View source for Manchester Arena

{{Short description|Event arena in Manchester, England}}
{{pp-move-indef|small=yes}}
{{distinguish|text=the [[Co-op Live]] arena near the City of Manchester Stadium}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox venue
| nickname            = 
| logo_image          = AO Arena logo.svg
| name                = Manchester Arena<br><small>AO Arena</small>
| image               = Manchester Arena exterior, (3) May19.jpg
| image_size          = 300px
| caption             = Exterior of the arena in 2019, seen from the north
| mapframe            = no
| former names        = NYNEX Arena (1995–1998)<br/>Manchester Evening News Arena (1998–2011)<br/>Phones 4u Arena (2013–2015)<br/>Manchester Arena (2015–2020)
| address	          = Victoria Station<br/>Manchester<br/>M3 1AR<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ao-arena.com/contact/|title=Contact The AO Arena Manchester|website=ao-arena.com|access-date=3 November 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031171813/https://ao-arena.com/contact/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| location            = [[Manchester]], England, UK
| coordinates         = {{coord|53|29|17|N|2|14|38|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground        = {{Start date|1993|03|df=y}}
| opened              = {{Start date|1995|07|15|df=y}}
| closed              = 22 May 2017<ref group=nb>Temporarily closed for forensic investigation and repair work due to the [[Manchester Arena bombing]]. Events scheduled to take place were either cancelled or moved to alternative venues.</ref>
| reopened            = 9 September 2017<ref name="Reopen">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849|title=Manchester Arena: Noel Gallagher to headline reopening concert|work=BBC News|date=16 August 2017|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816071206/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849|url-status=live}}</ref>
| owner               = [[Mansford]]
| operator            = [[ASM Global]]
| cost                = [[Pound sterling|£]]52 million<br />(£{{formatprice|{{Inflation|UK|52000000|1993}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} pounds{{inflation-fn|UK}})
| architect           = DLA Design, [[Austin-Smith:Lord]] and [[Ellerbe Becket]]
| structural engineer = [[Arup Group Limited]]
| capacity            = 21,000
| record_attendance   =
| tenants             = [[Manchester Giants (1989–2001)|Manchester Giants]] {{small|([[British Basketball League|BBL]]) (1995–2001)}}<br />[[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]] {{small|([[Ice Hockey Superleague|BISL]], [[British Hockey League|BJL]]) (1995–2002)}}<br />[[Manchester Phoenix]] {{small|([[Elite Ice Hockey League|EIHL]]) (2003–2004)}}
| website             = {{URL|www.ao-arena.com|Venue Website}}
| publictransit       = {{rail-interchange|manchester|metrolink}} {{rail-interchange|gb|Rail}} {{rws|Manchester Victoria}}
}}
'''Manchester Arena''' (currently known as '''AO Arena''' for sponsorship reasons) is an indoor arena in [[Manchester]], England, immediately north of the [[Manchester city centre|city centre]] and partly above [[Manchester Victoria station]] in [[air rights]] space. Prior to the opening of [[Co-op Live]], the arena had the highest [[seating capacity]] of any indoor venue in the United Kingdom, and is the [[List of indoor arenas in Europe|fourth-largest in Europe]] with a capacity of 21,000.

The arena is one of the world's busiest indoor arenas, hosting music and sporting events such as boxing and swimming.<ref name="smgeurope">{{cite web|url=http://www.smg-europe.com/venue-profile.php?iVenuesId=8 |title=Manchester Evening News arena |publisher=smg-europe.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210165419/http://www.smg-europe.com/venue-profile.php?iVenuesId=8 |archive-date=10 February 2009 }} Retrieved on 28 March 2008.</ref> The arena was a key part of Manchester's bids to host the [[Olympic Games]] in 1996 and [[Manchester bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics|2000]] and was eventually used for the [[2002 Commonwealth Games]].

On 22 May 2017, the arena's foyer was the scene of [[Manchester Arena bombing|a terrorist attack]] carried out by a [[Suicide attack|suicide bomber]], in which 22 people were killed and over 500 others injured following an [[Ariana Grande]] concert.

==Arena design==
[[File:MEN Arena, Manchester (7263927380).jpg|thumb|left|Steps leading to southern entrance from Hunts Bank]]
[[File:Manchester Arena panorama.jpg|thumb|right|Panorama of the arena, facing the main stage]]
First proposed during the regeneration of Manchester city centre during the 1980s, the structure was designed by DLA Ellerbe Beckett, [[Arup Group Limited|Ove Arup & Partners]], and [[Austin-Smith:Lord]]. The arena is sited in [[air rights]] space over the Manchester Victoria railway station and was constructed without disrupting use of the station. The original plans included a glass tower which was not built. It originally hosted a seven-screen multiplex cinema, a multi-purpose arena and multi-storey parking. The former multiplex cinema, which opened in 1996, closed after just four years and is now a [[call centre]]. Following the bombing, the foyer underwent renovation.

