British talent promotion, stadium-specific exclusives, and high-caliber performers discussed by Guy Dunstan in Co-op Live interview
Co-op Live Celebrates First Anniversary as UK's Top Arena
Co-op Live, the UK's largest indoor arena, has celebrated its first anniversary with a remarkable success story. Since opening in May 2024, the venue has become the No.1 venue for gross ticket sales in the UK and Europe, selling over one million tickets in its first year and hosting 105 events.
The arena's innovative design, featuring an immersive bowl shape and next-generation acoustics, has earned praise from top artists for its outstanding sound and atmosphere. Co-op Live has also been recognised as one of the world’s leading sustainable arenas, receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ A Greener Arena 2025 certification for its environmental initiatives.
Artists such as Little Simz, Tom Odell, Billie Eilish, Drake, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Tate McRae, and Afrobeats star Burna Boy have all taken to the stage at Co-op Live this summer, with many of them playing multiple nights. The arena has also secured UK arena exclusives for major artists like the Eagles, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen.
Guy Dunstan, SVP & GM of Co-op Live, highlighted the transport connections and hospitality in Manchester as advantages for the venue. He also mentioned that they push really hard on marketing and ticket drives to make multiple nights successful for the arena. The arena's success is further evidenced by its ability to provide a challenger to the O2 Arena in terms of ticket sales in the arena market.
Co-op Live has also been named New Concert Venue Of The Year (International) by Pollstar. The full interview with Guy Dunstan is featured in the current edition of Music Week. Looking ahead, Co-op Live will also host the BRIT Awards in 2026 and 2027, marking the first time these awards are held outside London, underscoring its growing cultural significance. The venue continues to bring world-class music and entertainment events to Manchester, solidifying its status as a premier entertainment hub in the UK with ambitious sustainability and community engagement goals.
Country music is a growing genre for the arena market at Co-op Live, with the venue securing gigs for artists during Bruce Springsteen's UK stadium run. Co-op Live is a joint-venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group. The arena's success has provided a new opportunity for global artists to play in Manchester, with many of them choosing Co-op Live for their UK arena exclusives.
[1] The Guardian, Co-op Live: Manchester's new indoor arena promises to compete with the O2, 30 April 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/30/co-op-live-manchester-new-indoor-arena-promises-to-compete-with-the-o2
[2] Co-op Live achieves A Greener Arena 2025 certification, 10 June 2025, https://www.cooplive.co.uk/news/co-op-live-achieves-a-greener-arena-2025-certification
[3] Music Week, Co-op Live celebrates one-year anniversary with over one million tickets sold, 1 May 2025, https://www.musicweek.com/live/co-op-live-celebrates-one-year-anniversary-with-over-one-million-tickets-sold/
[4] Manchester Evening News, BRIT Awards to be held at Co-op Live in 2026 and 2027, 1 June 2025, https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/brit-awards-co-op-live-manchester-2026-2027-21737372
[5] Co-op Live, Our Sustainability Commitment, https://www.cooplive.co.uk/sustainability
