Manchester Arena

Manchester Arena stands in Manchester city centre, built above Manchester Victoria railway station. It is the second largest indoor arena in the UK and the third largest in Europe. The building uses air rights over the station, so trains keep running while the arena was constructed. A 105-metre roof truss spans the space, and the upper walls are clad in purple-grey panels with green glass. The arena opened in July 1995 after being designed by DLA Ellerbe Beckett, Ove Arup & Partners and Austin-Smith:Lord. The arena is one of the world’s busiest indoor venues, hosting over a million customers each year for concerts and shows. It has held records for ice events, ice hockey and basketball attendances. The venue was named International Venue of the Year in 2002 and Europe’s Favourite Arena in 2008. Manchester United once celebrated a Champions League triumph here with a reception for 15,000 fans. After the 2017 attack in the foyer, the entrance was rebuilt and reopened. Visitors enter through a spacious foyer with wide walkways leading to seating on both tiers. The 360-degree seating wraps around the stage, giving every seat a clear view. The arena hosts more than 250 events a year, from comedy and live music to sporting contests and musicals. Take That have played 46 times, the most of any act, while Spice Girls, U2 and Kylie Minogue have all sold out shows here. The building’s concrete and glass surfaces keep sound inside, making every performance feel close and powerful.