A large truss measuring {{convert|105|m|ft}} spans the roof. [[Reinforced concrete]] is used to increase sound insulation. The upper parts of the building are clad in purple-grey with green glass.<ref>{{Harvnb|Hartwell|2002|p=237}}</ref> The arena was opened on 15 July 1995.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arena ready for Wets sell-out|first=Janine|last=Watson|date=25 July 1995|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>

The arena is the only indoor venue in the UK to be built following a layout of 360-degree seating. (London's [[The O2 Arena|The O2]], formerly the [[Millennium Dome]], also has 360-degree seating, but only on its lower tier, whereas Manchester's arena features it on both tiers). Other European indoor venues built to the same concept include the [[Lanxess Arena]] ([[Cologne]], Germany), [[Arena Zagreb]] ([[Zagreb]], Croatia), [[Spaladium Arena]] ([[Split, Croatia|Split]], Croatia), [[Kombank Arena]] ([[Belgrade]], Serbia), [[O2 Arena (Prague)|O2 Arena]] ([[Prague]], Czech Republic), and the [[Barclaycard Arena (Hamburg)|Barclaycard Arena]] ([[Hamburg]], Germany).

A three-year £50{{nbsp}}million re-development started in 2022. The arena's capacity will increase to 24,000, and new public entrances and custom lounges will be opened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchesters-ao-arena-see-huge-23805884|title=Manchester's AO Arena to see huge £50m revamp this summer|date=27 April 2022|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|author=James Holt|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011184821/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchesters-ao-arena-see-huge-23805884|url-status=live}}</ref> Once complete, the increase in capacity will retain the indoor arena's place as the largest in the city after the 23,500-seat [[Co-op Live Arena]] opened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/asm-eyes-summer-start-for-40m-ao-arena-revamp/|title=Summer start for £50m revamp of Manchester's AO Arena|date=27 April 2022|author=Dan Whelan|work=Place North West|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011184822/https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/asm-eyes-summer-start-for-40m-ao-arena-revamp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Background==
[[File:MEN Arena, Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The arena during sponsorship by Manchester Evening News]]
[[File:Phones4u Arena.png|150px|thumb|Phones 4u Arena logo used from 2013 to 2015]]
The arena was constructed as part of the city's unsuccessful bid for the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Parkinson-Bailey|first=John J.|title=Manchester: An Architectural History |publisher=Manchester University Press|date=25 May 2000|edition=Hardcover|page=250|isbn=0-7190-5606-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ush5WC9BM_gC&pg=RA1-PA250|access-date=2 October 2009}}</ref> Construction cost £52&nbsp;million of which £35.5m was provided by government grants and £2.5m from the [[European Regional Development Fund]]. Although built as an American style sports arena, it has been more successful hosting large music events.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Arena put Manchester on top of the world |last=Taylor |first=Paul |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/life_and_style/s/1301523_the_arena_put_manchester_on_top_of_the_world |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=13 July 2010 |access-date=14 November 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112192238/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/life_and_style/s/1301523_the_arena_put_manchester_on_top_of_the_world |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The arena opened in July 1995, sponsored by [[NYNEX]] CableComms as '''NYNEX Arena'''. In July 1998, it was renamed the '''Manchester Evening News Arena''', or just the ''MEN Arena'', when it was sponsored by the ''[[Manchester Evening News]]'' newspaper. In December 2011, the newspaper ended its 13 year sponsorship, and the arena was renamed Manchester Arena in January 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |title=MEN Media ends naming rights at Manchester Evening News Arena |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/men-media-ends-naming-rights-870536 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=13 September 2011 |access-date=27 September 2011 |archive-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207192649/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/men-media-ends-naming-rights-870536 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2013, the arena was renamed '''Phones 4u Arena''' after the mobile phone company [[Phones 4u]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Ferguson |first=James |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/manchester-arena-signs-deal-phones-5385660 |title=Manchester Arena signs deal with Phones 4u |work=Manchester Evening News |date=31 July 2013 |access-date=2 August 2013 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925155333/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/manchester-arena-signs-deal-phones-5385660 |url-status=live }}</ref> but this deal ended in January 2015 after Phones 4u went out of business, renaming the arena back to Manchester Arena.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arena-mark-20-year-anniversary-8417976 |title=Manchester Arena to mark 20-year anniversary with name change |last=Evans |first=Denise |date=10 January 2015 |website=[[Manchester Evening News]] |publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]] |access-date=12 May 2015 |archive-date=23 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323182507/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arena-mark-20-year-anniversary-8417976 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2020, the arena was rebranded as the '''AO Arena''' as part of a five year sponsorship deal by the online electricals retailer [[AO World|AO]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Manchester Arena's new name revealed as bold redesign plans take another step forward |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arenas-new-name-revealed-18864103 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=2 September 2020 |access-date=2 September 2020 |archive-date=2 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902193954/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-arenas-new-name-revealed-18864103 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On the opening night, 15,000 spectators watched [[Jayne Torvill]] and [[Christopher Dean]] perform. The crowd was a record for an ice event.<ref name="Inglis101">{{Harvnb|Inglis|2004|p=101}}</ref> Attendance records were set in 1997 when 17,425 people watched Manchester Storm play [[Sheffield Steelers]], a record for an ice hockey match in Europe at that time. When 14,151 people watched [[Manchester Giants]] play [[Essex Leopards|London Leopards]], it set a British record for attendance at a basketball match.<ref name="Inglis101"/> The venue attracts over a million customers each year for concerts and family shows, making it one of the world's busiest indoor arenas, and was named "International Venue Of The Year" in 2002 in the 'Pollstar' awards, and was nominated in the same category from 2002 to 2009. The arena was named "Busiest Arena Venue In The World", based on ticket sales for concerts from 2003 to 2007, ahead of other indoor arenas including [[Madison Square Garden]] and [[Wembley Arena]]. The arena was the 'World's Busiest Arena' from 2001 until 2007 based on ticket sales for concerts, attracting five and a half million customers. It was voted 'Europe's Favourite Arena' at the TPi Awards in 2008 by the touring companies that bring the shows to the venue.

