Stevie Wonder Concert.
Once outside the venue it took 30 minutes to enter after joining a very long queue.Stevie Wonder was on stage by the time we were sat down.

Co-op Live is the UK's largest entertainment arena, situated in Manchester, England. The venue hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, sports, and live performances, catering to a wide audience of entertainment enthusiasts. With a focus on providing exceptional experiences, Co-op Live offers premium ticket options and unique pre-show experiences through the Co-op Backstage Club, enhancing the overall enjoyment for attendees. The arena serves as a key destination for both local and visiting fans, featuring performances from renowned artists and popular tours. By accommodating various events, Co-op Live attracts a broad demographic, including families, music lovers, and sports fans, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for all guests.
Co-op Live receives a mixed reception from attendees, with many expressing dissatisfaction. While some customers appreciate the venue's atmosphere and the quality of performances, such as Billie Eilish and Drake, the overall experience is marred by significant issues.
Reviewers frequently mention poor organization, with long queues and confusion about entry points leading to frustration. Complaints about seating arrangements highlight safety concerns, particularly in upper levels, where tight spaces make access difficult. Additionally, many express disappointment with the acoustics, describing them as horrendous. Despite some positive remarks about staff attitude and service in specific areas like the OVO Lounge, the overwhelming sentiment reflects dissatisfaction with the venue's management and operational efficiency.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Each source counts by its number of reviews. Only reviews written by people are scored.
| Source | Rating | Reviews | Weight | 6-mo | Fake risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trustpilot Imported Trustpilot reviews | 2.1 | 124 | 100% | -0.3 | ● Low |
Monthly average rating from reviews written by people · latest review Aug 2025.
| Month | Average | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | 2.1 | 12 |
| Jan 25 | 2.5 | 2 |
| Feb 25 | 2.6 | 5 |
| Mar 25 | 1.6 | 7 |
| Apr 25 | 2.0 | 22 |
| May 25 | 3.1 | 13 |
| Jun 25 | 1.9 | 30 |
| Jul 25 | 2.1 | 30 |
| Aug 25 | 1.0 | 3 |
Share of positive (4–5★) and negative (1–2★) reviews mentioning each topic · based on the 124 most recent reviews.
“The staff were outstanding throughout: friendly, attentive, and genuinely went out of their way to make the night spe...”
“We were so excited for this concert – it was the first one my niece had ever been to, and she’s a huge Billie fan”
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Tickets & Venues.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Service | Value | Website & app | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | 2.6 out of 5 (poor) | 1.8 out of 5 (poor) | 1.6 out of 5 (poor) | −7% | 124 | |
| 2.6 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | 1.9 out of 5 (poor) | — | 1.4 out of 5 (poor) | +9% | 424 | |
| 4.5 out of 5 (good) | 50 out of 100 | — | — | — | — | 20,156 | |
| 4.5 out of 5 (good) | 67 out of 100 | — | — | — | — | 5,849 | |
| 1.2 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | 1.0 out of 5 (poor) | 1.0 out of 5 (poor) | 1.1 out of 5 (poor) | — | 1,002 |
Bottom line: Co-op Live is #4 of 5 on overall rating in this group.
124 reviews of Co-op Live . Filter by what matters to you.
Once outside the venue it took 30 minutes to enter after joining a very long queue.Stevie Wonder was on stage by the time we were sat down.
For a purpose built concert hall the seating is appalling. Although sound and views from the gods was pretty good... The lack of space was awful. Barely enough room for someone to walk by even when everyone stood up.. The seats are very very tightly packed together with no leg room. For the ridiculous prices charged for gigs here and the constant advertising of it being the best purpose built concert venue it was extremely disappointing. Compared to somewhere like the ovo in Glasgow it's just awful. Ill not be returning.
We booked a wheelchair space and companion, turned up, they wanted a non ambulant person to walk down stairs, and along to middle row. 2 staff on for ticket problems, massive queues, lots missed the start of concert, people had tickets blocked, all given lower value tickets instead. People by passi g parking queues, and not being scanned .. so why did we pay and pre book when chancers didn't.... Disabled loo didn't flush, toilet paper was trapped and unusable. Security wise no large bag thing didn't appear adhered too. People.with carrier bags. Maz who worked there sorted us eventually, without her I was walking out! Staff just stated same response contact where got tickets! Also, non disabled using toilet, who thought as she was staff... but on a night off watching concert gave her the right to use the loo... Enough said
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The venues event management team need a good talking to. By the time we actually got in, there were a lot of annoyed people. On arrival we were told to join the queue in front of us. Then a large proportion of people were sent to join another queue. Was a good 3min walk to find the back of that queue. Then as we got about 3/4 down they sent us back to where we were originally, announcing that anyone can go in that line irrespective of your entrance number. Think they realised they had made a massive error in their crowd management. You couldn't get into any of the restaurants prior to the doors opening (doors open at 6.30 - show started at 7.30) wtf?!! So the only place you could get a drink in the heat was a little bar which you had to queue for. It cost £5 for a pepsi and £4.50 for packet of squashies as that was the only food we could get. I had to show my event ticket (why on earth would we queue for a overpriced bar serving expensive soft drinks out of choice??!!) Inside there were co-ops but you could only get a couple of things from a heated cabinet, then cans of various things, crisps or sweets. Then they made you open the can when you paid for it (even if you were saving it for later) - this was to prevent you using it as a weapon (I thought she was joking when she said - that apparently not haha). Thankfully the event we went for was fantastic. Egress was handled much better though.
