Co-op Live: Venue confirms rescheduled opening date

The arena previously cancelled its opening shows, featuring comedian Peter Kay

Manchester's Co-op Live arena has confirmed its opening will go ahead this week following a host of delays and cancellations.

The £365m venue had postponed its opening twice, resulting in the rescheduling of comedian Peter Kay's opening shows and the resignation of the venue's manager Gary Roden.

The UK's biggest indoor arena said it would now open on 1 May with a show from American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, adding: "Let's do this."

Pop singer Olivia Rodrigo's shows will also go ahead on 3 and 4 May, it said, followed by Keane on 5 May.

Co-op Live confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that this week's shows would go ahead as planned.

It said ticketholders should "expect an email with everything they need to know about this week’s events to arrive by Tuesday".

Following the earlier cancellation of Kay's shows, the venue had said it needed more time to test emergency communications systems.

His shows will now happen next month, as will a gig by US rock band The Black Keys that had been scheduled for 27 April originally.

Kay had revealed the rescheduling decision to his fans by saying: "My apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn't ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

"Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can't believe it either)."

He added: "It's very disappointing but your safety is very important, and I won't compromise that."

He is now due to appear on 23 and 24 May, with The Black Keys rescheduled to 15 May.

The arena will have a maximum capacity of 23,500. It has been built by City Football Group, owned by billionaire UAE royal and deputy prime minister Sheikh Mansour, along with Oakview Music Group, which was co-founded by US music mogul Irving Azoff.

Harry Styles is among the investors in the venue, which is next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

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