On the evening of 27 May 1999, a reception was held at the arena to celebrate [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United's]] [[1999 UEFA Champions League Final|UEFA Champions League]] triumph in [[Barcelona]] 24 hours earlier, following the victorious side's parade around Manchester at the end of the season in which they became the first English team to win the treble of the [[Premier League]], [[FA Cup]] and Champions League in the same season, which remained the case until [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] achieved the same feat in 2022-23.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/354082.stm|title=BBC News - Sport - Manchester plans huge victory party|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=17 August 2017|archive-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/354082.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, the arena was the world's third busiest arena behind London's [[The O2 Arena]] and New York's Madison Square Garden. In 2009, it was the world's second busiest arena behind The O2, and ahead of the [[Sportpaleis]] in [[Antwerp]] and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Although second to London's The O2, Manchester's arena had its busiest year with over 1,500,000 people attending concerts and family shows. The arena hosts over 250 events annually including comedy, live music and tours, sporting events, and occasionally musicals.<ref>{{cite web |title=From unwanted empty shell to the world's busiest venue |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3134279.ece |author=Will Pavia |date=5 January 2008 |access-date=31 August 2008 |archive-date=16 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042002/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3134279.ece |url-status=dead }} Retrieved on 31 August 2008.</ref>

==Events==

===Music===
{{prose|section|date=March 2019}}
[[File:Manchester Arena concert, November 2012.jpg|thumb|200px|Arena during a concert]]
As one of the largest venues in the UK, the arena has hosted music concerts since opening in 1995.

As of 2019, British pop group [[Take That]], who were formed in Manchester, hold the record for the most performances, with 46. During the five-concert Manchester leg of their [[Greatest Hits Live (Take That)|2019 tour]], the arena was temporarily renamed after the band to honour their 30-year career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ao-arena.com/your-visit/news/article/manchester-arena-renamed-take-that-arena/11556/|title=Manchester Arena Renamed Take That Arena - AO Arena Manchester|website=ao-arena.com|access-date=3 November 2020|archive-date=4 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604185651/https://ao-arena.com/your-visit/news/article/manchester-arena-renamed-take-that-arena/11556/|url-status=live}}</ref> Irish pop group [[Westlife]] previously held the record with 33 performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article672907.ece|title=Record-breaking farewell for Westlife at Manchester Arena is a piece of cake|work=Manchester Evening News|date=10 January 2013|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304054653/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article672907.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Spice Girls performed 4 sold-out shows during their [[Spiceworld Tour]] in April 1998, 4 sold-out shows in December 1999 on the [[Christmas in Spiceworld]] Tour, and 3 sold-out shows in January 2008 on [[The Return of the Spice Girls]] World Tour.

Led Zeppelin legends Jimmy Page and Robert Plant performed a sell out concert at the arena on 3 November 1998 as part of their Walking into Clarksdale tour.

On 26 March 2000, English boy band [[Five (band)|Five]] performed at this venue as part of their Invincible Tour. The show was also filmed for a [[Concert film|concert special]] called ''Five Live'' that was released on DVD and VHS later that same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Five-Live/dp/B0000524E0|title=Five: Live|date=5 December 2000|via=Amazon|access-date=19 January 2017|archive-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131192402/https://www.amazon.com/Five-Live/dp/B0000524E0|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Janet Jackson]] performed here on 31 May 1998 as part of her [[The Velvet Rope Tour]]. Jackson was scheduled to perform during her [[All for You Tour]] on 5 December 2001, but the show was cancelled with the rest of her European tour because of possible terrorist threats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dst03102001_053|title=Janet Jackson niet in Sportpaleis|website=Standaard|date=3 October 2001 |access-date=23 May 2017|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020941/http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dst03102001_053|url-status=live}}</ref> Her 2016 [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] was also cancelled, this time because of scheduling conflicts.

