AO Arena, Manchester
The AO Arena Manchester, managed and operated by Legends Global, is one of the busiest venues in the world and the largest indoor sporting arena in Europe.
Opened in 1995, it has hosted some of the biggest names in live entertainment including U2, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pavarotti and the record-breaking residency by local comedian Peter Kay.
Big UK sporting events at the Arena have included the 2002 Commonwealth Games', 2012 Olympic basketball warm up matches between team USA and GB, the 2008 FINA World Swimming Championships and international boxing matches including Mike Tyson, David Haye, Joe Calzaghe plus local champions Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and Anthony Crolla,
Showcasing Manchester's rich musical heritage bands like Take That, Oasis, Elbow, New Order, James, Happy Mondays, The Charlatans, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, M People, Doves, Inspiral Carpets, The Verve, Simply Red and The Courteeners have also hit the famous stage.
Attracting over one million visitors each year, the 23,000 capacity Arena is a former winner of the industry's prestigious International Venue of the Year award.
In 2020, North-West based online electricals retailer AO became the Arena's first headline sponsor amplifying the guest experience with surprise and delight activations on the concourse.
Contact Details
Security
Getting Here
Access
Contact Us - Please see our Access Contact Us page for details
We have three accessible entrance points into the arena via Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Victoria Station.
Please note that access to the arena complex is restricted to ticket holders only.
Getting from Victoria Station to City Room entrance.
Please have your ticket ready to enter the arena. Take the lift located to the right hand side of the stairs within Victoria station. The lift to the bridge level connects Victoria Station to the City Rooms entrance at the Arena. Maximum distance from Victoria Station to entrance is 180 metres.
Getting from Hunts Bank into the Arena.
Please have your ticket ready to enter the arena. The Hunts Bank entrance is accessible via the stairs or a lift to the right hand side of the stairs. Maximum distance to the lift from the entrance point is 50 meters
Accessible Toilets - Toilets are located near to Blocks 108/109 & Blocks 116, 120 & 119. This is including accessible toilets within the male and female toilet, as well as all-gender toilets, and separate radar key toilets if required.
There is also a changing place toilet in operation near to block 110, please speak to a steward if you need help in locating this.
Assisted Listening - We have an induction loop in the main auditorium which covers seating area 114, and Accessible Platforms 108, 109. To connect you will need to switch your device into the T position. If you have difficulty connecting, please speak to the nearest steward and they can report issues for you.
Assistance Dogs - ADUK registered assistance dogs are welcome at the AO Arena.