Manchester Arena renamed AO Arena

Bolton-based online electricals retailer AO has been announced as the new headline sponsor of Manchester’s iconic Arena as operators ASM Global submit a planning application for phase one of its ambitious redevelopment.

In a five-year deal, the rebranded AO Arena was revealed earlier this week (September 2nd), ahead of live events resuming once current Covid-19 related restrictions on venues are lifted.

With new show announcements and tickets going on sale imminently, audiences can look forward to enjoying world class entertainment at the re-named AO Arena. AO will support the venue to bring live music and entertainment back to the people of Manchester, as quickly and safely as possible.

AO Founder and CEO, John Roberts commented on the announcement:

The Arena holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in Manchester so we’re hugely proud to add the AO smile, especially after such an emotional and difficult period. Our home is firmly in the North West, something we’ve never forgotten while building the business into a global destination for electricals.

 

We hope today’s redevelopment plans for the AO Arena which, combined with soon-to-be-announced good news about the events coming in 2021, will create hope and excitement about the future of entertainment in our great city.

 

Through this sponsorship, we can deliver our famous AO smile to millions of visitors every year and we can’t wait to welcome them to the AO Arena. Thousands of our customers will also be able to enjoy amazing events with tickets, exclusive access and money-can’t-buy experiences.

James Allen, General Manager of the AO Arena commented on the news:

We are thrilled to have secured this partnership and we look forward to a dynamic relationship with this exciting brand. Marking our 25th anniversary with redevelopment plans and our new partnership with AO highlights our commitment to the future of this venue in the heart of Manchester. And after such a long period of pause, we look forward to being able to press play and welcome fans back to the AO Arena.

The venue’s redevelopment plans, submitted to Manchester City Council by operators ASM Global, aim to deliver a transformed visitor experience, improve the sustainability of the existing venue to become one of the lowest carbon venues in Europe, enhance its existing access to onsite transport links, and act as hub for its communities. Over 6,800 people from across Greater Manchester provided feedback as part of an extensive consultation on the plans, with 94% voting positively on the proposals.

AO and ASM Global will be working together to turn the venue AO green and ready to safely re-open with a fresh new look and an enviable line-up of global talent, many of whom re-scheduled 2020 tour dates to 2021.

ASM Global’s Director of Business Development – Europe, Tom Lynch, is one of 40+ high calibre speakers at next month’s ALSD International event being hosted at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium.

Sources & images: https://ao-arena.com/your-visit/news/article/manchester-arena-renamed-ao-arena/15844/

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The 2020 ‘hybrid’ edition of ALSD International – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector – will focus on increasing revenue via new builds, renovations, service expansions & technology, and reopening with confidence. The physical event – being hosted at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium, October 12-13 – will be fully virtualised, welcoming both in-person and remote attendees.

ALSD International 2020 will feature a high-level conference (with sessions being streamed), an exhibition hall (physical & virtual), behind-the-scenes tours of Anfield, Goodison Park and M&S Bank Arena (physical & virtual), and numerous networking events (physical & virtual), ensuring optimised opportunities to knowledge-share, network and do business.

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