[[Britney Spears]] performed at the arena for the first time for two sold-out shows on 13 and 14 October 2000 during her [[Oops!...I Did It Again Tour]]. She has returned for additional sold-out shows on 1 May 2004 during [[The Onyx Hotel Tour|Onyx Hotel Tour]], 17 June 2009 during her [[The Circus Starring Britney Spears|Circus Tour]], in 2011 for the [[Femme Fatale Tour]], and on 18 August 2018 as part of her [[Britney Spears: Piece of Me Tour|Piece of Me Tour]].

[[U2]] performed at the arena on 11 and 12 August 2001, for their [[Elevation Tour]]. The band came back in 2018 during their [[Experience + Innocence Tour]] for two shows on 19 and 20 October.

[[File:Kylie Minogue Cropped Sliver Spoon Awards 2012.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Kylie Minogue previously held the record for the most performances at the arena]]
In 2002, [[Kylie Minogue]] performed for six shows as part of her [[KylieFever2002]] tour. She returned for five sold-out shows in April 2005 as part of her [[Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour]]. In 2007, she performed for seven sold-out shows in January as part of her [[Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour]]. In 2008, she returned for six sold-out shows in July as part of her [[KylieX2008]] tour. Minogue performed for four shows in April 2011 as part of her [[Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour]]. Minogue performed again at the arena on 26 September 2014. The performance marked the 30th time Minogue has performed at the arena.<ref name="Arena record">{{cite news |author=Evans, Denise |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/kylie-minogue-manchester-popstar-play-6840215 |title=Kylie Minogue to play record 30th show at the arena in Manchester |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=17 March 2014 |archive-date=17 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317212330/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/kylie-minogue-manchester-popstar-play-6840215 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a record for Minogue as the venue she has played to most in the world; she has played to 400,000 fans in total in the Manchester Arena.<ref name="Kylie record">{{cite news|author=Denise Evans|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-kylie-minogues-number-one-6842127|title=Manchester is Kylie's number one city|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|date=17 March 2014|access-date=17 March 2014|archive-date=17 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224817/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-kylie-minogues-number-one-6842127|url-status=live}}</ref>

Barbadian singer [[Rihanna]] would perform her first concert in England here, as part of her worldwide [[Good Girl Gone Bad Tour]] that ran September 2007 to January 2009, starting and ending in North America. The full concert, named [[Good Girl Gone Bad Live]] was released on DVD and Blu-ray on 9 June 2008, by [[Def Jam Recordings]]. The concert promoted the songs from the [[Good Girl Gone Bad|album of the same name]], and also featured songs from Rihanna's two previous albums ''[[Music of the Sun]]'' (2005) and ''[[A Girl like Me (Rihanna album)|A Girl like Me]]'' (2006).

Madonna performed twice on her Re-Invention World Tour in Summer 2004, returning in 2009, on the second leg of the [[Sticky & Sweet Tour]]. Two shows were planned but one was cancelled for unknown reasons. Madonna was late on stage in 2015 on the [[Rebel Heart Tour]] due to problems with the screen visuals resulting in a shortened set.
In October 2023 the singer booked this arena to perform the final rehearsals prior to the kick-off of her [[The Celebration Tour|Celebration Tour]], set to begin in [[London]] on 14 October the same year.<ref name="manchester1">{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonnas-celebration-tour-gets-underway-27913056|title=Manchester Evening News|date=15 October 2023 }}</ref>

Pop/R&B singer [[Whitney Houston]] would hold her last concerts ever here, 16 & 17 June 2010 on her [[Nothing But Love World Tour]].<ref name="whitneyhouston2">{{cite web|url=http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/events|title=Events|access-date=3 November 2009|work=Whitney Houston Official Website|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113015309/http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/events|archive-date=13 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="pollstar">{{cite web|url=http://pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=2247&SortBy=Date&SearchBy=whitney%20houston|title=Whitney Houston: Concert Schedule|access-date=23 November 2009|work=Pollstar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715103023/http://pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=2247&SortBy=Date&SearchBy=whitney%20houston|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aftenbladet.no/kultur/1113825/Whitney_Houston_til_Soermarka_Arena.html |title=Whitney Houston til Sørmarka Arena|language=no |trans-title=Whitney Houston to Sørmarka Arena |last1=Tore Lindø |first1=Leif |last2=Rege Olsen |first2=Olav |date=17 November 2009 |website=[[Stavanger Aftenblad]] |publisher=[[Schibsted|Schibsted Media Group]] |access-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222195130/https://www.aftenbladet.no/kultur/1113825/Whitney_Houston_til_Soermarka_Arena.html |archive-date=22 December 2009}}</ref><ref>Europe Boxcore Data:
*{{cite magazine|date=19 June 2010|title=Boxscore: Concert Grosses|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=24|page=11|location=Nashville, Tennessee|issn=0006-2510|access-date=7 January 2018|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|url-status=live}} [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2010/BB-2010-06-19.pdf Alt URL]
*{{cite magazine|date=16 October 2010|title=Boxscore: Concert Grosses|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=41|location=Nashville, Tennessee|issn=0006-2510|access-date=7 January 2018|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|url-status=live}} [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2010/BB-2010-10-16.pdf Alt URL]
*{{cite magazine|date=27 November 2010|title=Boxscore: Concert Grosses|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=47|location=Nashville, Tennessee|issn=0006-2510|access-date=7 January 2018|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|archive-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp|url-status=live}} [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2010/BB-2010-11-27.pdf Alt URL]</ref> Houston died 11 February 2012, at age 48.

