Inside Britain's £365m new biggest indoor arena that could become home of boxing
THIS is the £350 million state-of-the-art co-op Live arena in Manchester, officially opening in April 23.
Located next to the Etihad Stadium, this is the largest indoor arena in the country with an impressive capacity of 23,500, surpassing the 21,000 AO Arena in Manchester.
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And it looks set to challenge London's O2 for the country's biggest boxing fights.
Co-op Live is funded by Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group (CFG), owner of Manchester City.
This led to the complex being built on the Etihad Campus, just a stone's throw from the city's Etihad Stadium.
And Manchester United fan pop star Harry Styles is also an investor in the arena to make it a music venue.
Styles said: “I am incredibly proud to be working with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live.
“Manchester is an incredible city, full of incredible people and I couldn't be happier to be involved in this project. It feels very much like coming home…
“I was drawn to this project on every level, from the opportunities it brings, to the contribution it will make to the city, and most importantly, that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester.”
Music will be the center for Co-op Live, as with most of Britain's top indoor arenas, and it is planned to host around 120 events per year, of which 100 are expected to be concerts.
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But it will also host other events, including sports, and hopes to become a home there boxing And UFC fight nights.
Manchester Arena was the birthplace of Jake Paul's boxing career after older brother Logan fought KSI.
The arena also hosted Mike Tyson's first fight in Britain.
And Michael Bisping defeated Dan Henderson for the middleweight title at UFC 204 in 2016.
Additionally, Michael Bisping defeated Dan Henderson for the middleweight title at UFC 204 in 2016.
And Sun Sports will take a look at the new Co-op Live.
Innovative
The venue will include 32 bars and restaurants, plus 12 lounges.
Featuring a unique bowl design, it has the largest floor area of any indoor arena with a much lower ceiling of the many venues – including tiered seating.
Their website states: “Groundbreaking visual technology, exceptional acoustics and innovative singing bowl design mean the best possible show, whether standing or seated.
“In a space designed to welcome the biggest and most exciting artists from around the world.”
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Co-op Live also has an excellent sustainability record in Net Zero Scope 1 and 2.
Environmentally friendly
The arena will only use sustainable electricity from the 10,500 solar panels on site.
Without gas, the location will be powered, heated and cooled without CO2 emissions.
It will produce zero landfill waste and will also collect Manchester's rainwater to flush toilets and water factories.
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Co-op Live was built using local suppliers, with a facade from Salford, steel from Bolton and chairs made in Britain.
It has been confirmed that the venue will open on April 23 with a headline act from comedian Peter Kay.