AO Arena

Name: AO Arena
Address: Victoria Station, Manchester, Manchester, GB

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About

AO Arena is an indoor, multi-purpose venue in Manchester, mainly hosting concerts. It stands partly above Manchester Victoria railway station, north of the city centre.

More photos 5

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AO Arena — Bright entrance concourse with Manchester Arena signage

Chesterfield42 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited

AO Arena — Boxers competing in the ring before arena spectators

AO Arena — Orchestra performing beneath lights in the arena

AO Arena — Elbow performing on a stage with green lighting

AO Arena — Tool performing on a stage beneath a large screen

Why go

Manchester Storm’s 1997 game against Sheffield Steelers drew 17,425 spectators, setting a UK ice hockey attendance record.
Manchester’s Ricky Hatton became a regular and crowd favourite in the arena’s boxing ring.
Peter Kay performed 20 consecutive nights here, setting a venue record.
Great Britain played in the arena’s Davis Cup Finals group stages in both 2023 and 2024.

The hall

seating: Seats are arranged around the arena on both tiers.
capacity: Up to 23,000 people, including standing spectators, after the 2024 refurbishment.
accessible platforms: Level access and wheelchair accessible.

Interesting facts4

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The arena was built above the railway station without interrupting its use.
Manchester Arena - Wikipedia
A 105-metre truss spans the roof, and reinforced concrete helps insulate sound.
Manchester Arena - Wikipedia
2019
Take That held the arena’s performance record with 46 shows by 2019.
Manchester Arena - Wikipedia
2007
In 2007, the arena sold 1,245,196 concert tickets and was named the world’s busiest concert arena.
Manchester Arena - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

The arena was built to support Manchester’s unsuccessful bids for the 1996 and 2000 Olympics. Designed by DLA Ellerbe Beckett, Ove Arup & Partners and Austin-Smith:Lord, it cost £52 million to build.

1995Opened on 15 July as NYNEX Arena; the opening-night audience watched Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
2002Hosted Commonwealth Games events.
2017Closed after the bombing following Ariana Grande’s concert and reopened in September with a benefit concert featuring Noel Gallagher and other North West acts.
2024A £50 million refurbishment was completed in January, focusing largely on visitor comfort.

Facilities

low-level counters Available at bars and merchandise stalls.
Guest Services The concourse customer service team is opposite Block 101.
assistance Accessible stewards wear blue tabards and can help guests move around the venue.

How to get there

TrainManchester Victoria station adjoins the arena and is served by Northern and TransPennine Express.
TramMetrolink serves Victoria station beside the arena.
ParkingCitiPark operates the on-site car park; its 40 Blue Badge bays are allocated first come, first served. Address: Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1AR.
On footEvent-floor and mezzanine ticket holders should enter through Trinity Tunnel on Trinity Way.

Accessibility

Step-free entry Via Victoria Station Entrance C and Trinity Tunnel Entrance T.
Lift From Victoria Station to bridge level; from Trinity Tunnel to the event floor.
Accessible seating Accessible seating is in Blocks 105, 108 and 109. The City Rooms entrance is closest to accessible platforms and tiered seating.
Induction loop Covers seating area 114 and accessible platforms in Blocks 108 and 109.
Accessible toilets Near Blocks 108, 109, 116, 119 and 120. A changing place toilet is near Block 110.
Wheelchair assistance Wheelchairs are available at Guest Services opposite Block 101 for travel around the concourse. Guests can leave a wheelchair there during a show and collect it with a wristband.
Standing floor access with crutches or walking aids Guests using crutches or walking aids cannot use the standing floor; staff can help find accessible seating or a viewing platform.

Sources: Manchester Arena - Wikipedia · Manchester/Victoria-Shopping District - Wikivoy… · Welcome to the AO Arena in Manchester | AO Arena · Accessibility at the AO Arena | AO Arena · Newsletter Signup | AO Arena · Manchester Arena - Wikipedia · Manchester Arena - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026

Where

Victoria Station, Manchester

Website: ao-arena.com/

Questions and answers

Which entrance at AO Arena is closest to accessible platforms and tiered seating?

The City Rooms entrance is closest. From the Victoria Station lift at bridge level, it is up to 180 metres away.

Can I borrow or store a wheelchair at AO Arena?

Wheelchairs are available for travel around the concourse to seats and back to the doors. You can leave a wheelchair during a show and collect it with a wristband.

Can I use AO Arena’s standing floor with crutches or walking aids?

No. Staff can help you find accessible seating or a viewing platform.

Where is the taxi rank at AO Arena?

At the bottom of the Hunts Bank entrance.

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