Manchester Evening News Arena

The Manchester Evening News Arena, with a seated capacity of 19,500 it’s hardly surprising that the Arena has attracted such internationally known names such as Phil Collins, Tina Turner, Luciano Pavarotti, Shirley Bassey and Rod Stewart, plus the much publicised, recent and controversial return to the ring from heavy-weight boxer Mike Tyson. A huge venue, in fact Manchester's biggest, it plays host to everything from ice hockey, basketball and of course the worlds superstars. The venue’s versatility has meant that it can be transformed from an intimate theatre environment for 3,000 people to a state-of-the-art arena capable of accommodating up to 21,000 people. Generally the choice of big bands, and American acts, the prices are the highest anywhere - but you do get a great show. Located just off the city centre, it's close enough to walk to clubs/bars, and if you're feeling brave head up to Cheetham Hill for a curry. It is also located within 60 minutes drive-time of 11.4 million people, Manchester Evening News Arena was built alongside Manchester's Victoria Station by Vector Investments, with direct access to a hub of public and private transport services and adjacent to a 1,500 capacity multi-storey car park. The Arena was officially opened on Saturday 15 July 1995 when Torvill & Dean broke the UK box office attendance record for a single ice performance with over 15,000 fans. In its first operational year the venue's target of 130 events, attracting 1 million people was easily exceeded, with over 1.2 million people entertained at 143 events.