Manchester concert arena Co-op Live has inked a technology partnership with Vodafone Business for the installation of dedicated 5G and 4G throughout its footprint for both visitors and venue operations.
In operation since May 2024, the venue is the product of a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group (CFG). Investors also include music artist Harry Styles.
Claimed to be the UK’s only music-first arena, Co-op Live is also said to boast the largest floor space of any indoor venue, accommodating up to 23,500 visitors, offering what is said to be a significantly lower ceiling and tiered seating that brings fans closer to performers. It has to date welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors.
After being officially opened by local band Elbow, the venue has hosted a welter of global artists, including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Take That, The Eagles, Janet Jackson, Pearl Jam, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX.
In addition to music, Co-op Live has been used for UFC fights, All Elite Wrestling and netball. The National Basketball Association (NBA) will play the regular season game between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans in January 2027.
Technologically, the venue boasts that its “cutting-edge” visual technology, “exceptional” acoustics and “innovative” sound bowl design result in the best show possible, whether standing or seated.
The improved connectivity – installed by VodafoneThree’s infrastructure partner, Cellnex, is designed to be used not only to elevate fan experiences, but also to support business operations across the arena.
As a result of the network improvements, customers can automatically connect to either Vodafone or Three through multi-operator core network (MOCN) technology, which has been installed around the venue.
5G standalone has now been enabled in the arena, and customers on Vodafone SuperMobile can also access Vodafone’s 5G+ FastTrack, which is claimed to offer speeds up to four times faster than standard plans in busy areas.
In addition, Vodafone Business is working with Co-op Live to explore how its business-only 5G+ slicing, Vodafone SuperMobile for Business, could support future operations across the venue. By providing dedicated capacity, network slicing is seen as helping to keep business-critical services connected during periods of exceptionally high demand.
In this latter domain, potential applications include payment processing, staff communications, security operations, guest services and connected venue technologies, helping ensure reliable connectivity.
Guy Dunstan, senior vice-president and general manager at Co-op Live, said: “Our partnership with Vodafone Business forms a key pillar in our drive for technological innovation and excellence, tangibly elevating the in-venue experience for both fans and Co-op Live’s team members.”
Andrea Dona, network director at VodafoneThree, added: “People are using more data than ever, particularly in busy venues like Co-op Live. The introduction of our 5G will also help Co-op Live and the businesses supporting it to thrive, giving them the connectivity they need to serve their customers, operate efficiently and make the most of new digital opportunities.”
Co-op Live is the latest Manchester venue to have dedicated Vodafone connectivity, following Manchester Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, as well as the Trafford Centre. MOCN has also started to be introduced to other locations across Greater Manchester, including masts near Manchester Piccadilly railway station.
