Co-op Live

The best music venue we have ever visited. The sound was exceptional, the best we have ever heard at a music concert. Seats were great and organisation by staff good too. We used the APP for tickets and it did not make clear what entrance we should go to, so we had to be redirected. Staff were great but internal signage could be better and the bar prices were ridiculous. Two pints, a hot dog and a burger £50. I will definitely return but will eat before or after. That is just a rip off and surely not in line with Coop values. Still a great evening and a great venue. The parking opposite the Etihad was excellent with very helpful staff.

My visit to Co-op Live, the UK's largest indoor arena and the 3rd largest in the world, was largely a positive one, especially concerning its accessibility and the outstanding staff! Right from the start, the access entrance and lifts were quick, efficient, and handled with real dignity, which immediately sets a great tone. Once inside, our spot on the accessible platform offered truly exceptional views, putting us right in the heart of the action. It's genuinely impressive how much thought has gone into creating an inclusive experience here. Beyond the facilities, the staff were incredibly understanding and helpful Truly going the extra mile to ensure everything was smooth and comfortable. This level of support really makes a difference. The sheer scale of the arena is something else, and impressively, it felt comfortable and not too hot despite its size. From where we were, the sound quality was absolutely fantastic, really letting the music shine through. However, there was one surprising issue. During one of the quietest, most enrapturing moments of the show, where 23,000 people were utterly silent and captivated, all you could hear was this awful, persistent squealing from a door! It was incredibly distracting and something that really needs addressing with a bit of oil. On a more practical note, the bar prices are simply extortionate, and frustratingly, the bars seem to close very early. It really puts a damper on trying to enjoy the full experience of a show. Despite the minor, but noticeable issue with the squealing door and the high bar prices, Co op Live truly excels in its disabled facilities and the wonderful, understanding staff. As the UK's largest arena, it offers a vast space with great sound and comfortable temperatures, making it a strong contender for live events, especially if accessibility is a key concern.

Went to see Bruce Springsteen on 17 May, and first time ever at Co-op Live and it didn't disappoint. Great venue, excellent facilities. Very easy to access via tram from city centre, even after the show when everyone left and it was very busy, their system worked really well and it kept moving, never standing still. Helpful staff. Only criticism, would be cost of drinks. It was VERY expensive compared to other venues. I'm talking barely any change from £10 for a pint. But other than that it's an excellent venue. Will definitely be back.

This is one of the best venues I've ever been to, and I've been to 80+ shows. They were organized, opened the doors on time, handed out free water while we were waiting in line in the heat, and had a friendly knowledgeable staff. There were plenty of food options and FREE water filling station with cups provided. The seats were surprisingly comfortable and not cramped. The views were amazing. And best of all, the acoustics were phenomenal.

I am so disappointed to report that this isn’t a great venue despite it being custom built. The audio was awful midway through the arena, but the worst part was the organisers forcing all standing and seating ticket holders through a single gate, each with maybe 6-8 security scanners. The queues to get in to the Pulp gig were close to an hour, more than an hour before the due start time. Access to this venue needs a rethink. Catering was typically expensive for this type of venue, but I can’t abide the policy of three quarter filled pints topped up to a pint when you order. Is it really too much to pour a fresh pint for those prices?