Take That move Co-op Live shows to rival arena after chaos

Editor Stephen Hill 2nd May 2024

 POP band -Take That has been forced to move their upcoming performance from the new Co-op Live Arena to the rival AO Arena due to ongoing technical issues with the former.

 The Co-op Live Arena, the UK's biggest indoor arena, has postponed its opening numerous times, and has recently declared that it will be taking "a short pause to events" before finally welcoming members of the public from the 14th of May. 

This decision has been made to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists, and to allow for an independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling, following an issue with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.  

Take That has revealed on Instagram that their May shows will now take place at the AO Arena instead, owing to the ongoing technical issues around the opening of Co-op Live. While this decision was not taken lightly, the band wanted to give their fans as much notice as possible and minimize inconvenience to as many people as possible. 

All of Take That's shows have been transferred and are the same dates as before except for 8 May, which has been changed to 9 May.  Other artists, including Keane, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Olivia Rodrigo, and Peter Kay, have also faced postponements or cancellations due to the technical issues at the Co-op Live Arena. 

The standup comedian Peter Kay was scheduled to be the first performer at the arena, but his show had to be postponed with less than 48 hours' notice after a test event. 

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's show was postponed just over an hour before he was due to perform because of a problem during the soundcheck. The US musician's gig is now scheduled to take place on Saturday at the AO Arena. Olivia Rodrigo had been due to perform at the Co-op Live Arena on Friday and Saturday as part of her Guts world tour, but her shows have also been postponed.  

A statement from Co-op Live has said that they do not expect further impact on their opening season, and they are aware that their actions have frustrated and angered ticket-holders. They are finding a way to help make it right for those affected by the postponements and cancellations. 

Tim Leiweke, chair and chief executive of US-based venue operator Oak View Group, has apologized for the delays and to "all those that have been affected".  A Co-op Group spokesperson has also spoken out on the matter, stating that as the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, they are disappointed with these further schedule changes. 

They understand the impact and upset the delays have caused to ticket-holders and their Co-op members, and they have made it clear to Oak View Group, who are responsible for the building, that the impact on ticket-holders must be addressed as a priority. They are pleased that plans will shortly be put in place to do so. The spokesperson also assures that the necessary safety checks following the incidents are being completed and independently verified so that Co-op members and other ticket-holders can be reassured that the venue has the very highest levels of security and safety measures.