ASM Global’s AO Arena in Manchester to embark on £50m re-imagining

ASM Global, the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences, venue management and event strategy, has announced a £50 million plan beginning this summer to transform the AO Arena in Manchester. This plan is set to dramatically enhance the venue’s premier position for live entertainment experiences even further, through state-the-art infrastructure expansion, and innovative guest features as the iconic arena looks to the future. 

AO Arena in Manchester, located in the heart of the city, is one of the busiest indoor arenas in the world. Through its near-30-year history, the venue has firmly established itself as a beloved and iconic Manchester landmark, a must-play for artists, and a fan-favourite destination for world-class live entertainment.

Officials from the AO Arena will be releasing more detailed plans in coming months.

Chris Bray, EVP Europe at ASM Global said:

AO Arena is one of the world’s iconic venues and a much-loved part of Manchester’s rich culture and history. It has been delivering world class entertainment experiences for over two decades. As we approach our 30^th anniversary, this ambitious endeavour will not only reinforce its position as a leading destination for live entertainment but will extend its market leadership for ‘live’ and fan experiences for the next 30 years, and we’re proud to be further investing into the heart of Manchester.

The first phase will enhance and increase our standing floor capacity to share this historic arena with even more of our guests and we will also be adding new hospitality lounges and investing in delivering an upgraded concourse experience. Our performers will be immersed in an all-new back of house artists campus, unparalleled anywhere.

Additional major developments, such as brand-new arena entrances welcoming guests to the venue, specially tailored premium experiences, custom designed lounges, and new premium seating will transform the venue to an unparalleled and elevated experience.

Major upgrade

AO Arena’s back of house will be dramatically upgraded, with a complete overhaul of the backstage experience for artists, production and crew. This includes new artist dressing rooms and production areas, a world-class green room with meet and greet facilities, an overhaul of crew catering, and first-class connectivity and technology.

Plans have already been jump started by the venue’s rapid scheduling of major sell-out 2022 events, including Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Snoop Dogg, George Ezra and more. 

ASM Global’s Chris Bray is a confirmed speaker for the 2022 edition of ALSD International being hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this September. He joins a stellar line-up featuring high-ranking industry executives such as Roy Westwood, Founder & CEO, Forward Associates, Shawn Doss, Founder & EVP, Elevate Sports Ventures, Oliver Wright, Head of Premium Sales, Hospitality & Catering, Everton Football Club and Andy O’Sullivan, Venue Director, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Jen Mitchell, General Manager at the AO Arena said:

This is a really exciting time for the AO Arena. Not only are we able to welcome guests back after a challenging two years, with a programme packed full of world-class acts and entertainment; now we can reveal the first phase of ASM Global’s plans for the arena’s redevelopment. This will not only elevate the experience for guests and fans, but for everyone who sets foot in the venue, including artists, production, crew and our staff who work so hard to make the magic happen right here in Manchester.

Initially unveiled in 1995, the arena was the first indoor venue in the UK to be built with a layout of 360-degree seating. Attracting over one million visitors yearly, the 21,000-capacity arena is a former winner of the Stadium Business Awards’ prestigious ‘Venue of the Year’ award.

There has been a whole host of musical talent perform at the venue, from Led Zeppelin legends Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones and Pavarotti, to Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga, as well as Manchester’s homegrown artists including Take That, Oasis, Elbow, New Order and The Courteeners.

The venue has hosted everything from the 2002 Commonwealth Games, 2008 FINA World Swimming Championships and international boxing bouts by Mike Tyson, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, David Haye, Joe Calzaghe and local champions Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and Anthony Crolla.

Sports Venue Business organises & delivers ALSD International, the leading event for the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector, with a focus on optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions, on behalf of the Association of Luxury Suite Directors…

…the 2022 event will feature a high-level conference, an exhibition showcasing industry-leading products & services, networking events and a behind-the-scenes tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sponsored by Levy UK + Ireland.

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