On 12 December 2006 comedy rock duo [[Tenacious D]] performed as part of their [[The Pick of Destiny Tour (2006–2007)|Pick of Destiny Tour]], [[Neil Hamburger]] was opening act.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2006/12/18/121206_tenacious_d_feature.shtml] Tenacious D also performed on 8 May 2024 as part of [[The Spicy Meatball Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tenacious D |website=AO Arena |url=https://www.ao-arena.com/events/detail/tenacious-d |access-date=2024-02-07 }}</ref>

In July 2010, the arena celebrated its 15th birthday with a multi-artist gig, presented by [[Real Radio (North West)]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Venue profile: Finger on the pulse|date=10 July 2010|work=Music Week}}</ref>

[[Gorillaz]] performed at the arena on 12 November 2010 during their [[Escape to Plastic Beach Tour]], and came back on 1 December 2017, as part of their [[Humanz Tour]].

[[Coldplay]] performed a sold-out show at the arena on 4 December 2011 as part of their [[Mylo Xyloto Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-30 |title=Box Score - Concert Sales - Ticket Prices - Music Events - Billboard.biz |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp |access-date=2023-02-10 |archive-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907080735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/currentboxscore.jsp |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

American entertainer [[Beyoncé]] performed three sold-out shows at the arena as part of her [[The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour]] on 7, 8 and 9 May 2013. She returned on 25 and 26 February 2014 for two more sold-out shows. Both shows became the fastest concert to sell out the entire arena. This was the fifth tour Beyoncé has performed at the arena, following concerts for her [[Dangerously in Love Tour]] (2003), [[Destiny Fulfilled...and Lovin' It]] (2005), [[The Beyoncé Experience]] (2007) and the [[I Am... (Beyoncé tour)|I Am... World Tour]] (2009).
[[File:Take That & The Pet Shop Boys, Manchester 12 June 2011 4.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Take That has performed at the Arena a record 38 times]]

In 2014, [[Katy Perry]] performed twice at the venue, on 20 and 24 May as part of her third [[concert tour]], [[Prismatic World Tour]].

[[Taylor Swift]] performed at the arena on 24 June 2015, as part of her fourth concert tour, [[The 1989 World Tour]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.taylorswiftweb.net/2015/06/24/1989-world-tour-manchester-england/ | title=1989 World Tour: Manchester, England | date=24 June 2015 }}</ref>

[[Adele]] performed at the arena during her [[Adele Live 2016|world tour]] on 7, 8 March and 10, 11 March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adele - AO Arena Manchester|url=https://ao-arena.com/events/adele/3446/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=ao-arena.com|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218204153/https://ao-arena.com/events/adele/3446/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Olly Murs]] performed at the arena on 17 and 18 March 2017, as part of the first leg for his new UK tour, [[Spring & Summer Tour 2017]].

[[Shawn Mendes]] performed at the arena on 18 April 2017 as the second date of the [[Illuminate World Tour]]. He also performed on 7 April 2019 as part of his self-titled tour.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yates |first1=Jonathan |title=Shawn Mendes to play Manchester Arena date on UK tour - here's how to get tickets |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/shawn-mendes-play-manchester-arena-14669744 |website=Manchester Evening News|date=17 May 2018 }}</ref>

[[Ariana Grande]] performed at the arena on 22 May 2017 as part of the [[Dangerous Woman Tour]]. After this, [[Manchester Arena bombing|a suicide bombing]] took place at the [[Lobby (room)|foyer]] of the arena.

The arena was reopened by [[Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds]] and a cohort of local stars such as [[The Courteeners]], [[Blossoms (band)|Blossoms]], [[Rick Astley]] and comedian [[Peter Kay]] as part of the "We Are Manchester" event on 9 September 2017.

[[Metallica]] performed at the arena on 28 October 2017 in front of 19,423 people, as a part of their [[WorldWired Tour]].

On 29 November 2017, Phil Collins performed one night here with his [[Not Dead Yet Tour]].

On 10 December 2017, [[Mariah Carey]] brought her [[All I Want for Christmas Is You, A Night of Joy and Festivity]] show here.

