First Look: Inside Co-Op Live, Manchester: The UK’s Biggest Indoor Arena

When looking outside the new Co-op Live Arena, there is no doubt that the 23,500-capacity venue is the country's largest indoor arena. The new arena, situated in the north-east of Manchester, alongside the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City's home, looks set to become the go-to destination when big artists tour. The venue has already secured The Eagles' only UK live dates, as well as the MTV European Music Awards, which are scheduled to take place at Co-op Live in November.

The £365m arena has been developed by the Oak View Group, the largest sports and entertainment developer in the world, in conjunction with joint venture partner City Football Group and alongside global pop star Harry Styles, a minority stakeholder in the venue.

Co-op Live's design aims to be the most sustainable entertainment venue in Europe. Design features include 6,400 square . metres of rooftop solar panels along with air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting systems (to make use of Manchester’s damp climate), high-spec insulation, and a façade designed to reduce heating and cooling requirements.

There are two huge car parks, though the price of £25.00 per car seems a little steep. Concert events up to 30th June include free travel to the venue on Metrolink and city centre shuttle buses.

The first thing that general admission ticket holders will see upon entering Co-op Live is “The Street," an indoor food and drink market within a triple-height atrium. Featuring twin island bars (including one that is 22 metres long), as well as “grab and go” food markets and a merchandise area.

Prices for food and drink might not be music to everyone’s ears. A pint of Guinness, Asahi Super Dry, or local ale Seven Bro7hers Easy IPA will cost you £8.95. A pint of Grolsch is a little less than £8.35. There is also a double-pint option for £17.45, as well as a Grolsch for £16.35. A 187-ml glass of wine starts at £8.95. Bottles of When in Rome wines are £35.00. A 330ml water costs £3.20, while a 330ml soft drink is £3.80.

If you fancy a bite to eat, the food prices might not be to your taste either: a Co-op Irresistible Steak and Ale pie or a Chicken, Leek, and Smoked Ham Hock pie will set you back £8.25. The Vegan Classic Gro Burger costs £11.50, the All-American Burger is £11.00, and the Classic Burger weighs in at £12.50.

Inside the main auditorium, the space somehow does not feel that big, as compared to the AO Arena in Manchester city centre (though it does dwarf those of Leeds, Liverpool, and Sheffield Arenas); the compact seating configuration still gives even a six-foot person good leg room. The sightlines seem to have been optimised for live music, with the acoustics being first-class; watching Rick Astley at a test event at the venue, the sound was perfect. The seating bowl does not have any pre-installed ribbon screens or corporate branding that detracts from the visual identity of the arena; this was suggested by Harry Styles and Bruce Springsteen.

The standing floor can accommodate 9,200 fans, compared to around 6,000 at most other arenas. I should imagine that standing amongst such a large gathering could either be an enthralling experience, depending on which act is on stage, or not a very enjoyable one if you do not like large crowds.

We will see if Manchester can support two large indoor arenas. The extra capacity that Co-op Live has over its other rival will no doubt be the main draw for artists who can make a considerable amount of money with the increase in size at the new venue.

For the fans, the venue with its black interior does have a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere, though to make it feel extra special, the venue does need to be full of enthusiastic fans, and with a strong opening line-up ahead, that looks to be a certainty.