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?
Muse
The multi-platinum and rock icons, Muse, bring their Simulation Theory World Tour to the UK in June…
Enter Shikari
In early 2003 four standard geezers from St. Albans City, a standard area just north of London…
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live returns to Manchester in 2026! Don’t miss the party of the year as Hits…
Anna Lapwood
Celebrated organist, conductor, and social media phenomenon Anna Lapwood will come to Co-op Live in…
Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is a highly acclaimed American singer-songwriter and producer known for her…
Jungle
Based around a core musical duo known simply as ‘J’ and ‘T’ who expand to a thrilling seven piece…
Mariah Carey: ChristmasTime
It’s officially time… The Queen of Christmas is heading to Manchester! Mariah Carey has…
Placebo
With their androgynous aesthetic and raw attack, Placebo caused a stir upon their debut in the…
Jessie Ware
Known for her euphoric live shows and devoted global fanbase, Jessie Ware has cemented her place as…
The Lord Of The Rings In Concert
From the menacing sounds of Mordor and the shrill attacks of the black riders to the beautiful…
Jamie T
Jamie T is one of one. His signature sharp storytelling has been a cornerstone of British culture…
Jack Whitehall
After far too long behaving himself, Jack Whitehall is heading back on the road with a brand-new…
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs
The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that the New Orleans Pelicans and the San…
Electric Callboy
Electric Callboy are taking things to the next level: The German powerhouse has announced the first…
Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond is a legendary American singer, dancer, actor, and television host who became a global…
Nothing But Thieves
Bolstered by the road-tested skills of a global headline act, Nothing But Thieves are bringing their…
Charli XCX
Charli XCX is set to bring her electrifying live show to Manchester's Co-op Live on Wednesday 17…
BRIT Awards
Next year’s show will take place on Saturday 27th February, on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time…
N-Dubz
N-Dubz are a UK cultural phenomenon. For 6 years from 2006 to 2012, the band dominated the UK charts…
Megadeth
Announcing Breakout: Hibernation Of The Nations, a European chapter of Megadeth's multi-year…
Sub Focus Presents Circular Sound
Sub Focus has announced his biggest headline shows of his career. The pioneering British artist will…
Trivium
DF Concerts presents Trivium plus support Trivium are an American heavy metal band from Orlando…
Interstellar at Co-op Live
Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning sci-fi epic Interstellar is coming to Co-op Live…
Weezer
American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. Known for catchy melodies and…
Greta van Fleet co op
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” - is known for its scenic farmland. Crispy…
Nickelback
Rock legends Nickelback bring their Everything Under The Sun Tour to Co-op Live in 2027, joined by…
Texas
For over 30 years, Texas have proved themselves to be one of Scotland’s best ever bands and nothing…
Billy Ocean
Grammy Award winning artist Billy Ocean has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime and has…
Powerwolf
German power metal band Powerwolf bring their Moral & Madness world tour to Manchester in 2027…
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…
Fogo de Chão Manchester
Located in the heart of Spinningfields near Deansgate, Fogo de Chão Manchester (formerly…
Hawksmoor Manchester
Hawksmoor Manchester is a British steakhouse and cocktail bar located in a late Victorian courthouse…
Menagerie Restaurant & Bar
This business is no longer in operation
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
Castlefield Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and artist development organisation, established…
Chetham's Library
About/History Chetham's is a unique cultural institution in the heart of Manchester combining…
esea contemporary
esea contemporary (formerly 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…
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…
The Manchester City Museum Experience
Football fans can discover the story of Manchester City in a brand-new immersive Museum Experience…
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…
National Football Museum
Whether you’re a football fanatic, planning family day out or visiting the great city of…
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 that started life in Manchester and went on to change the world on…
We hope you find this helpful, enjoy your trip and make sure to tag #VisitManchester on socials for a chance to feature!