Manchester Arena has a new name after securing sponsorship deal

The iconic Manchester Arena is to be renamed The AO arena, after Bolton-based online electrical retailer struck a five-year deal, it has been revealed today.

AO will be the venue’s first headline sponsor in five years. Here are Manchester Arena’s previous sponsors:

• 1995 – 1998: NYNEX Arena
• 1998 – 2011: Manchester Evening News
• 2011 – 2013: No sponsor 
• 2013 – 2015: Phones 4u
• 2015 – 2020: No sponsor
• 2020 – 2025: AO

The venue is currently celebrating its silver jubilee, officials believe that the 25 year anniversary and the new partnership provides a great time to announce some new live shows. 

The arena, which is often described as the beating heart of Manchester, has been closed since March amid COVID-19. Live show restrictions related to the pandemic are expected to soon be lifted, with the people of Manchester being told to keep their eyes peeled for tickets being released imminently for events in 2021. 

 

 AO are keen to support the venue in kick-starting world-class entertainment back in the North West city in the quickest and safest way possible.

Speaking of the new partnership John Roberts, AO Founder and CEO said: “The Arena holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in Manchester so we’re hugely proud to add the AO smile, especially after such an emotional and difficult period.

“Through this sponsorship, we can deliver our famous AO smile to millions of visitors every year and we can’t wait to welcome them to the AO Arena. Thousands of our customers will also be able to enjoy amazing events with tickets, exclusive access and money-can’t-buy experiences.”

In others, a £24 million Game of Thrones studio tour is coming to Northern Ireland.