Co-op Live

What Co-op Live does

Co-op Live operates the UK's largest indoor live entertainment arena, a 20,000+ capacity venue located at 1 Sportcity Way, Etihad Campus, East Manchester (M11 3DL). The arena is operated by Eastlands Arena Limited (company number 13159367) as a joint venture between Oak View Group, City Football Group, Harry Styles, and Co-op, and hosts concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, family entertainment, and major broadcast events including the BRIT Awards 2026 and 2027, NBA regular-season games, and MTV EMAs. Beyond headline events, the venue houses Europe's first fully frictionless autonomous self-serve market (powered by AiFi spatial intelligence and Boxbar Tech automated draught systems), premium hospitality areas (The Club by Barclays, Record Room, Hideaway, Gallery North and West), the Co-op Backstage Club, and the adidas Originals Recording Studio engineered by Abbey Road Studios for emerging artists.

The venue's technology stack centers on the Co-op Live mobile app for digital ticketing and transfers, advanced LED screens for immersive shows, and the AiFi-powered autonomous F&B layer that lets visitors tap a card, collect hot food and draught drinks, and exit with automatic payment processing. AI/ML capability is operationalized rather than developed in-house, with computer-vision-based item tracking driving checkout-free retail; the recording studio leverages Abbey Road engineering expertise and Adidas Originals sponsorship.

Co-op Live's revenue model is a multi-stream mix built on event-day traffic: (1) ticket sales (general admission from £20 to premium standing at £144, plus VIP tiers) transacted via Ticketmaster and venue box office, (2) premium experiences and hospitality (backstage private dining, afterparties, The Club by Barclays annual membership), (3) food and beverage through the autonomous market, concessions, bars, and Detroit-style pizza, (4) venue hire for corporate events and the Canalside outdoor space, (5) official Vertu Parking on Etihad Campus, and (6) venue merchandise. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer ticketing (Ticketmaster, mobile app, box office) with channel partnerships through Co-op's 4M+ member base for exclusive presale access, while sponsorship and media partner deals (Barclays, Adidas, Pepsi, Diageo, Vertu, Guide Dogs) provide earned-marketing leverage.

Name

Co-op Live

Legal name

Eastlands Arena Limited

Website

https://cooplive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Co-op Live operates the UK's largest indoor live entertainment arena in Manchester, hosting concerts, sporting events, comedy, and major broadcasts. It generates revenue through ticket sales, premium hospitality, autonomous F&B, venue hire, and merchandise via Ticketmaster and Co-op member presales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment Venue

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310), Spectator Sports (7112), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Live entertainment arena
• Concert venue hosting
• Premium hospitality services
• Frictionless retail technology
• Corporate event venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue through ticket sales for concerts, sports events, comedy shows, and family events via Ticketmaster and venue box office. General admission, premium seating, and standing tickets available
2. Premium Experiences & Hospitality: Revenue from premium experiences including backstage club packages, hospitality suites (Record Room, Hideaway, Gallery North, Gallery West, The Club by Barclays), backstage private dining, and afterparties
3. Food & Beverage: F&B sales through autonomous market, concessions, bars, and Detroit-style pizza offerings. All purchases via credit/debit card or app advance payment
4. Venue Hire: Corporate events, private hire, and Canalside venue hire for external events and functions
5. Official Parking: Official Vertu Parking on Etihad Campus with standard, express, and accessible parking options
6. Official Merchandise: Venue merchandise store offering exclusive items including artist merchandise without queues for backstage club members

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Co-op Live is the UK's largest indoor live entertainment arena, operated at the Etihad Campus in Manchester, hosting ticketed concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, family entertainment, and major award broadcasts such as the BRIT Awards and MTV EMAs. The venue sells tickets directly and via Ticketmaster, and generates ancillary revenue through premium hospitality suites, the Co-op Backstage Club, frictionless autonomous food and beverage concessions, official parking, merchandise, and corporate/private venue hire including the Canalside outdoor space.

