This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Brands & Merch Business News Live Business
That new venue in Manchester to be called Co-op Live
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 28 September 2020
No sooner had plans been approved for that new arena in Manchester, it’s gone and changed its name. Now, instead of ‘that new arena in Manchester’, the still-to-be-built venue will be called Co-op Live. I suppose that distinguishes it from the sponsor’s funerals business.
Originally announced in March by American live entertainment firm the Oak View Group, plans for that new arena in Manchester were approved by the city’s council last week. Initially, there were claims that it would be the largest arena in the UK, although that was scuppered earlier this month when the nearby Manchester Arena announced a refit that would make it slightly bigger.
Oak View Group does still make other bold claims about what will now be known as Co-op Live though, including the number of jobs it will bring to the area, the economic boost it will give Manchester at large, its super environmental credentials, and now that it will donate £1 million a year to good causes – with that money to be distributed by the Co-op Foundation.
“Co-op is set up with a clear goal to serve the interests of its members and invest for the long-term”, says Co-op Group CEO Steve Murrells. “The entertainment arena brings to life the co-operative difference and our vision to co-operate for a fairer world, from its sustainable construction, support for communities, zero food waste and member-only exclusive benefits”.
“It will not only enthral audiences”, he reckons, “but every time people watch a live act they’ll be doing good in local communities across the UK”.
Oak View CEO Tim Leiweke adds: “We’re delighted with this partnership and join together with the Co-op team to build the new world-class arena that Manchester deserves. Our shared vision with Co-op is what makes this partnership so special”.
“Our partnership goes way beyond a normal naming rights agreement”, he insists. “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”, he adds, “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 has signed a deal to have naming rights on the new venue for fifteen years.
