “Can't wait for this to make commuting on the tram from Manchester to Ashton-under-Lyne practically impossible. What's the plan when there's a gig on the same night as a City match?”
“Yep...Get ready for the walk into town afterwards ..no chance of getting on a met! Never again,” wrote someone else.
Another person asked: “Why do we need two arenas in one city?”
However, a representative of Co-op Live has reassured LADbible that they are ensuring "safe, efficient and improved sustainable travel options" for concertgoers.
The representative told us: “We are working closely with the Council, the Mayor and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure safe, efficient and improved sustainable travel options for all our fans. Where possible, we are encouraging the use of trams, buses and walking routes to complement our planet friendly commitments and to ease congestion.
"We have committed to more cycling provision, enhanced walking routes, and are actively working with TFGM on ensuring double trams every 6 minutes on event nights. The Mayor has also confirmed integrated electric bus improvements. Beyond this, an extended resident parking scheme is in the works to ensure our neighbours can still park outside of their homes," they said.
"The Etihad Campus regularly welcomes over 50,000 football fans to matches so we are confident the planned transport system can support our 23,500 fans for gigs.”
A representative of Transport for Greater Manchester also told us: "We have significant experience of supporting major events across the city-region, frequently helping tens of thousands of people get to football matches, concerts and festivals.
“We are working closely with Co-op Live and other partners on this exciting project and look forward to helping many more event-goers access this fantastic new venue when it opens.”
Elsewhere, Harry Styles has been revealed as one of the key investors for the project.
He said in a statement: “I was drawn to this project on every level, from the opportunities it brings to the contribution it will make to the city, and most importantly, that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester.”
Fans of the former One Direction star have speculated that the singer may well be one of the first performers to grace the brand new stage.
“Should only be Harry Styles,” one boldly claimed of the first artists to be announced by the arena.
“Has to be @Harry_Styles,” another person echoed.
Someone else joked: “If Harry isn't one of them I’m throwing up.”
However, Tim Leiweke, the CEO of Oak View Group said that Styles performance at the venue would be entirely 'his choice'.
“It’s his choice, as to what he wants to do…I think he’s going to want to do something spectacular as this is hometown,” he said to Manchester Evening News.
Topics: Music, Harry Styles, UK News
Gabriella Ferlita