The highly anticipated Co-op Live Arena in Manchester opened its doors for a „test event“ on Saturday night, giving thousands of guests a sneak peek at what the venue has to offer. The evening featured a performance by headliner Rick Astley, setting the stage for the official full opening on Tuesday with Peter Kay.
Aside from the entertainment on stage, attendees had the opportunity to sample some of the food and drink options available inside the arena. While only a portion of the venue was accessible to the public on Saturday night, two main food and drink spaces were in operation – The Founders Bar on The Street and the Canal Side Bar with views overlooking the Etihad Stadium.
For those looking to grab a drink, prices at the arena may come as a bit of a shock. Pints of Guinness, Asahi Super Dry, or local ale like Seven Bro7hers Easy IPA will set you back £8.95, while Grolsch is slightly cheaper at £8.35. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a „double pint“ option available for Asahi or Seven Bro7hers at £17.45, or Grolsch at £16.35. Alcohol-free options like Asahi or Guinness are priced at £6.95.
Wine enthusiasts can expect to pay £8.95 for a glass of Most Wanted white, red, or rose wines, while bottles of When in Rome wines are priced at £35. For those in the mood for fizz, pinot grigio or rose fizz is available for £9.25 per 200ml serving.
At the Canal Side Bar, spirits like Ciroc Vodka, Captain Morgan dark rum, and Tanqueray London Dry Gin range from £12 to £13 for a 50ml serving. Non-alcoholic gin is also available for £9, with mixers priced at £1.50. Soft drinks come in at £2.80 for a half pint or £4.80 for a pint, while cans of still water are £3.20 for 330ml.
Food options at the Co-op branded cafe include Co-op Irresistible Steak and Ale pie for £8.25, chicken, leek, and ham hock pie for £8.25, and a Vegan Classic Gro burger for £11.50. While the food offerings may be tempting, some attendees were taken aback by the prices, with one social media user noting that the same Co-op pie purchased in-store would be nearly half the price of the arena’s £8.25 tag.
Despite the steep prices, the Co-op Live Arena is gearing up for its official opening to paying ticketholders on Tuesday, with a lineup of exciting acts including Take That, Olivia Rodrigo, Liam Gallagher, and Barry Manilow. The venue will feature 32 bar and restaurant options, as well as after-show venues for guests to enjoy.
In conclusion, the Co-op Live Arena’s test event provided a glimpse into what concert-goers can expect in terms of food and drink offerings. While prices may be on the higher side, the venue promises a diverse selection of options to cater to all tastes. With a star-studded lineup of performances ahead, the arena is set to become a must-visit destination for music and comedy fans in Manchester.