The beleaguered Co-op Live arena in Manchester has confirmed it will open on 14 May with rock band Elbow.
The UK’s largest indoor entertainment venue postponed its opening show for the third time last week after part of its ventilation and air conditioning system fell to the ground from the ceiling during a soundcheck.
In a statement on Friday, Co-op Live said it was “satisfied” after an inspection found the issue was an “isolated manufacturing default”.
It read: “In consultation with Manchester City Council, responsible authorities, and wider stakeholders, we are satisfied with the process and outcome of the investigation identifying the HVAC nozzle as an isolated manufacturing default.
“This is a standard process of review in any venue when such an incident occurs.
“We now look forward to welcoming fans to Elbow’s opening performance on May 14 2024.”
The new venue was originally meant to open on 23 April with comedian Peter Kay but the two shows had to be postponed due to the arena not being ready.
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Co-op Live rescheduled its opening for 1 May but a “venue-related technical issue” meant fans were told – via a post on the venue’s social media at 6.40pm – Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s gig at 8pm that evening would be cancelled.
The issue meant performances from Olivia Rodrigo and British band Keane were postponed, while a number of shows by Take That were moved to the AO Arena in Manchester.
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On Friday, Keane announced their postponed gig has been rescheduled for October 19, while new dates are yet to be announced for Rodrigo.
The arena said it was “really disappointed to have delayed our introduction and frustrated so many in the process”, but was offering ticketholders “a free drink and a free food item of their choice when they visit us for the show”.
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“Whilst we know this won’t erase the inconvenience and upset caused by the original postponements, we hope it will help everyone have the best possible time on the night,” the statement said.
The arena’s general manager, Gary Roden, announced his resignation last month following the slew of issues that led to the delays in the venue opening.
A Co-op Group spokesperson previously said: “Co-op is a sponsor and does not own or run the venue, and we have made it clear to Oak View Group, who are responsible for the building, that the impact on ticketholders must be addressed as a priority.
“We are pleased that they will shortly be putting plans in place to do so.”
