I got to try out Co-op Live's exclusive members-only Decibel Club where you can party until 2am

The VIP lounge boasts pre-bookable table booths, a dance floor, Asian-fusion dining, alcoholic beverages ranging from champagne, wine, beers and cocktails and has an electric atmosphere thanks to having a DJ on deck playing hit after hit to not only get you in the mood for the gig, but to keep you entertained until 2am. 

Limited to 100 members, the lounge is very spacious and masterfully designed to ensure you’ve got enough breathing room to relax prior to the show and after the show. 

The best part of the lounge in my opinion though is the cocktails. As an invited guest I was given the opportunity to sample some of the drinks on the menu, and as an avid cocktail drinker I couldn’t waste the opportunity. 

Firstly, I sampled the Cosmopolitan on the menu and it went down a treat. Made with a mix of vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime, the cocktail was sweet but subtle. The taste, the texture, the flavouring and colouring and was blended perfectly. 

Secondly, I got to try a blue margarita for the first time ever and they were so good I ended up drinking more than one, let’s say. Safe to say, I’ll be looking at a few recipes online to see if I can recreate it myself at home. 

The quality of the booze on offer is no surprise given the lounge has been created in partnership with Moët Hennessy and Armand De Brignac. The first 40 members who signed up even got their own personalised alcohol locker. The luxury setting comes at a cost of course with prices not publicly available and people asked to register their interest online.

Ahead of The Vaccines’ opening set, I went to my seat in the exclusive AMP Club - a section of the venue that is very comfortable, allows you to beat the crowds when going for a beverage and provides a perfect view. Thanks to the dimensions of the standing pit being square rather than rectangular it allows those seated at the backend of the arena to be closer to the stage thus giving you a much better view.

And I can’t mention the arena without the sound. Even though I was sat at the opposite end of the arena, the sound remained sharp and Caleb Followill sounded like he was in a studio when singing during Kings of Leon’s set later in the night. 

Aside from the sound, the biggest thing that stands out about the new arena is the commitment to sustainability. The extension of the deal to allow free Metrolink travel for event-goers is a huge positive as was the decision to improve the canal side of the area, which enables event-goers to walk to the event.