To make your life easier, we have pulled together the ultimate guide of ‘everything you need to know’ when attending events at Co-op Live. From getting to and from the venue, to where to stay and eat nearby, to what other things you can get stuck into across the city.

Co-op Live: Setting a New Standard for the City's Entertainment 

Manchester’s newest music venue and the UK’s biggest indoor arena (23.5k Capacity), Co-op Live has finally opened its doors. Going forward it will be one of Manchester’s main music venues, with the likes of Charli XCX playing this Autumn and Billie Eilish playing in 2025!

Catching a gig at Co-op Live?

Culture Club 11 Dec 2024

Culture Club

Music icons Boy George and Culture Club are thrilled to announce a major UK and Ireland arena tour…

Paul Heaton 16 Dec 2024

Paul Heaton

Last month, Paul Heaton announced a major UK tour for this winter. With multiple shows already sold…

Snow Patrol 22 Feb 2025

Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol have today announced details of an 8 date UK & Ireland Arena tour in February 2025…

Teddy Swims 10 Mar 2025

Teddy Swims

Chart-topping hitmaker Teddy Swims announces the continuation of his I’ve Tried…

Sugababes 11 Apr 2025

Sugababes

Sugababes announce their biggest UK tour for Spring 2025. With six-number-one singles and…

Andrea Bocelli 25 Apr 2025

Andrea Bocelli

Having set countless records, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 90 million albums to date and generated…

Gregory Porter 10 May 2025

Gregory Porter

Gregory Porter, the internationally acclaimed jazz and soul singer, is set to return to the UK for a…

Robbie Williams 10 Jun 2025

Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams today announces his highly anticipated tour for 2025, which will see the global icon…

Lionel Richie 12 Jun 2025

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie, a Grammy Awards®, Oscar®, and Golden Globe® winning icon, has sold over…

Iron Maiden 22 Jun 2025

Iron Maiden

The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and, to celebrate this…

Sabaton 05 Dec 2025

Sabaton

Heavy metallers, SABATON, are conquering 20 European cities in 2025 with a groundbreaking tour that…

Jamiroquai 06 Dec 2025

Jamiroquai

After six years away from touring, the legendary Jamiroquai have announced a 14-date arena tour for…

Co-op Live are also offering a wide range of premium experiences to get stuck into so why not make it extra special and see what's on offer? Including access to the AMP Club, Gallery Suite, Private Suite, and The Bentley Record Room, plus so much more! 

Click here to find out more.  

Where is Co-op Live? 

For those unfamiliar with the location of Co-op Live, it is located East of the city over by Etihad Stadium and right next to Etihad Campus tram stop, a short journey from the city centre on the Ashton-Eccles Metrolink Line.  

Getting Here:

There are several ways you can get to the venue:

  • Tram – Ashton-Eccles Metrolink Line 
  • Bus – 53, 216, 230
  • Train – Avanti West Coast, Northern, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales  
  • Car – Limited parking spaces
  • On foot – From Piccadilly it takes around 25 minutes

For more departure times, journey planning, tickets and travel information click here 

Tram Information

Frequent trams run on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad Campus stop, located directly next to the venue. Trams run every 6 minutes from the city centre, and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can access the Ashton-Eccles Metrolink Line via: 

  • Deansgate – Castlefield 
  • St. Peter’s Square 
  • Piccadilly Gardens 
  • Piccadilly Station 
  • New Islington 

Plan your journey via Metrolink

Co-op Live also offer their own 'Getting Here' information 

Getting home: 

It is advised to plan return travel in advance of arriving at Co-op Live and to take into consideration operating hours across public transport links.  

Tram 

Other modes of transport 

The ‘CityLink’ walking route

Plans are still underway to implement interactive lighting installations, busking spots for local talent and pop-up food and drink stalls. This is to offer a safe, well-lit alternative to getting home. With the venue only being a 25-minute walk from Piccadilly it's a great incentive for groups to walk back together. 

And the CityLink walking route will remain staffed up until 00:00 following all main performances at Co-op Live.

Where to stay: 

For those wanting to experience the most of the city and stay central, Ancoats and Piccadilly would be your best options.  

Ancoats has become a lively, vibrant neighbourhood full of trendy bars and restaurants. A hidden gem worth visiting, especially if you are visiting for the first time! 

Additionally, Piccadilly is one of Manchester’s key central points, and allows you to access any destination, venue, or attraction within minutes.

Accommodation:

Sometimes it can be stressful looking for accommodation or you just might not know where to start...

Below we have pulled together a list of hotels that are close to or near transport links to the venue.

Hotels near to Co-op Live:

Motel One

There are three Motel One Hotels across the city – Royal Exchange, St. Peter’s Square and…

For more information head to our ‘Where to Stay’ page. 

Eating at Co-op Live

Co-op Live will be sourcing all local produce with 32 bars and restaurants inside the venue. You are expected to be spoilt for choice!

Our top picks

Diecast

Diecast is a new creative neighbourhood from the team behind Ramona and The Firehouse. The 5,000…

Ramona

Pizza from Detroit by the slice. Margaritas by the Litre. What else could you want from a venue? The…

Printworks

Printworks is a buzzing, entertainment and leisure complex located in the heart of Manchester City…

Dishoom

Dishoom pays loving homage to the Irani cafés and food of all Bombay. Open for breakfast, lunch…

Maray

Maray, nestled in Lincoln Square, City Centre, draws inspiration from the vibrant arrondissement of…

Sexy Fish

In the heart of Manchester, Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant and bar specializing in…

Making a weekend of it?

Why not explore some of the city's main attractions while you are over.

Here are our top picks:

HOME

With five cinema screens, two theatres and an art gallery, HOME is an open and social space for the…

We hope you find this helpful, enjoy your trip and make sure to tag #VisitManchester on socials for a chance to feature!