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 and this weekend’s both postponed.
Concertgoers were supposed to have been allowed into the arena at 6.30pm tonight and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, real name Julius Dubose, was due to perform at 8pm, according to the venue’s website.
However, a post on the venue’s social media at 6.40pm told fans the gig had been cancelled.
Fans immediately shared concerns over whether Olivia Rodrigo‘s dates at the arena would go ahead this weekend and within hours, their fears were confirmed.
“Due to an ongoing venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour on May 3 and 4 May are being postponed,” the venue said in a statement on X.
“Ticket holders can either hold onto their tickets or obtain a refund at point of purchase.”
The new dates are yet to be announced.
In an Instagram post after A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s last-minute cancellation, the US rapper said issues were down to “something [that] happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck”.
“We are working on rescheduling in the next few days,” he added. “I’m heated about the situation too, but safety first.
“Manchester, I got you. Just stay tuned for further info.”
Co-op Live bosses had sought to reassure fans that tonight’s show would go ahead and shared instructions for attendees just hours before the cancellation.
With a capacity of 23,500, the Co-op Live will be the UK’s largest arena when it’s fully open and was built at an estimated cost of £365m.
Headaches for the venue became clear last month when the capacity at a test event was reduced with just hours’ notice.
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Peter Kay was supposed to be Co-op Live’s opening act before his stand-up shows were postponed last month. File pic: PA
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.
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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.
Co-op Live’s general manager Gary Roden announced his resignation last week following the initial setbacks.