On 16 December 2017, [[Liam Gallagher]] performed here as part of his UK tour to celebrate the release of his debut album [[As You Were (Liam Gallagher album)|As You Were]].

On 10 February 2018, [[Kendrick Lamar]] performed the 3rd date of the European leg of [[The Damn Tour]]. This was his first time performing in Manchester since 2013.

On 22 June 2018, [[Katy Perry]] performed the 90th show of her fourth concert tour [[Witness: The Tour]].

South Korean girl group [[Blackpink]] performed their first UK arena concert on 21 May 2019 as part of the [[In Your Area World Tour|Blackpink World Tour (In Your Area)]] schedule here.

[[Carrie Underwood]] bought her [[Cry Pretty Tour 360]] to the arena on 3 July 2019.

Six time Grammy award-winning artist [[Christina Aguilera]] performed her 14th date of [[The X Tour (Christina Aguilera)|The X Tour]] to full attendance on 12 November 2019.

On 15 April 2022, [[Dua Lipa]] performed the first date of the European leg of highly anticipated [[Future Nostalgia Tour]]. This was her first time performing in Manchester since 2016.<ref name="NME Second Reschedule">{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Nick |date=23 October 2020 |title=Dua Lipa reschedules UK and European tour for second time |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/dua-lipa-reschedules-uk-and-european-tour-for-second-time-2796025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702044154/https://www.nme.com/news/music/dua-lipa-reschedules-uk-and-european-tour-for-second-time-2796025 |archive-date=2 July 2021 |access-date=18 September 2021 |website=[[NME]]}}</ref>

On 7 and 8 May 2022, [[Little Mix]] performed three shows at the arena; two evening shows and one matinée, one of their three matinée shows on [[The Confetti Tour]].

[[Panic! at the Disco]] performed the final date of the project's [[Viva Las Vengeance Tour]] on 10 March 2023. It was its farewell concert, as leader [[Brendon Urie]] will subsequently disband the name to focus on family. Panic! at the Disco had previously performed at the arena on 30 March 2019 for its [[Pray for the Wicked Tour]].

On 5 and 6 April 2023, [[Celine Dion]] was scheduled to perform at the arena during her [[Courage World Tour]]. Due to a neurological disease, she had to cancel the remainder of her tour including both shows in Manchester. During her [[Celine Dion Live 2017|2017 tour]], Dion planned to perform two concerts at the arena, but the shows were moved to Leeds following the arena closure in May 2017. She had previously performed at the arena on 14 November 1996 during her [[Falling into You: Around the World]] tour and on 2 and 3 May 2008 during her [[Taking Chances World Tour]].

On 10 and 15 November rapper [[50 Cent]] performed at the arena as part of his [[The Final Lap Tour]] with [[Busta Rhymes]] as opening act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hafazalla |first=Hakim |date=2023-11-11 |title=Review: 50 Cent rocks the AO Arena taking fans on a nostalgic journey |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/review-50-cent-takes-fans-28087226 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}</ref>

Hong Kong boy group [[Mirror (group)|Mirror]] performed their second UK arena concert on 14 March 2024 as part of the Feel The Passion Concert Tour 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024 |url=https://concerttour2024.mirrorweare.com/en |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024}}</ref>

[[Queens of the Stone Age]] played at the arena as part of their The End Is Nero tour on 14 November 2023.

On January 30 2025, [[Ateez]] held a solo concert at the venue for their [[List of Ateez concert tours#Towards The Light: Will To Power|Towards The Light: Will To Power]] world tour.

On 18 March 2025, the arena hosted [[Taemin]]'s first ever world tour, called "[[Ephemeral Gaze]]".

===Sport===
[[File:Manchester Arena skating.jpg|thumb|right|The arena in ice skating configuration]]
The arena has been the home of three sports teams: the [[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]] and [[Manchester Phoenix]] [[ice hockey]] teams, and the [[Manchester Giants]] [[basketball]] team with limited success, as it is no longer used by sports teams but is used for one-off sporting events such as boxing and football masters.

Many boxers have had bouts in the arena, such as [[Amir Khan (British boxer)|Amir Khan]], Jermaine Johnson, [[Ricky Hatton]], [[Joe Calzaghe]], [[Mike Tyson]], and [[David Haye]]. Hatton, from Manchester, became a regular and favourite at the arena. American professional wrestling promotion [[WWE]] have regularly hosted both live events and TV tapings at the Arena, including Mayhem in Manchester in 1998, pay-per-view events such as the [[No Mercy (UK)|UK version of No Mercy in 1999]], and [[WWE Rebellion|Rebellion]] in 2001 and 2002.

