AO Arena redevelopment drives capacity increase to 23,000

AO Arena has announced that through its ambitious redevelopment, its total capacity will increase to 23,000, including a 100% increase in standing floor capacity to 6,200, ensuring even more fans feel closer to their favourite artists. This is supported by a brand-new lower concourse, designed to enhance the experience of the venue’s standing floor fans.

The arena is already amongst the biggest in the UK and Europe and grows further through its transformative redevelopment project set for final completion in March. In what has been one of the world’s most remarkable venue transformation projects, AO Arena and ASM Global have delivered a complete re-imagination and reconstruction of the 30-year-old venue whilst continuing to open its doors to entertain fans for the duration.

Standing strong at an increased maximum capacity of 23,000 upon completion, the AO Arena is delighted to welcome more fans than ever before.

Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, said:

As part of AO Arena’s redevelopment we have dramatically expanded the standing floor space which means it will compete with any other venue in the UK. Its unique bowl configuration means that AO Arena proudly remains the biggest sporting indoor arena, and we are excited to continue to host the world’s biggest and most exciting events here in the heart of Manchester.

The fan experience has been transformed, reimagining the event day guest experience throughout the entire venue.

Located right in the heart of Manchester city centre with a wealth of transport links connecting the venue to Greater Manchester and beyond, it’s not only easy to get to, but with the addition of new entrances and state of the art technology, getting in and out of the arena will be the quickest in any venue in Europe, letting fans relax into the show.

Digitalisation of the concourse spaces will heighten pre-show excitement and offer even more ease for guests finding their way around the arena.  The venue will also boast a multitude of new bars and an elevated food offering including The Mezz restaurant and bar featuring a menu which includes some dishes created by Michelin-star Chef Simon Rogan and Chef Tom Barnes of Skof.

20.20 Ltd – responsible for the Brand Design and Interior Design for the AO Arena redevelopment – will be discussing this, as well as other major sports and entertainment projects, during this October’s SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition, being held at Croke Park.

The arena’s overall experience has been enhanced further, in places that guests do not see, with improved acoustics, sound and sightlines which were already widely regarded as the best in Europe. The artists experience has been upgraded with an all-new backstage artist compound complete with a private kitchen. Industry-leading heating and ventilation systems have been installed, which are more environmentally-friendly and sustainable and are essential in any build in a post covid world.

Amongst some of the first to witness the transformation includes Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham who welcomed guests to the Topping Out Ceremony, describing the AO Arena aptly as “the beating heart of Manchester” and going on to share his own fond personal memories of the venue.

One of Manchester’s most successful artists and rappers Aitch visited the venue as a very special surprise guest. Welcoming guests to the evening festivities at the recent Topping Out ceremony he said:

When the AO Arena asked me to be part of tonight I thought, how can I say no? It’s always been a huge part of the culture here in Manchester and you know I’m all about anything that gives back to the community.

The AO has been pushing the music scene forward for over 27 years and over one million people walk through these legendary doors every year, and we have them right on our doorstep.

AO Arena has firmly cemented itself as one of Manchester’s most vital cultural landmarks. Welcoming over one million people to the venue annually, this exciting new era of the AO Arena promises to attract even more guests and fans through its doors to witness everything from internationally acclaimed icons, the next generation of musical legends, comedy stars and sporting spectacles.

Last year, cementing its position as the city of Manchester’s arena, AO Arena celebrated its best year yet, raising tens of thousands of pounds and giving hundreds of hours to local community projects, celebrating record attendances for LTA Tennis, England Netball, KSI vs Fury and Elton John’s Farewell Tour. This year, there’s plenty to come, including The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, Peter Kay Live, The 1975, Bill Bailey, Niall Horan, Ne-Yo and more.

The AO Arena’s redevelopment will be revealed in full in March 2024.

Project Team

Galliford Try – Contractor

20.20 Ltd – Brand Design and Interior Design

Garriff – Joinery

AHR – Architects

Treacle – Lighting

Off the Wall Creative – Signage Contractor

Sports Venue Business (SVB) has unveiled a raft of new offerings for 2024 under the ‘SVB LIVE‘ banner, including Global Networking Events and a Webinar Series, culminating in an Annual Conference & Exhibition – to be held at Croke Park on October 9th and 10th – with an Expert Group helping to shape the conversation. We have also launched the exclusive, subscription-only ‘SVB Global Report’, outlining New Builds, Renovations & Major Refurbishments.

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