Product overview

Co-op Live is the UK's largest live entertainment arena, operated as a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group (with Harry Styles and Co-op as partners), located at the Etihad Campus in Manchester. The venue offers a portfolio of interconnected products: the core arena hosting major concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and broadcasts (including the BRIT Awards, NBA games, and MTV EMAs); a frictionless autonomous market using AiFi computer vision and Boxbar Tech for checkout-free food and beverage; premium hospitality through the Co-op Backstage Club, premium seating areas, and backstage private dining; an adidas Originals Recording Studio engineered by Abbey Road Studios for emerging artists; and supporting services including the Co-op Live App, Canalside venue hire, and Official Vertu Parking. The venue's sustainability initiatives include solar panels and rainwater harvesting for its carbon-neutral objectives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Co-op Backstage Club: Premium backstage experience offering pre and post-show hospitality including early entry, food, drinks, entertainment, and exclusive access.
• Vertu Parking
• The Club by Barclays
• Record Room
• Hideaway
• Gallery North and Gallery West
• adidas Originals Recording Studio, Engineered by Abbey Road

Products and services

• Co-op Live Arena The UK's largest live entertainment arena located at Etihad Campus in Manchester, hosting concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and major broadcasts. The venue features multiple levels with general admission and premium seating, sustainability initiatives including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, and various hospitality offerings.
• Frictionless Autonomous Market Europe's first fully frictionless, autonomous self-serve market using AiFi's AI-powered spatial-intelligence platform and Boxbar Tech's automated self-serve draught technology. Allows visitors to tap card to enter, select hot food and draught drinks, and leave with automatic payment processing—no queues, tills, or staff required.
• Co-op Backstage Club Premium pre and post-show experience offering early access, guaranteed seating, dedicated bar, street food, arcade games, photobooth, free cloakroom, private toilet facilities, exclusive merchandise store, live DJs, and afterparty access (select events). Available as a package with ticket or as an upgrade for existing ticket holders.
• adidas Originals Recording Studio, Engineered by Abbey Road First-of-its-kind professional recording studio opened in partnership with Abbey Road Studios, designed to support emerging and grassroots artists in Manchester with state-of-the-art equipment and instruments. Emphasizes accessibility for local artists who may not have means to access professional recording spaces.
• Premium Experiences (The Club by Barclays, Record Room, Hideaway, Gallery North, Gallery West) Premium hospitality offerings including The Club by Barclays (premium seating area), Record Room, Hideaway, Gallery North, and Gallery West hospitality packages. Also includes premium ticket upgrades, backstage private dining experiences, and exclusive afterparty access.
• Co-op Live App Mobile application for accessing digital tickets, browsing events, purchasing merchandise, and engaging with venue services including parking booking and in-venue ordering.
• Canalside Venue Hire Canalside event space at Co-op Live available for summer venue hire, corporate events, and private functions adjacent to the Manchester canal network.
• Official Vertu Parking Pre-bookable parking at Etihad Campus with Standard, Express (1-2 minute walk), and Accessible (Blue Badge) options. ANPR technology used for entry and exit management.

