Co-op Live and Oak View Group confirm new opening date after Take That shows move to AO Arena

Co-op Live say they “do not expect further impact” on gigs at the new arena after Take That moved their five nights next week to the AO Arena. 

The rival venue snapped up the dates for the iconic boyband having done the same with A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s show which will now take place on Saturday night. 

It was a piece of an air conditioning falling from the ceiling during the US rapper’s soundcheck on Wednesday that sparked a night of chaos for the troubled £365million venue. That show was cancelled with fans waiting to go in and Olivia Rogrigo’s planned performances on Friday and Saturday were postponed to a later date.

Keane’s show on Sunday will also not take place with a new date to be finalised but A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie will now play the AO Arena on Saturday night and Take That will take over the venue for five nights from May 7. Elbow is now scheduled to be the first official gig on May 14, the opening having already been delayed three times. 

What has Co-op Live said?

In a lengthy address to ticket-holders, Co-op Live said in a statement: “Following the events that led to the cancelled A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show on May 1, we have decided to take a short pause to events at Co-op Live to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue.

“This time will allow for an independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling. We have worked with promoters to limit the impact on fans, keeping as many shows as possible in Manchester. At this time we do not expect further impact on our opening season. We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticket holders. 

“We know you’ve incurred significant disruption and are finding a way to help make it right. We are taking the pause to think about the best ways to do that.

“Our naming rights partner, the Co-op Group, has also expressed the importance of ensuring that the significant impact on ticket-holders is recognised and addressed, with more details to follow soon.”

What has Oak View Group said?

Tim Leiweke, chairman and CEO of venue operators Oak View Group, said: “As many of you will know, it’s not been the smooth start we had planned for, and I know that has caused a huge amount of disruption and frustration to thousands of people.

“On behalf of all of us at Oak View Group, I’d like to express my sincere apologies to all those that have been affected. We understand that there is work to be done to rebuild your trust in us. This starts now and at the request of the naming rights partner, the Co-op Group, we will be addressing impact on affect ticket holders, details of which will be shared soon.

“I’d like to reiterate my sincerest apologies to everyone that has been affected by the delays around the opening of Co-op Live. The team here is working incredibly hard to get the building up and running, and we look forward to welcoming you to the arena from May 14.”

Full list of impacted Co-op Live gigs

• A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – now May 1 at the AO Arena
• Olivia Rodrigo – May 3 and 4 - postponed with new dates to be announced
• Keane - May 5 - postponed with a new date to be announced
• Take That - now moved to AO Arena on May 7, 9 (previously 8), 10, 11 and 12 at the AO Arena
• Black Keys - moved to May 15 at Co-op Live
• Peter Kay - moved to May 23 and 24 at Co-op Live