- February 10, 2026
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Event News, Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services including venue development, venue management, hospitality and sponsorship sales, has confirmed a new strategic partnership with ACC Liverpool, operator of the M&S Bank Arena.
The partnership sees OVG working with ACC Liverpool to help programme the M&S Bank Arena and drive new commercial partnerships for the venue. OVG is working with the M&S Bank Arena team to attract the biggest and best acts into its programme, giving fans in Liverpool even more choice through a year-round calendar of first-class events.
OVG built and now operates and programmes Co-op Live in Manchester, which has quickly become one of the number one touring destinations in the world, welcoming artists including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Drake in the last year.
OVG’s world-renowned commercial partnerships team will also support the M&S Bank Arena to add to its roster of existing partners, helping drive commercial success and further boosting the fan experience.
The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with a focus on elevating the live experience through pillars including Hospitality and Premium Experience – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd. An Opening Night Icebreaker is taking place at Anfield on September 30th, with a tour of M&S Bank Arena’s new premium spaces planned for October 2nd.
The announcement is another exciting milestone for OVG in the UK, building on partnerships with other iconic UK and international stadiums such as Allegiant Stadium, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and Zayed Sports City Stadium.
Gary Hutchinson, Executive Vice President – Global Touring & Content, OVG, said:
“We’re delighted to be working together with the team at ACC Liverpool to create more opportunities for the M&S Bank Arena and the city, and help bring the biggest arena touring acts to Liverpool. We want to help deliver the vibrant, future-facing arena experience that this incredible city deserves.”
Ben Williams, Commercial and Business Development Director, ACC Liverpool Group, commented:
“Liverpool is a city that has always punched above its weight, and by partnering with OVG on the M&S Bank Arena, we are gaining a wealth of experience that will elevate our programming and commercial partnerships. We know that people who live in and visit this city love to go out, so we want to give them a bigger, better, more diverse calendar of sports and entertainment shows, and we’re excited to be working with the team at OVG to help realise these ambitions.”
Alex Reese, Commercial and Brand Strategy Director, OVG, said:
“Liverpool is one of the world’s most iconic music destinations, and M&S Bank Arena sits right at the heart of that story. With such a diverse programme of events and audiences, we have an incredible opportunity to work with brand partners to enhance the in-venue experience and extend it beyond the show itself. We’re excited to be part of the future of this great arena and to help create even more memorable moments for fans.”
Owned by Liverpool City Council, the M&S Bank Arena has recently completed a full redevelopment of its premium hospitality suites, unveiled during Peter Kay’s run of shows in October, as part of a wider programme of venue enhancements.
M&S Bank Arena has a busy year ahead with a vibrant music programme in 2026 including Gorillaz, Richard Ashcroft, Yungblud and legends Barry Manilow and Paul Simon.
About ACC Liverpool
ACC Liverpool is the North West’s premier events destination, hosting world-class conferences, exhibitions and live entertainment in the heart of Liverpool. With state-of-the-art facilities across four venues – M&S Bank Arena, convention centre, exhibition centre and auditorium – ACC Liverpool delivers memorable experiences. From international summits and major business conferences to cultural and community events, the venue combines scale and sophistication with a uniquely local, community-focused approach. Located on the iconic Liverpool waterfront, ACC Liverpool is dedicated to supporting the city, its people, and its visitors, making every event an opportunity to leave a positive impact.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centres, music festivals, performing arts centres and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
SVB LIVE provides an unrivalled, global community, with opportunities to network, collaborate and explore new possibilities year-round via the SVB LIVE Business Club.
Check out the latest sports & entertainment venue development data from across the globe in the exclusive, subscription-only, SVB Global Report here.
