Manchester's new Co-op Live Arena to host MTV awards

It's been announced this morning that Co-op Live will host the MTV EMAs

Author: Sophie MerrickPublished 29th Feb 2024
Last updated 29th Feb 2024

It's been announced today (Thursday 29 February) that the 2024 MTV EMAs will take place in Manchester.

Now in its 30th year, this is the first time ever that 'music’s biggest global celebration' will be staged in the city, and also marks its return to the UK. Broadcasting from Manchester’s brand-new, purpose-built live entertainment arena Co-op Live on MTV in over 150 countries on Sunday, 10th November, the Europe Music Awards will honour and unite music’s brightest stars.

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "As a city that is known the world over for our legendary music scene, MTV could not have picked a better place for this year's EMAs. With the expertise, experience and reputation we also have for delivering successful, world-class events, we're confident Manchester will provide a superb platform for the best MTV EMAs yet, and look forward to welcoming MTV and the global music community to our city for what is set to be an epic celebration of music and artists. Manchester meets MTV - we can't wait!"

Co-op Live is set to open its doors on 23 April, with Peter Kay recently announced as the first act that will grace its stage. The venue, which has 23,500 seats is the largest in the UK.

Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live said: “Co-op Live has been designed from the ground up to offer, at its core, a truly exceptional live music and fan experience, and we are delighted to be hosting an event which epitomises what our venue stands for. We are honoured to become part of the MTV EMAs story, and to cement Manchester’s standing within the global live entertainment industry.”

Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount, and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. said: "The MTV EMAs is one of the biggest global music celebrations, bringing together local and international artists to create iconic performances for fans around the world. With music at the very heart of Manchester’s rich creative heritage, this vibrant city - with the state-of-the-art Co-op Live - will guarantee a supercharged 2024 show”.

Lee Sears, President, International Markets Advertising Sales, said: “Manchester is a dynamic and innovative city with the infrastructure to deliver a live music event of the scale of the MTV EMAs. We look forward to spotlighting this world-class destination – and the cutting-edge Co-op Live arena – on the global stage.”

When does Co-op Live open?

Co-op Live will open on 23rd April 2024.

Where is Co-op Live?

Co-op Live is in Manchester, its address is Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU.

What is Co-op Live?

Co-op Live is a brand new arena in Manchester, set to open on 23rd April 2024. The arena aims to be Europe’s most sustainable arena. It will be 100% electric with solar panels, and recycling rain water in the toilets and for watering plants. It will also use reusable cups to reduce the usage of plastic.

Speaking about the announcement, Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live, said: "When you think of Manchester, it’s hard not to think of Peter Kay. He embodies what this city is about, and to have him headlining Co-op Live is tremendously exciting. We’re creating an arena that is truly part of the community around it, and having Peter as our opening act is a perfect reminder of that.”

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