Manchester Co-op Arena cancels opening performance for the third time
The Manchester Co-op Arena has cancelled its opening show for the third time, on this occasion abandoning a show by US rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie at the last minute due to a âtechnical issueâ.
The ÂŁ365m venue, the biggest indoor arena in the UK, had already postponed its opening twice last week, rescheduling performances from Peter Kay and The Black Keys.
On Wednesday evening, it posted a statement 10 minutes after the doors were meant to open for its first official event with A Boogie Wit da Hoodie cancelling the show, as fans queued outside awaiting entry.
Soon after, the venue announced it was also postponing performances by Olivia Rodrigoâs as part of her Guts world tour on 3 and 4 May.
A statement from the venue posted on X, formerly Twitter, said: âDue to a venue-related technical issue, tonightâs A Boogie Wit da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead.
âWe kindly ask fans to leave the area. Tickets holders will receive further information in due course.
âWe deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.â
The 28-year-old rapper said âsomething happenedâ during a soundcheck which meant the show had to be called off.
He posted on X: âSomething happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show.
âWe are working on rescheduling in the next few days.
âIâm heated about the situation too, but safety first Manchester, I got you, just stay tuned for further info.â
It comes after the venue reassured fans that performances from A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and US singer Olivia Rodrigo would be going ahead this week.
It is not yet known whether the latest setback will also affect Rodrigoâs scheduled appearances
The arenaâs general manager, Gary Roden, announced his resignation last week after a slew of issues led to a delay in the venue opening.
Bolton-born comedian Kay was scheduled to be the first performer but his show had to be postponed with less than 48 hoursâ notice following a test event.
The rescheduled dates at the end of April were rescheduled again, alongside dates for US rock duo The Black Keys, as the venue had to undertake âextensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fansâ.
The new date for the US rock band is 15 May while Kayâs performances have shifted to 23 and 24 May.
A Co-op Group spokesperson said: âAs the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are shocked at the incident which has led to late cancellation of tonightâs show at the arena. 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, with the continuing delay to the opening of Co-op Live and the disruption that this is causing to everyone who has been looking forward to attending events.
âWe will be seeking a full explanation from Oak View Group (OVG), who are responsible for the building, to the obvious questions arising from this, together with a clear plan from the Co-op Live venue management team at OVG for opening the venue and postponed and future events.
âSafety is of course the number one priority and it is critical that Co-op members and other ticket holders can enjoy events in a venue with the very highest levels of security and safety measures in place. We are very grateful for Manchester City Councilâs and the emergency servicesâ continued engagement with OVG to ensure that Co-op Live opens as soon as possible.â
A representative for Manchester Co-op Live was contacted for comment.