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?

Billie Eilish 19 Jul 2025 - 23 Jul 2025

Billie Eilish

Global megastar Billie Eilish is set to bring her Hit Me Hard And Soft Tour to Manchester for a huge…

Dude Perfect 16 Sep 2025 -

Dude Perfect

Nominated several times for Pollstar Family Event of the Year, Dude Perfect - Tyler Toney, Cody…

Tom Grennan 19 Sep 2025 -

Tom Grennan

Tom Grennan has just announced details of his biggest run of shows to date. The GRENNAN ‘25…

Lil Baby 26 Sep 2025 -

Lil Baby

Dominique Armani Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, is an American rapper, singer, and…

Simply Red 27 Sep 2025 -

Simply Red

Iconic local legends Simply Red have just announced they will celebrate 40 years together with a…

The Kooks 03 Oct 2025 -

The Kooks

British indie icons The Kooks have announced a major UK tour. Tickets go on sale Friday 25th April…

Little Simz 16 Oct 2025 -

Little Simz

Rapper and actress Simbiatu Ajikawo – best known by her artist name Little Simz, or simply Simz – is…

A R Rahman: Intimate 17 Oct 2025 -

A R Rahman: Intimate

A R Rahman is an Indian film composer, record producer, musician and singer. His film scoring career…

Jason Manford 24 Oct 2025 -

Jason Manford

Jason Manford is back! He'll be bringing his brand-new live show A Manford All Seasons to Co-op…

HAIM 30 Oct 2025 -

HAIM

HAIM are coming to Manchester as part of there UK arena tour in October! The rock trio will be…

Duran Duran 31 Oct 2025 -

Duran Duran

Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978, Duran Duran is one of the most culturally influential and…

Busted vs McFly 05 Nov 2025 -

Busted vs McFly

The Busted vs McFly Tour will see the two groups visit some of the UK’s biggest and best…

JLS 15 Nov 2025 -

JLS

This autumn will see arenas across the UK and Ireland come alive with the sound of music as JLS…

Five 18 Nov 2025 -

Five

The hugely successful British boy band Five hit the road again. Through the late '90s and early…

Hans Zimmer Live 2025 02 Dec 2025 -

Hans Zimmer Live 2025

Hans Zimmer enters The Next Level – and brings Europe with him! The multiple Oscar® and…

Mumford & Sons 03 Dec 2025 -

Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons are coming to Co-op Live as part of a huge tour of UK/Ireland + Europe later 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…

James Arthur 21 Feb 2026 -

James Arthur

Known for his warm brand of R&B-inflected pop, James Arthur initially rose to fame as the victor…

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…

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…

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!