The new Co-op Live in Manchester has been hit by further problems before it’s even fully opened – with tonight’s gig being cancelled as concertgoers were already in the arena.
A post shared on social media at 6.40pm read: “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead. We kindly ask fans to leave the area.
“Tickets holders will receive further information in due course.”
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many,” it added.
Attendees were allowed into the arena at 6.30pm and the gig was due to start at 8pm, according to the venue’s website.
Many fans have shared their disappointment on social media, with some questioning if Olivia Rodrigo’s upcoming concerts at the venue will go ahead as planned.
The Good 4 U singer is due to bring her GUTS world tour to the Co-Op Live this Friday and Saturday.
With a 23,500 capacity, the Co-op Live will be the UK’s largest arena when it’s fully open, but headaches for the venue became clear last month when the capacity at a test event was reduced with just hours’ notice.
Rick Astley had been due to perform to 11,000 arena workers and VIPs on 21 April but at the last-minute, thousands of people saw their tickets cancelled.
The venue was due to fully open with Peter Kay stand-up shows on 23 and 24 April, but these dates were pushed back at the last-minute amid behind-schedule tests and safety concerns.
Kay’s fans were initially told the shows would take place just days later – but they were then postponed again, for a month’s time.
US rock duo The Black Keys were also due to take to the stage during Co-Op Live’s opening week. Their gig was previously pushed back to 15 May.
Source Agencies