Quantifiable outcome

• £800 million contributed to UK economy, £455 million in local GVA from major events
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• AiFicoreTechnology or Integration · 4 March 2026AI-powered spatial intelligence platform provider enabling Europe's first fully frictionless autonomous shopping experience at Co-op Live. Technology allows fans to tap card, grab items, and leave without queues or tills
• Boxbar TechcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 March 2026Automated self-serve beverage technology provider integrated with AiFi platform for the autonomous market. Provides draught system automation for the frictionless bar experience
• Guide DogsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Accessibility partnership to improve experience for visitors with sight loss through specialist staff training and unique socialisation visits for future guide dogs
• Abbey Road StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Partnership for adidas Originals Recording Studio engineered by Abbey Road, designed to support emerging and grassroots artists in Manchester with state-of-the-art equipment and accessibility focus
• Adidas OriginalscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Sponsorship partner for adidas Originals Recording Studio supporting grassroots music scene development in Manchester through the Factory Sounds artist development programme
• Factory SoundsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Artist development programme selecting fifteen emerging artists from Manchester's grassroots music scene, offering funding, mentorship, performance opportunities, and access to the adidas Originals Recording Studio
• Co-op (The Co-operative Group)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2023Naming rights partner providing £1m annual grants to good causes through Co-op Foundation. Co-op membership scheme provides exclusive presale access for millions of UK members. Partnership emphasizes cooperative values and community impact with sustainability initiatives including solar panels and rainwater harvesting
• TicketmasterflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial authorized primary ticketing partner and sole approved fan-to-fan resale platform for all events at Co-op Live
• BarclayscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium partner providing The Club by Barclays hospitality experience with exclusive seating, dedicated facilities, and premium upgrades at Co-op Live
• Vertu MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial parking partner providing branded Vertu Parking at Etihad Campus with standard, express, and accessible parking options
• DiageominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage partner for food and drink offerings at the venue

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AO Arena Manchester: AO Arena is the closest direct competitor in the same city, competing for the same touring artists, corporate events, and concert-going audience in Manchester. Both venues target 20,000-capacity shows and run nearly identical ticket, F&B, and premium-hospitality revenue stacks.
• The O2 Arena (London): The O2 is the UK's flagship 20,000-capacity arena and the primary competing destination for major international tours, including acts like Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Westlife. Co-op Live's positioning as a Northern Powerhouse alternative places it in direct routing competition with The O2.
• Resorts World Arena Birmingham: Mid-tier UK arena (capacity ~15,800) that competes for the same touring-artist and family-show calendar as Co-op Live and sits in the same Midlands/North touring circuit. Highly comparable on event mix, ticketing, and sponsorship structure.
• OVG (Oak View Group): Oak View Group is Co-op Live's co-owner and operates/advises on a global portfolio of similar large-scale arena venues (Climate Pledge Arena Seattle, Moody Center Austin). It is the closest operating peer given shared ownership, management frameworks, and arena-development playbook.
• Manchester Arena (now AO Arena competitor): Listed as separate peer for completeness — the historic Manchester Arena is the city's incumbent venue and the prior default UK North touring destination. Co-op Live is explicitly built to displace it as the premier Greater Manchester arena for global tours.

Broad incumbents

• Madison Square Garden Entertainment: MSG operates Madison Square Garden and The Sphere at the Venetian — the global benchmark for premium, tech-enabled arena experiences. Co-op Live's autonomous F&B and premium-hospitality model is directly modeled on the MSG playbook for monetizing arena attendees at high per-cap.
• AEG / The SSE Arena (Wembley/Belfast/Glasgow): AEG operates a global arena portfolio including The O2 and several SSE-branded UK venues; competes for the same touring acts and broadcast properties as Co-op Live. Broad incumbent comparison for sponsorship, ticketing, and venue-operations benchmarks.

Emerging players

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: Multi-purpose 62,850-seat London stadium actively expanding into NFL games, boxing, rugby, and concerts — competing at the larger end of the same UK live-entertainment market for show routing decisions. Comparable on sport-music event hosting, premium seating, and on-site hospitality.

Regional players

• P&J Live Aberdeen / SEC Glasgow: Scotland-based arena/conference complex operating as the dominant Scotland touring destination; a UK regional alternative venue for routing decisions. Comparable on UK touring circuit position and conference/corporate-hire capability.

Others

• Ticketmaster: Channel partner rather than direct competitor — Ticketmaster is Co-op Live's authorized primary ticketing platform across all events. Adjacent enabling relationship that materially determines venue sell-through velocity and secondary-market economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheCoopLive
• Facebookfacebook.com/cooplive
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cooplive
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecooplive
• TikToktiktok.com/@thecooplive

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Co-op Live