Over a hundred thousand fans have been let down in the last two weeks after “technical issues” with he highly anticipated Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Many are wondering how this could happen, including Co-op itself.
Co-op Live Arena Cancellation
Manchester’s highly anticipated Co-op Live Arena faced yet another setback as it cancelled another show due to a number of issues.
Technical Issues Strike Again
The latest show was cancelled due to a “technical issue,” becoming the third to be cancelled before the venue had even opened its doors.
Previous Postponements
The venue has been the subject of jokes online as it was scheduled to open its doors in May for a show with rapper Boogie Wit da Hood.
Queuing Fans Disappointed
The rapper and the new Co-op Arena had to disappoint fans, many of whom were already queuing outside to enter.
Latest Singer Cancels Show
The latest show to be cancelled was American singing sensation Olivia Rodrigo, who became the third to disappoint fans in the space of a week at the arena.
“Venue-Related Technical Issue”
The arena posted a statement online stating that it had informed devastated fans of the news, citing a “venue-related technical issue.”
Postponement Announcement
“Due to an ongoing venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour on May 3 and 4 May are being postponed,” the statement read.
Refunds Promised
The rather abrupt statement carried on to promise refunds to those disgruntled fans, “Ticket holders can either hold onto their tickets or obtain a refund at point of purchase,” it said.
UK’s Largest Indoor Arena
Although this wasn’t as late as the cancelled Boogie Wit da Hood show, it’s still not a great look for what was supposed to be the largest indoor arena in the UK.
Multiple Cancelled Shows
The venue, which was supposed to welcome 23,500 fans through its doors, also cancelled a show that was scheduled to take place in front of 11,000 arena workers.
Rick Astley Disappoints
The performance was supposed to be from none other than Rick Astley before the staff were left disappointed with more technical issues.
Peter Kay’s Tragic Comeback
The popular British comedian Peter Kay was scheduled to be the first performer at the venue after his comeback tour sold out in minutes last year.
Back-To-Back Sold-Out Shows Cancelled
Kay was supposed to perform two sold-out shows on the 23rd and 24th of April this year.
Co-op Under Fire
The popular grocery store Co-op is also under fire after the three cancelled shows, which resulted in a statement issued by a company spokesperson.
Co-Op Clears Its Name
The spokesperson said in a statement that they were “shocked” by the ongoing technical issues and disruptions in an attempt to clear its name.
Co-Op “Shocked” by Disruption
“As the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are shocked at the incident which has led to the late cancellation of tonight’s show at the arena,” the statement said.
Sharing in the Disappointment
Co-op confirmed that no one was injured during the technical issues while insisting it understands the fans’ frustration.
Co-Op Members Affected
“We are relieved that no one has been injured, but we share the disappointment and frustration of ticket holders, many of whom are Co-op members,” it said.
Targeting Oak View Group
Co-op even called out the group it hired to develop the arena, Oak View Group, demanding an explanation from the company regarding the circumstances.
Oak View Group Responsible
“We will be seeking a full explanation from Oak View Group, who are responsible for the building, to the obvious questions arising from this,” the statement continued.
Heartbreak for Travelling Fans
As the Co-op attempts to clear its name, the country waits to see how such a huge error could occur, resulting in heartbreak for so many fans travelling across the country.
The post System Failures at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena Frustrate Numerous Attendees first appeared on 365 News.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / John B Hewitt.