The arena hosted [[mixed martial arts]] events. ''[[UFC 70|UFC 70: Nations Collide]]'' on 21 April 2007, and ''[[UFC 105|UFC 105: Couture vs Vera]]'' on 14 November 2009 for which it set the European record attendance for the largest UFC event outside the US with 16,000 spectators. The arena also hosted ''[[UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz]]'' on 26 October 2013 as well as ''[[UFC 204|UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2]]'' on 8 October 2016, headlining was a middleweight championship match between [[Dan Henderson]] and [[Michael Bisping]]. The World Taekwondo Qualification Event for the Beijing Olympic Games was held there on 28–30 September 2007 when 103 countries competed for 24&nbsp;places at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. In April 2008, the arena hosted the [[2008 FINA Short Course World Championships|FINA Short Course World Swimming Championships]], the first time the event has been held in the UK. The arena was transformed with two 25&nbsp;m swimming pools constructed in 18 days and seating provided for 17,250 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |title=City arena becomes swimming venue |work=BBC Online |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7302096.stm |date=18 March 2008 |access-date=31 August 2008 |archive-date=5 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205025833/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7302096.stm |url-status=live }} Retrieved on 31 August 2008.</ref> On 26 February 2011, it played host to [[BAMMA 5]].

Monster truck racing events have been staged but the floor space has to be extended and the front section of seating in the lower tier removed.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Monster Jam |url=http://www.men-arena.com/?page_id=948 |work=Manchester Evening News Arena |access-date=6 July 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032555/http://www.men-arena.com/?page_id=948 |url-status=live }}</ref> The American league [[Monster Jam]] attended the venue for the first time in 2005 during the European Tour. They would not attend again for over ten years until 2019 when a second show took place.

Since 2008, it has played host to a week of the Premier League Darts.

In May 2011, the arena hosted a basketball contest between the [[Atlanta Dream]] ([[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]]) and the [[Great Britain women's national basketball team|Great Britain women's basketball team]], billed as "WNBA Live", the first time a WNBA team had played in Europe. In July 2012, the arena hosted an international between [[Great Britain men's national basketball team|Great Britain men's basketball team]] and the [[United States men's national basketball team|United States men's basketball team]] in the buildup to the [[2012 Summer Olympics]].

In early April 2018, the [[Dancing on Ice: The Tour|revamped ''Dancing on Ice'' tour]] performed at the venue.

On 25 August 2018, a [[KSI vs Logan Paul|boxing match]] between [[KSI (entertainer)|KSI]] and [[Logan Paul]] was held at the arena. The match was live streamed via [[pay-per-view]] on [[YouTube]].

On 15–19 May 2019, the arena hosted the [[2019 World Taekwondo Championships]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchester-arena.com/events/world-taekwondo-championships-2019/10470/|title=World Taekwondo Championships 2019 - Manchester Arena|website=www.manchester-arena.com|access-date=2019-05-08|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508150330/https://www.manchester-arena.com/events/world-taekwondo-championships-2019/10470/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 12-17 September 2023, the arena hosted all Group B matches of the [[2023 Davis Cup Finals]], in which [[Great Britain Davis Cup team|Great Britain]] participated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Host Nations Announced For 2023 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage {{!}} ATP Tour {{!}} Tennis |url=https://www.atptour.com/en/news/davis-cup-finals-group-stage-locations-2023 |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=ATP Tour |language=en}}</ref>

On 14 October 2023, KSI and Logan Paul returned to the arena fighting a [[KSI vs Tommy Fury|double main event]], with KSI taking on the brother of [[Tyson Fury]] and [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] Diriyah Champion, [[Tommy Fury]], and Logan Paul taking on [[Dillon Danis]].

From 10 to 15 September 2024, the arena hosted all Group D matches of the [[2024 Davis Cup Finals]], in which [[Great Britain Davis Cup team|Great Britain]] was participating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Davis Cup - Group D preview: Great Britain hoping home advantage helps |url=https://www.daviscup.com/en/news/334041.aspx |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.daviscup.com}}</ref> 

===Comedy===
The first [[stand-up comedy]] performance was [[Peter Kay]]'s final performance of his ''Mum wants a bungalow Tour'' in July 2003. He worked at the arena when it opened in 1995 and the performance was filmed for DVD release as ''Peter Kay at the Manchester Arena''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Peter Kay – July 2003 |url=http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=807 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129154556/http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=807 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2013 |work=Manchester Arena |access-date=24 September 2012 }}</ref> In 2005, [[Lee Evans (comedian)|Lee Evans]] set a world record for performing to the biggest audience in front of a crowd of 10,108.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Comic Evans breaks crowd record |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4454572.stm |work=BBC News |date=20 November 2005 |access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> [[Peter Kay]]'s ''[[The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour...Now On Tour]]'' ran for 20 consecutive nights and 20 nights at the end of the tour – a record for the venue.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Peter Kay – The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour – Farewell Tour |url=http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=1681 |work=Manchester Arena |access-date=24 September 2012 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724081100/http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=1681 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Alan Carr]] filmed the DVD for ''[[Spexy Beast]]'' in Manchester.

===Other===
In 1998, the game show [[Ice Warriors (game show)|''Ice Warriors'']] was filmed on the arena's ice rink.