Firstly the queue to get into the venue was ridiculously long, had to walk for ages to find the back of the queue with multiple people just jumping in rather than walking to the back, took an hour to get into the venue a people were struggling to scan mobile tickets so missed the support act completely. Once in the venue the positives are there are plenty of toilets and places to get a drink and staff are friendly. However the seats are too small and close together, I'm only 5,4 and size 10 but struggled to fit in the seats, especially if someone next to you is slightly bigger. The seats are very steep and made me a little nervous. Overall the concert was good but would avoid this venue in future.
The seats are ridiculously tight and cramped - there is no point having the fancy concourse etc if you are so painfully uncomfortable you cannot enjoy your very expensive show. I can even forgive the v expensive drinks and food but there is no excuse for the seating in a brand new purpose built venue.
Bruce springsteen concert Saturday,Sound was awful,Sat at the back of the venue,Couldn't make out what words were being sung and once he started speech on politics it was time to go!Disappointed !
£30 for backstage pass with a free drink and it was half a pint 😂 everything far too expensive and I won't be seeing any more gigs here properly put me off.
As a venue, great. As a location, dreadful. Prepare to walk. And walk, and walk, and walk. Tram link is great in principle, until you're told there will be a huge wait to get back into the city centre due to volume of people... something you'd expect you'd think! Long walk back in summer is one thing, another in bad weather. Wouldn't choose to attend the venue if other options available.
Warning! Restricted view!!!!!! Onlly Murs show 8/5/25 Block 319 row 12 were shockingly restricted view to the point we barely seen anything at all apart from legs!! Had these seats been advertise restricted view I would not of purchase them. I have complained to CO-OP Live but are yet to hear back from them. Very disappointing!
We went 25.4.25 to see Andrea Borcelli. This place is way too big and therefore has subsequent problems . The queue to get in was ridiculous. We waited in a long line for 20 minutes. We missed Andrea coming on to the stage and were made wait outside the auditorium till the show had started. There is not enough toilets through out the venue . This was a very expensive concert platinum tickets . They should have a different queue for people purchasing these expensive tickets. Can’t comment on the food as we never had any. We had a 50 minute wait again in a lengthy queue to get back into the City on a tram. Definitely won’t be back such a shambles .
Just got back from Andrea Bocelli event. The event was superb and the sound was good. However for a new(ish) venue, and this being my first visit, I was very surprised and disappointed by some aspects. We were sat in block 304 row 10 and our view of the video screens at the back of the stage was severely obstructed by what I think were the speakers hanging down from the roof. Which genius thought this was a good idea? Secondly the access stairs are a trip hazard at the end of row 10, with several people tripping and 1 lady actually falling. I am amazed that this arrangement received Building Regulations Approval, but then again perhaps I shouldn’t be. I wasn’t surprised at how expensive the food is, as once inside you are a captive audience, but to charge £8.80 for a small can of water and a small portion of luke warm fries is a total rip off.
Took my wife to an Andre Rieu concert at the Coop Live arena. The evening was marred by a group of 5 people squeezing past into the next 5 seats to us, about 10 - 15 minutes after the start of the concert, each carrying a container of chips and, what ? faggots. They continued to eat during much of the first half of the concert whilst holding mobile phones aloft to video the musicians. This unpleasant sight was accompanied by the strong smell of vinegar and chips. The group were also late back after the interval. This inconsiderate behaviour seemed to be happening in other seating areas. Why do the organisers allow food to be taken into the seating areas and also not prevent entry after the start of the concert ?
