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?

MGK 17 Mar 2026 -

MGK

Multi-platinum selling artist mgk announces his highly anticipated 2025 global tour, The Lost…

WU-TANG FOREVER: THE FINAL CHAPTER 19 Mar 2026 -

WU-TANG FOREVER: THE FINAL CHAPTER

Following a record-breaking North American tour earlier this year, legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang…

Gorillaz 21 Mar 2026 -

Gorillaz

The Mountain Tour which will visit arenas across the UK and Ireland in Spring 2026, with support…

30th MOBO Awards 26 Mar 2026 -

30th MOBO Awards

For close to 30 years, the MOBO Awards has remained a significant cultural event in the British…

5 Seconds of Summer 04 Apr 2026 -

5 Seconds of Summer

The chart-topping Aussie band 5 Seconds Of Summer (aka 5SOS) was formed with the ambition of…

The Prodigy 16 Apr 2026 -

The Prodigy

One of the most successful electronic groups of all time, The Prodigy, was formed in 1990, they’ve…

Rick Astley 17 Apr 2026 -

Rick Astley

In a career spanning over 30 years, Rick Astley has sold over 40 million records worldwide. His…

Rick Astley 17 Apr 2026 -

Rick Astley

In a career spanning over 30 years, Rick Astley has sold over 40 million records worldwide. His…

James 18 Apr 2026 -

James

James formed in Manchester in the early '80s and quickly earned a cult following with their…

James: Love Is the Answer Tour 18 Apr 2026 -

James: Love Is the Answer Tour

James formed in Manchester in the early '80s and quickly earned a cult following with their…

Louis Tomlinson 24 Apr 2026 -

Louis Tomlinson

One-fifth of one of the biggest boybands in history and chart-topping solo artist Raised in South…

Alex Warren Little Orphan Alex Tour 27 Apr 2026 -

Alex Warren Little Orphan Alex Tour

Today, chart-topping singer-songwriter Alex Warren announced new European & UK dates for…

John Bishop 02 May 2026 -

John Bishop

  John Bishop today announces a major UK and Ireland tour for spring 2027 with a brand-new…

Tame Impala 08 May 2026 -

Tame Impala

Tame Impala is Kevin Parker - the almost legendary messianic figure and creative soul who has…

Doja Cat 23 May 2026 -

Doja Cat

GRAMMY® Award-winning, global superstar Doja Cat has announced new dates for 2026 across Latin…

Madison Beer 31 May 2026 -

Madison Beer

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated and platinum-selling artist Madison Beer has announced The Locket Tour…

Hot Wheels Stunt Show 06 Jun 2026 - 07 Jun 2026

Hot Wheels Stunt Show

From the #1 selling toy in the world and The Original Stunt Brand™, comes the return of the…

Kaytranada 23 Jun 2026 -

Kaytranada

Manchester, get ready for Kaytranada lighting up Co-Op Live on 6/23/2026—your go-to spot for a…

Robyn 27 Jun 2026 -

Robyn

Robyn’s 2026 Sexistential Tour lands at Co-op Live on 27 June, with special guests 808 State…

Kings of Leon 04 Jul 2026 -

Kings of Leon

They’re back – and bigger than ever. The mighty Kings of Leon are set to return to Co-op…

Def Leppard and Whitesnake 06 Jul 2026 -

Def Leppard and Whitesnake

2018 will see Def Leppard perform their Hysteria album in full, in addition to other hits, across UK…

Joji 16 Aug 2026 -

Joji

Japanese singer and producer Joji is defined by lush textures and dreamy soundscapes blending…

The Neighbourhood 01 Sep 2026 -

The Neighbourhood

Alt-rock trailblazers The Neighbourhood have announced a Co-op Live date on their 2026 WOURLD TOUR…

A$AP ROCKY 05 Sep 2026 -

A$AP ROCKY

Don’t Be Dumb World Tour kicks off in North America on May 27th at United Center in Chicago…

Evanescence 10 Sep 2026 -

Evanescence

In 2003, when the rock charts were dominated by predominantly male nü-metal and post-grunge…

André Rieu 11 Sep 2026 -

André Rieu

André Rieu, world-renowned Dutch violinist and conductor, will be bringing his brand new show…

The World of Hans Zimmer 07 Oct 2026 -

The World of Hans Zimmer

Captivating, overwhelming and fantastically cinematic, The World of Hans Zimmer is a top-class show…

Professor Brian Cox 09 Oct 2026 -

Professor Brian Cox

After performing his smash-hit show ‘Horizons’ to nearly half a million people across…

Westlife 23 Oct 2026 -

Westlife

Globally renowned pop group Westlife have unveiled an appearance at Co-op Live on their UK leg of…

J. COLE 28 Oct 2026 -

J. COLE

J. Cole has announced a major global tour spanning North America, Europe, the UK, Australia, New…

Papa Roach 06 Nov 2026 -

Papa Roach

Papa Roach have announced a show at Co-op Live on 6 November 2026 as part of their Rise of the Roach…

Papa Roach 06 Nov 2026 -

Papa Roach

Manchester, get ready for a night of pure adrenaline as Papa Roach hits Co-Op Live—one of the…

Enter Shikari 19 Nov 2026 -

Enter Shikari

In early 2003 four standard geezers from St. Albans City, a standard area just north of London…

Hits Radio Live 2026 21 Nov 2026 -

Hits Radio Live 2026

Hits Radio Live returns to Manchester in 2026!  Don’t miss the party of the year as Hits…

Jack Whitehall 09 Jan 2027 -

Jack Whitehall

After far too long behaving himself, Jack Whitehall is heading back on the road with a brand-new…

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!