Co-op Live

When Oak View Group announced plans to expand its North American arena ventures into Europe, it set its sights on enhancing the fan experience through sustainability and digital technology. 

Fast forward and Co-op Live has gone from concept to reality. It’s been open since May 2024 on the Etihad Campus in Manchester, developed in collaboration with City Football Group and supported by investors like Harry Styles. 

With a capacity of 23,500, this music-first arena is now the largest in the UK, designed with music fans at its heart. The venue operates entirely cashless, striving to enhance live events for today and tomorrow.

“Our mission is to be a positive disruption to 'business as usual' in sports, live entertainment and hospitality,” shares Sam Piccione, President International for Oak View Group. “We set out to become a 100% cashless venue and couldn’t do that without our official payments partner Elavon, as we’ll be processing millions annually and the technology has to work.”

Creating a sustainable ecosystem

Co-op Live represents the largest construction project in Manchester for generations, projected to inject around £1.5 billion into the local economy over the next 20 years. The project has created and supported thousands of jobs, including many apprenticeships, and it now supports over 2,000 ongoing roles.

Sustainability is woven into the venue's operations, which are fully electric-powered with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient LED lighting. The project prioritised locally sourced materials and aims to minimise waste, highlighting its commitment to the environment.

The collaboration among partners fosters a network that benefits fans, artists and the broader community. “Digital insights enable us to understand spending patterns and service efficiency in real time,” Dave explains, allowing for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. 

The Elavon payment authorisation system operates at an impressive 99.99% uptime and is supported by 24/7 assistance to address issues swiftly. Their commitment to security ensures safe transactions, providing reassurance for both businesses and fans.

To see what’s coming up at Co-op Live, visit www.cooplive.com.