What would be a great venue has been ruined by the seating absolutely no leg room and if trying to get past people in seats is damn right dangerous as not enough space to pass even with people stood and pushing into their seats this needs serious attention I will be asking this question to Manchester council Also stewards had not got a clue after leaving this venue sending people to wrong places Prices for food and drinks extortionate £9 for a pint £3.30 for a small can of water and take out a second mortgage for food Also be careful if you want a cab trying to charge £25 -£40 for a three mile journey this was private hire taxis that should not be picking up people without a confirmed booking dangerous in so many ways
Couldn't fault the staff who were both friendly and helpful. The problem is they've squashed too many seats in to the venue. I'm only 5'4" and there was absolutely no leg room whatsoever. The seats are too narrow and the seats in front of you too low making you feel unsafe. It's the only concert I've been to where I haven't stood up at any point. Paul Heaton was amazing though as were the Lightening Seeds and the Zutons. Wouldn't go there again whoever was playing there.
The queueing was terrible in the rain but got in easily enough at the end. You need a mortgage to buy drinks. £35 for a lager and two small cans of wine. Seats very narrow.. probably want to cram more people in for more money. My biggest bugbear is it's a new stadium so you think that health and safety would be utmost in todays society . However there were no rails on the steps going down to the seat. There should be a rail in the middle to help people with walking difficulties etc. I watched one poor lady and she practically was carried down the steps by her son in front and one behind . She told me if there'd been a rail she could have done it, albeit slowly on her own. Such a no no in a new venue. To me all that mattered was seeing Paul McCartney and he was above great.
This is the 2nd time we have been to the Coop Live. First time last September, where i did email to complain (no response) This was due to paying for Backstage Club and then not being let in for over an hour from the time slot giving. This time was to see Billie Elish. The gig itself was amazing which is why I have put 2 stars. The sound,production and staging was great and Billie made sure it was fantastic. It's the venue itself and the event management that let it down. (Not all) I echo people's concerns with the seating. The rows are small and getting past people is tight. My worry is this is where under 16s have to sit with adults and can be scary close to the edge of barriers. The other issue is the system to get in. Queues around the Ethihad. We were door D and had to queue with F to then eventually end up in F door. Considering doors opened at 6 and there was still people queuing around the stadium at half 7 and Billie was on at 8.15 I imagine a few people missed the start. Which seems to be an issue at every gig and no one seems to be doing anything about it Considering people are paying a lot of money for tickets, and I felt really sad for the young people who were there to see their idol and were let down by the event. The woman who was holding the D sign down at the ethihad entrance was awful - when asked why this 1 queue system which made no sense, her response 'we have 20000 ppl to get in' we said other venues don't have this issue and she wasn't having any of it. Was just rude. Everyone echoed the same thing, it was ridiculous and unnecessary considering there are entrances around the whole building. They need to come up with a better system. If doors open at 6 and ppl are still queuing at 8 something is seriously wrong. There are plenty of coop staff who are lovely and the guys on the door doing bag checks were good, a shout out to their manager who kept up positive reinforcement and told them they were doing a great job!!! We don't want to come back to coop again, my daughter however does like the venue but something needs to change!! I imagine lots of people going away disappointed!!
Went to see Iron Maiden in June massive queues to get in doors didn't open until around 18:10 - don't know whey they couldn't open earlier - we'd been stood outside in pouring rain for 2 hours so extremely bad start to the evening. We were in the standing area so went into the main concourse area where there were no seats at all which in my opinion is ridiculous. It's the only arena I've been to where there isn't a seating area near the food. Not much choice of food to be honest expensive burgers, hot dogs, chips. You have to buy drinks in cans from the shops then pour them into paper cups for some unknown reason. You can't buy just a short at the bar you have to have it with a mixer! Ladies toilets were fab no queuing at all which was a bonus and they were clean. Staff were good but overall a disappointing arena when it could have been so much better if more thought had gone into it! Can't comment on seats as we were standing. Iron Maiden were fantastic though!
Watch the bar staff! I was overcharged £60 for a drink. When I challenged it I was told to right my email on a bit of paper!!! Not heard a thing since despite complaining. You can’t call anyone!!
I can't fault staff, they were so helpful. Issues were £300 per ticket for ELO, that is fine, however the plan on the website for choosing seats shows an aisle, and we had chosen the seats by aisle due to disability (no accessible seating was left when purchasing). When we got there, there is no aisle. Very cramped and uncomfortable as a result. Food is top notch, though you can't buy spirits without mixers, makes no sense when you can buy double pints. Getting taxis is a nightmare, walk for ages down unlit streets to be in a maze of people in the same predicament, and this at almost midnight. Disappointing.
Co-op Live is the UK's largest entertainment arena, situated in Manchester, England. The venue hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, sports, and live performances, catering to a wide audience of entertainment enthusiasts. With a focus on providing exceptional experiences, Co-op Live offers premium ticket options and unique pre-show experiences through the Co-op Backstage Club, enhancing the overall enjoyment for attendees. The arena serves as a key destination for both local and visiting fans, featuring performances from renowned artists and popular tours. By accommodating various events, Co-op Live attracts a broad demographic, including families, music lovers, and sports fans, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for all guests.
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