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
Music icons Boy George and Culture Club are thrilled to announce a major UK and Ireland arena tour…
Paul McCartney
“I'm excited to be ending my year and 2024 tour dates in the UK. It's always such a…
Paul Heaton
Last month, Paul Heaton announced a major UK tour for this winter. With multiple shows already sold…
Slipknot
Slipknot’s thrilling, multi-sensory live shows are legendary, and with the band celebrating 25…
Manchester at the Musicals
Join Co-op Live for the ultimate festive celebration, with a twist! Sheridan Smith invites…
Bullet for My Valentine & Trivium
Legendary metal icons Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium have just announced that they will be…
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper announces UK and EU dates to her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour…
Craig David
As one of the UK's most loved artists, Craig has remained at the helm of his own unique…
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 6…
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol have today announced details of an 8 date UK & Ireland Arena tour in February 2025…
Gracie Abrams
GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter, Gracie Abrams, announces her upcoming European leg of…
Teddy Swims
Chart-topping hitmaker Teddy Swims announces the continuation of his I’ve Tried…
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has today announced the UK/European leg of her wildly-anticipated Short…
Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi, GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum sonic visionary, artist, producer, actor, and…
André Rieu
André Rieu, world-renowned Dutch violinist and conductor, will be bringing his brand new show…
Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental show here at…
Sugababes
Sugababes announce their biggest UK tour for Spring 2025. With six-number-one singles and…
Andrea Bocelli
Having set countless records, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 90 million albums to date and generated…
Chase & Status
Chase & Status have today announced a major UK arena tour for April/May 2025. As one of the most…
Olly Murs
Fresh from his nationwide tour as special guest to Take That earlier this year, Olly Murs has…
Gregory Porter
Gregory Porter, the internationally acclaimed jazz and soul singer, is set to return to the UK for a…
Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams today announces his highly anticipated tour for 2025, which will see the global icon…
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie, a Grammy Awards®, Oscar®, and Golden Globe® winning icon, has sold over…
Iron Maiden
The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and, to celebrate this…
Jeff Lynne's ELO
One of Britain’s best-loved bands, Jeff Lynne’s ELO announces their final UK tour: The…
Billie Eilish
Global megastar Billie Eilish is set to bring her Hit Me Hard And Soft Tour to Manchester for a huge…
Dude Perfect
Nominated several times for Pollstar Family Event of the Year, Dude Perfect - Tyler Toney, Cody…
Simply Red
Iconic local legends Simply Red have just announced they will celebrate 40 years together with a…
Jason Manford
Jason Manford is back! He'll be bringing his brand-new live show A Manford All Seasons to Co-op…
Busted vs McFly
The Busted vs McFly Tour will see the two groups visit some of the UK’s biggest and best…
Sabaton
Heavy metallers, SABATON, are conquering 20 European cities in 2025 with a groundbreaking tour that…
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!
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
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Taxis will be available to order from the venue.
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:
Dakota Manchester
Dakota Hotel is buried between Piccadilly and Ancoats and is only a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly…
Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
Mercure Hotel is an 8-minute walk from Piccadilly train station and is located right in the heart of…
Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre
Clayton Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly station and 5-minutes away from Piccadilly Gardens…
INNSiDE Deansgate
Only an 8-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square where the Etihad Campus line runs frequently and a…
YOTEL Deansgate
Yotel is a 7-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square and is in the centre of the city. A 5-minute walk…
Motel One
There are three Motel One Hotels across the city – Royal Exchange, St. Peter’s Square and…
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Within walking distance of Oxford Road train station and 5-minutes from St. Peter’s Square.
The Reach Piccadilly
A 4-minute walk away from Piccadilly train station, within 5-minutes of Piccadilly Gardens.
The Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
The Marriott Hotel is a 2-minute walk from Piccadilly Station and right next to the CityLink getting…
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…
Ducie Street Warehouse
Set in the very heart of the city, Ducie Street Warehouse is just 100 yards from Manchester…
Escape to Freight Island
Located on Baring Street, amid the thrilling regeneration of Depot Mayfield, Escape to Freight…
Ramona
Pizza from Detroit by the slice. Margaritas by the Litre. What else could you want from a venue? The…
Lucky Cat Manchester
Their Mayfair restaurant is an iconic global culinary destination and Gordon Ramsay's…
Shoryu Ramen
Shoryu Ramen are the go to in Manchester for delicious Hakata Tonkotsu ramen (Japanese…
Rudy's Pizza
Rudy’s Pizza on Portland Street is the best location for pizza and people watching in the…
Printworks
Printworks is a buzzing, entertainment and leisure complex located in the heart of Manchester City…
Corn Exchange Manchester
Showcasing all its original Edwardian beauty with a modern twist, The Corn Exchange is home to…
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…
Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of Spinningfields, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill Manchester blends…
Hawksmoor Manchester
Hawksmoor Manchester is a British steakhouse and cocktail bar located in a late Victorian courthouse…
Menagerie Restaurant & Bar
Menagerie Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary American restaurant and bar indulging guests in a…
Sexy Fish
In the heart of Manchester, Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant and bar specializing in…
The Firehouse Manchester
The Firehouse Manchester is known for being the hottest venue on a Friday night and is…
Making a weekend of it?
Why not explore some of the city's main attractions while you are over.
Here are our top picks:
Castlefield Gallery
Established by artists in 1984, Castlefield Gallery is Manchester’s first public contemporary…
Chetham's Library
About/History Chetham's is a unique cultural institution in the heart of Manchester combining…
esea contemporary
esea contemporary (formally known as Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art) is the…
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery has been at the centre of city life for 200 years. From its origins in the…
Museum of Illusions
Manchester welcomes World-Famous Museum of Illusions to the city! Enter the fascinating world of…
National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…
People's History Museum
People’s History Museum (PHM) is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its…
Royal Exchange Theatre
The Royal Exchange Theatre sits at the heart of Manchester’s culturally vibrant city centre…
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library
For those who set eyes on Deansgate's The John Rylands Research Institute and Library for the…
HOME
With five cinema screens, two theatres and an art gallery, HOME is an open and social space for the…
Manchester Opera House
The Opera House has been part of Manchester's cultural scene since 1912. Along with its…
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre has been part of Manchester's cultural scene since 1891. Along with its…
Science and Industry Museum
Explore 250 years of innovations and ideas that started life in Manchester and went on to change the…
We hope you find this helpful, enjoy your trip and make sure to tag #VisitManchester on socials for a chance to feature!