Co-op Live’s week from hell: Peter Kay postponed twice and boss Gary Roden's resignation in nightmare few days

Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena officially opened its doors to the public last week, with an opening ceremony and test gig headlined by Rick Astley. But what should have been a celebratory week for the £365m mega venue, has been mired with problems, including cancelled events and the resignation of the venue’s general manager. 

ManchesterWorld attended the opening and event, and while the gig itself was successful, teething problems throughout the venue were evident. Large parts of the arena, including the upper levels, toilets and nine other club venues within the complex, were not ready to open. And that was just the start. Here is an overview of the Co-op Live’s turbulent story so far. 

February 2024

Just a couple of months before the scheduled opening, the Co-op Live faced a licensing row with Manchester’s long-standing large venue, the AO Arena. During the licensing hearing, AO Arena operators ASM Global objected to the Co-op Live’s request to open all night for around 25 events a year. Issues regarding public safety due to the lack of transport leaving the venue in the early hours were also raised. Manchester City Council approved the licence on 1 March. 

Saturday, April 20

The opening of the Co-op Live takes place. The day included a media tour of the bowl, opening addresses from shareholders, a gig featuring Everything Everything, Danny Jones and Rick Astley, and afterparty. The gig itself seemed to be a success – we commented on the excellent sound quality in the arena – but outside the venue, the first major problem had arisen. 

Around 11,000 tickets had been sold for the test gig, however 7,000 people received an email last minute saying that their tickets had been rescinded due to power issues on site and safety concerns. Co-op Live apologised for the cancellation and offered tickets to the Black Keys gig, due to take place the following weekend, with a reduced audience of 10,000 – less than half of the venue’s 23,500 capacity. 

Online, there were criticisms of the venue’s unpreparedness for the opening night, including a TikTok showing loose wires and unfinished paint jobs. Some guests also took to social media to complain about the £25 parking fee and expensive drinks menu. It’s also worth noting that April 2024 was not the original opening date for the arena. It was originally slated to open in December 2023. 

Monday, April 22

With just 24 hours’ notice, Co-op Live arena announces that the first two gigs with comedian Peter Kay on 23 and 24 April had been postponed due to the same power issues and that further testing was required to open safely. The cancelled gigs were rescheduled to 29 and 30 April. 

Wednesday, April 24

Co-op Live announces its first sporting event, UFC 304, which is to take place on 27 July. This is believed to be one of the 24/7 events that was disputed in the February licensing row with the AO arena. The event has a start time of 11pm in order to cater for American fans watching from the US. It is understood the main fights on the night will not begin until around 3am.

Thursday, April 25

Co-op Live General Manager Gary Roden announces his resignation following both the cancelled test gig ticket and the postponed Peter Kay shows. He had also been criticised for comments he made regarding Co-op Live’s impact on small gig venues in Manchester. In an interview with the BBC he described the other venues as “poorly run” and rejected calls from the Music Venue Trust for large venues to introduce a £1 levy on tickets to help support small venues. Co-op Live swiftly announced Rebecca Kane Burton as Roden’s replacement. 

Friday, April 26

Co-op Live releases a statement announcing the further postponement of both Black Keys and Peter Kay gigs, saying that more time is needed to test “enhanced emergency communications.” Black Keys will now play the arena on 15 May and Peter Kay on 23 and 24 May. All tickets will remain valid and refunds will be offered to those who cannot make it. The arena is now due to open with rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on May 1.