News
The Manchester Arena has been renamed once again
Thoughts?
The Manchester Arena has gone by many names over the years – way back in 1995 when it first opened it was the NYNEX, before being renamed the Manchester Evening News Arena in ‘98, and it also did a brief stint as the Phones 4u Arena.
Now it has another name, after agreeing a sponsorship deal with Bolton-based online electricals retailer AO: the AO Arena.
The news comes just as the Arena’s operator, ASM Global, has submitted a planning application for phase one of its redevelopment plan.
Matthew Hartley / Flickr
The partnership is a five-year deal, and the rebranded AO Arena has been revealed today ahead of live events resuming – once current coronavirus restrictions are lifted on venues.
AO Founder and CEO, John Roberts, said: “The Arena holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in Manchester so we’re hugely proud to add the AO smile, especially after such an emotional and difficult period.
“Our home is firmly in the North West, something we’ve never forgotten while building the business into a global destination for electricals.
“We hope today’s redevelopment plans for the AO Arena which, combined with soon-to-be-announced good news about the events coming in 2021, will create hope and excitement about the future of entertainment in our great city.
“Through this sponsorship, we can deliver our famous AO smile to millions of visitors every year and we can’t wait to welcome them to the AO Arena. Thousands of our customers will also be able to enjoy amazing events with tickets, exclusive access and money-can’t-buy experiences.”
AO
James Allen, General Manager of the AO Arena, added: “We are thrilled to have secured this partnership and we look forward to a dynamic relationship with this exciting brand.
“Marking our 25th anniversary with redevelopment plans and our new partnership with AO highlights our commitment to the future of this venue in the heart of Manchester. And after such a long period of pause, we look forward to being able to press play and welcome fans back to the AO Arena.”
Redevelopment plans for the venue have been submitted to Manchester City Council, with the aim of delivering a transformed visitor experience, as well as improving the sustainability of the existing Arena to become one of the lowest carbon venues in Europe.
On top of that, it aims to enhance the existing access to onsite transport links, and act as a hub for its local communities.