MANCHESTER, UK (CelebrityAccess) — The ASM Global-managed AO Arena in Manchester is celebrating the successful conclusion of a £50 million round of upgrades for the facility.
The completion of the project was marked with a topping-out ceremony that was attended by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, along with special guests that included the British rapper Aitch, as well as the indie-pop group Blossoms.
During the ceremony, Blossoms left their handprints in fresh concrete on the venue’s new concourse, immortalizing their presence at the event and their association with the arena.
“When the AO Arena opened again after Covid, we were the first band to play a gig here. We’re excited to celebrate the official topping out of the re-developments and look forward to seeing what the future AO Arena has to offer,” the members of the band said.
The upgrades at AO Arena include a brand new concourse and VIP entrance, with an expanded focus on the customer experience. The venue also saw the installation of new high-end, members-only bars and lounges, along with upgraded food and beverage options for guests.
The technology infrastructure of the arena received a round of upgrades as well, as did backstage, with new artist dressing rooms and production areas, an upgraded green room, crew catering, and meet & greet facilities.
The arena itself was upgraded with an expanded standing area, providing greater flexibility for shows.
Along with the completion of the round of upgrades, AO Arena also announced they have extended their current naming-rights deal with retailer AO World, until 2030.
“For so many reasons, it will always be at the heart of the Greater Manchester story,” Mayor Burnham told the crowd, per the Manchester Evening News. “But it is going into a new era with this major redevelopment.”
