The highly anticipated opening of Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena has hit several roadblocks, causing delays and rescheduling of events. From safety concerns to managerial resignations, here’s what’s unfolded so far.
Safety Concerns and Technical Setbacks
The £365 million arena, touted to be the largest indoor arena in the UK, was slated to open on April 23rd. However, multiple delays have occurred due to safety issues and technical challenges.
Notably, comedian Peter Kay and indie rock duo the Black Keys had to reschedule their performances due to the venue not being ready. Which led to backlash from ticket holders as these rescheduling led to numerous cancelled flights, hotels, etc.
Despite initial plans for Kay’s shows to take place on April 29th and 30th, they have been pushed back to May 23rd and 24th. Similarly, the Black Keys’ performance, originally scheduled for April 27th, has been rescheduled to May 15th.
Managerial Resignation
The arena’s general manager, Gary Roden, announced his resignation over the delays. Roden’s departure came amidst criticisms, including comments made about smaller music venues, which drew backlash from the music community.
He said that smaller venues were often “poorly run”. Which led to the Music Venue Trust to comment that that was “disrespectful and disingenuous”.
Obviously, the irony of making ill-judged, unnecessary and misleading comments about grassroots music venues on the day that the launch of their new arena has unfortunately fallen into such difficulties is not lost on anyone in the music industry, on artists, or on audiences.
This led to OVG International president, Jessica Koravos to say that Roden’s comments was not a sentiment that the stadium shares. Former boss of London’s O2 arena, Rebecca Kane Burton is assigned as interim general manager.
Safety Measures and Testing
Safety concerns were highlighted during a test event featuring 80s pop legend Rick Astley on April 20th. Emergency services raised issues, leading to the cancellation of 4,000 tickets hours before the show.
The venue cited the need to test critical procedures as the reason for the reduced capacity. At the same time Peter Kay’s show was cancelled for the second time.
Reasons Behind the Delays
Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive of developer Oak View Group, attributed the delays to various factors, including the installation of a special radio system requested by the police and health and safety checks mandated by the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.
Leiweke also cited Brexit, Covid-19, and adverse weather conditions as contributing factors. Despite this he is confident that all the delays would be forgotten by people in due time.
I know for the next 30 years, no one will remember the first seven days. I promise you. We didn’t miss a show. We got it all rescheduled thanks to the artists. We’ll be fine.
Tickets would be refundable should the new dates for Peter Kay’s show not be suitable. Those who paid for parking but can’t come to the show would have to fill up a form HERE. Read up on what Peter Kay thinks about the whole situation HERE. Still a long way to go for Peter Kay’s show so scratch that comedy itch with our hilarious comedy shows, every night here at Big Belly Comedy Club!
