Manchester Arena

Manchester Arena is an indoor arena located in Manchester, England, which has hosted numerous high-profile events, including concerts by Ariana Grande, Kanye West, and Taylor Swift. The arena is situated near Victoria Station (Manchester), making it easily accessible by Metrolink (Manchester), National Rail, and Manchester Airport. It has also been the venue for sports events, such as Mixed martial arts tournaments by UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and Boxing matches featuring Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The arena's events have been attended by notable figures, including Elton John, LeBron James, and David Beckham.

● History

The arena was opened in 1995 by Queen Elizabeth II and has since become one of the busiest and most popular venues in the world, hosting over 350 events per year. It was originally known as the NYNEX Arena and was later renamed the Manchester Evening News Arena (M.E.N. Arena) in 1998, after the Manchester Evening News newspaper. The arena has undergone several name changes, with Phones 4u becoming the naming rights sponsor in 2009, followed by Manchester Arena in 2015. Notable performers who have played at the arena include The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga, as well as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Rihanna. The arena has also hosted events for WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and NBA (National Basketball Association) games featuring the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.

● Design and facilities

The arena was designed by architects Denton Corker Marshall and features a unique Elliptical shape, with a seating capacity of over 21,000. The arena's design has been influenced by other notable venues, such as the O2 Arena (London) and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The arena features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, as well as a range of facilities, including VIP suites, Bars, and Restaurants. The arena's facilities have been used by a range of events, including concerts by Coldplay, U2, and The Killers, as well as Comedy shows featuring Kevin Hart and Eddie Izzard. The arena has also hosted events for Disney on Ice and Cirque du Soleil, featuring performers such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

● Events and concerts

The arena has hosted a wide range of events, including concerts by The Beatles tribute acts, such as Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, and Musical theatre productions, such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. The arena has also hosted Comedy shows featuring John Bishop and Peter Kay, as well as Mixed martial arts events by Cage Warriors and Bellator MMA. Notable performers who have played at the arena include Elvis Costello, Tom Jones, and Stevie Wonder, as well as Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. The arena has also hosted events for BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and ITV (Independent Television) productions, featuring Ant & Dec and Simon Cowell.

● Security and incidents

The arena has been the subject of several security incidents, including a Terrorism attack in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people. The attack occurred at an Ariana Grande concert and was carried out by Salman Abedi, a Libyan-born British citizen. The arena has since increased its security measures, including the use of Metal detectors and Bag checks. The arena has also hosted events to support the victims of the attack, including a benefit concert featuring Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and Katy Perry. The arena's security measures have been praised by Greater Manchester Police and MI5 (Security Service).

● Transport and access

The arena is located near Victoria Station (Manchester), making it easily accessible by Metrolink (Manchester), National Rail, and Manchester Airport. The arena is also accessible by Bus and Taxi, with several Car parks located nearby. The arena's transport links have been improved in recent years, with the introduction of a new Tram line and the redevelopment of Victoria Station (Manchester). The arena is also within walking distance of several Hotels, including the Hilton Manchester Deansgate and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport.

● Renovations and expansions

The arena has undergone several renovations and expansions since its opening in 1995, including a major refurbishment in 2009. The arena's seating capacity has been increased several times, with the addition of new VIP suites and Bars. The arena has also invested in new sound and lighting systems, as well as State-of-the-art Video screens. The arena's renovations have been carried out by several companies, including BAM Construct UK and ISG (company), and have been supported by Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The arena's expansions have also included the development of new Restaurants and Bars, featuring Cuisine from around the world, including Italian cuisine and Chinese cuisine.

Category:Indoor arenas in the United Kingdom