THE man behind Co-op Live has revealed exactly why the opening of Manchester's new arena has been delayed again.
In an exclusive interview with the Manchester Evening News, Tim Leiweke explained why the £365m venue has pushed back Peter Kay's two performances for a second time and rescheduled The Black Keys' show originally set for tonight.
The Bolton comedian's official opening show was supposed to take place on Tuesday, April 23.
But with just one day to go, it postponed to a week later. Now, the two Peter Kay gigs are set to take place on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24, while the performance by The Black Keys has been moved to May 15.
Mr Leiweke, who is the managing director at the American Oak View Group, told the M.E.N. he is confident the 23,500 capacity arena will be ready for Olivia Rodrigo's two nights starting on Friday, May 3.
That will follow a performance by Boogie Wit Da Hoodie planned for Wednesday, May 1, at which the upper tiers will be closed.
The Co-op Live boss blamed Brexit, Covid and a record amount of rainfall for the delays to the construction of, what he describes as, 'the best arena outside of North America'
He admitted the company knew the deadline for the original opening show by Peter Kay scheduled for Tuesday would be 'tight' as some testing still had to be completed.
Mr Leiweke said bosses at the new venue discovered there was still 'a lot of work to do' following a test event on Saturday, April 20, which saw Rick Astley take to the stage.
Hours before the event, ticket holders were told the capacity had been cut from around 11,000 to 4,000, with some offered tickets to see The Black Keys instead.
It came after concerns were raised by police and the fire service when tests took place.
The M.E.N. understands Greater Manchester Police was not satisfied with the strength and reach of the radio system inside the venue.
Bu hikaye Manchester Evening News dergisinin April 27, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Manchester Evening News dergisinin April 27, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Industrial Park Could Create Up To 1,500 Jobs
WORK on the first phase of a massive new industrial development is to start after detailed plans were published.
Harry has chance but it's no Shaw thing for Luke...
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that United duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have linked up with the national team early to work with the medical staff ahead of the European Championship.
A change has got to come... A look at 100 days of Ratcliffe's Red rule
IT is now 100 days since United announced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe had secured a 27.7 per cent stake in the club.
City can learn from how Fergie's departure set United back years
Losing Ferguson was catastrophic for the Red half of the city in 2013 - but it was significantly worsened by Gill leaving too
Green wants final say as Lancs ready to Blast off
AUSTRALIAN all-rounder Chris Green is confident Lancashire Lightning have the quality to help himself make it third time lucky in the Vitality Blast.
Junior doctors to strike again before election
JUNIOR doctors in England are to stage a five-day strike in the run-up to the General Election.
Starmer: No decision taken yet on Abbott
VETERAN Labour MP Diane Abbott has not been barred from standing in the General Election, Sir Keir Starmer said.
Backlash over pledge to end 'rip-off' degrees
THE Conservatives' pledge to shut down some degree courses to help fund more apprenticeships is \"frustrating\" and \"self-defeating\", university chiefs have said.
Three soldiers killed in Rafah, says Israel
THREE soldiers have been killed in Rafah, the Israeli military said.
Park closed as murder squad in new search
LOCKDOWN OF PUBLIC SPACE FOLLOWS DISCOVERY OF VICTIM'S BODY PARTS
