Since plans were approved for the heavily anticipated new £350 million Manchester venue no time has been spared to find a name.
It has since been revealed the new arena, which will be the biggest of its kind in the UK, will be named Co-op Live.
After one year of detailed discussions Co-op has secured a £100 million deal with developers Oak View Group (OVG), which will see the large Manchester based consumer brand sponsor the new arena for the next 15 years.
Under the agreement, Co-op will donate £1 million to good causes around the UK. Together they will tackle food poverty, sustainable living, and food waste, as well as supporting the arena’s proposed apprenticeship programme.
In return Co-op members will treated to an abundance of exclusive benefits. These will include:
- Pre-sale tickets up to seven days before general release
- Food and drinks discounts
- Opportunities to win free tickets
- Backstage VIP experience
- Priority access to events
In the wake of COVID 19 the ambitious project has been well received by the people of Manchester as it proposes to create 3350 construction jobs and 1000 roles once completed. OVG believe the new venue could inject £1.5 billion into Manchester in the next 20 years.
Commenting on the collaboration Tim Leiweke, Chief Executive Officer of OVG said: “Our partnership goes way beyond a normal naming rights agreement. The shared values will help define the ethos of the venue, including bold commitments on sustainability and community.
I’ve said from the beginning of this project that this arena will be of Manchester, for Manchester and by Manchester, and this partnership with one of the city’s most iconic brands is a critical part of that. We can’t wait to work together to bring amazing live event experiences, in one of the world’s best arenas, to Manchester.”
Co-op Live hopes to host its first events in 2023.
In other news, the first ever family entertainment trade show will take place this October.