On 19 July 2011, (with a final dress rehearsal in front of an audience on 16 July 2011) the arena hosted the world premiere of ''[[Batman Live]]'', a touring stage show, including theatrical, circus and stage-magic elements, focused on the [[DC Comics]] superhero [[Batman]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8650466/Batman-Live-Manchester-MEN-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8650466/Batman-Live-Manchester-MEN-review.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Batman Live, Manchester MEN, review |author=Hughes, Rob |date=20 July 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The arena also hosted the annual convention of [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. In 2014, this was held on 22–24 August.

The arena also hosted ''Ant & Dec's Takeaway on Tour: Live'' on 15–16 August 2014. Over the two days, about more than 120,000 people attended both matinee and evening shows.

On 13–15 April 2018, [[Universal Pictures|Universal's]] ''[[The Fast and the Furious#Other media|Fast & Furious: Live]]'' performed at the arena, as part of the tour's second UK leg.

==2017 bombing==
{{Main|Manchester Arena bombing}}

Following the [[Dangerous Woman Tour]] concert by American pop singer [[Ariana Grande]] on 22 May 2017, a [[suicide bombing]] occurred in the arena's foyer area. [[Greater Manchester Police]] confirmed twenty-three adults and children were killed, including the bomber, and 500 were injured.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rawlison|first1=Kevin|title=Police warning after reports of explosion at Manchester Arena|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-police-explosion-ariana-grande-concert-england|work=The Guardian|date=22 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508121327/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-police-explosion-ariana-grande-concert-england|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Manchester Arena blast: 22 dead and 59 hurt|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40010124|work=BBC News|date=22 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102031719/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40010124|url-status=live}}</ref> The terrorist group Islamic State ([[ISIS]]) claimed responsibility for the attack.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Samuelson |first1=Kate |title=ISIS Claims Responsibility for Manchester Concert Terrorist Attack |url=https://time.com/4790201/isis-manchester-concert-terrorist-attack/ |magazine=Time |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=17 January 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513050804/https://time.com/4790201/isis-manchester-concert-terrorist-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:City Room .jpg|thumb|The 'City Room' foyer of the Manchester Arena. Photo taken in 2020 after the completion of the renovation works.]]
The arena was closed until September, with scheduled concerts either cancelled or moved to other venues.<ref name="concerts">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40275744|title=Manchester Arena to stay closed until September|work=BBC News|date=14 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614122402/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40275744|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 September 2017, the arena re-opened with a [[benefit concert]] featuring [[Noel Gallagher]] and other acts associated with [[North West England|the North West]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849 |title=Manchester Arena: Noel Gallagher to headline reopening concert |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816071206/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40943849 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was broadcast live on [[BBC Radio Manchester]], [[Key 103]] and [[Radio X (United Kingdom)|Radio X]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41160803 |title=Manchester Arena: Radio stations to broadcast reopening concert |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=5 September 2017 |access-date=5 September 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906025932/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41160803 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Manchester Arena entrance from Victoria station.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the foyer of the arena from [[Manchester Victoria station|Victoria station]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Public transport access'''
| '''Manchester Metrolink''' {{rail-interchange|manchester}}
| rowspan=2| [[Manchester Victoria station|Victoria]]
|-
| '''National Rail''' {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}}
|}

The arena adjoins [[Manchester Victoria station]] which is served by [[Northern (train operating company)|Northern]], [[TransPennine Express]], and [[Manchester Metrolink|Metrolink]].

The arena car park is operated by Citipark, and has 958 standard and 65 disabled spaces.

==See also==
{{Portal|Sports}}
*[[List of Commonwealth Games venues]]
*[[Manchester Central Convention Complex]]
*[[Co-op Live]]
*[[List of indoor arenas by capacity]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |publisher=English Heritage and Manchester City Council |year=2004 |isbn=1-873592-78-7}}
* {{citation |last=Hartwell |first=Clare|title=Manchester |series=Pevsner Architectural Guides|publisher=Yale University Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0-300-09666-8}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Manchester Arena}}
* {{Official website|http://www.manchester-arena.com/}}
* [https://www.seatingplan.net/manchester-arena Manchester Arena Seating Plans]

{{Indoor arenas UK}}
{{Elite Ice Hockey League Venues}}
{{Manchester B&S}}
{{EAA members}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Manchester Arena}}
[[Category:1995 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Anschutz Corporation]]
[[Category:Badminton in England]]
[[Category:Badminton venues]]
[[Category:Basketball venues in England]]
[[Category:Darts venues]]
[[Category:Exhibition and conference centres in England]]
[[Category:Ice hockey venues in England]]
[[Category:Indoor arenas in England]]
[[Category:Manchester Arena bombing]]
[[Category:Music venues completed in 1995]]
[[Category:Music venues in Manchester]]
[[Category:Netball venues in England]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1995]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Manchester]]
[[Category:Wrestling venues in the United Kingdom]]