Ao Arena

AO Arena, located at Hunts Bank & Victoria Station Approach, Manchester M3 1AR (not M99 1ZW), is a premier event venue that offers extensive meeting, conference, and event facilities. Here is a detailed description of its function rooms, capacities, and services:

Meeting and Conference Facilities

AO Arena provides a versatile range of spaces suitable for various events, from small gatherings to large-scale conferences and exhibitions. The venue is highly adaptable, with no real height, weight, or noise restrictions, allowing for limitless creativity and potential production.

Arena Bowl

• Capacity: Up to 900 guests for banqueting and 2,500 guests in a theatre-style setup.

• Features: The Arena Bowl is a spacious area ideal for hosting large-scale events, exhibitions, and conferences. It includes an auditorium with a capacity of 9,100 guests, making it suitable for large-scale exhibitions and shows. The space also features 3,120 square meters of exhibition floor space, offering flexibility for various event setups and configurations.

Private Bars

• Capacity: Varies depending on the specific bar.

• Features: Private Bars offer a premium hospitality experience with luxury suites, VIP lounges, and private bars available for each show. The space is ideal for hosting exclusive events, private parties, and corporate gatherings. Upgrade options include early entry with a pre-show glass of champagne to fully catered exclusive suites.

The Heineken Sky Lounge

• Capacity: 100 for receptions and 30 for theatre-style events.

• Features: The Heineken Sky Lounge is a stunning and versatile event space within the AO Arena. It features modern facilities and a stylish ambiance, providing a sophisticated setting for corporate events, product launches, and networking functions. The central location within the Victoria Station complex and easy access to public transport and Manchester Airport make it a convenient choice for event organizers.

Luxury Suites

• Capacity: Varies depending on the specific suite.

• Features: Luxury Suites offer a premium hospitality experience with luxury suites, VIP lounges, and private bars available for each show. The venue provides a rich portfolio of hospitality options, including early entry with a pre-show glass of champagne, fully catered exclusive suites, and expert premium hospitality services. Accessibility features include wheelchair and mobility accessible seating, dedicated accessibility areas, and accessible platforms.

Event Facilities

AO Arena is designed to host a wide range of events, including conferences, conventions, exhibitions, parties, networking events, and product launches. The venue is highly versatile and scalable, ensuring that it can easily accommodate various event briefs.

Services

• Accessibility: The venue offers wheelchair and mobility accessible seating, dedicated accessibility areas, and accessible platforms.

• Hospitality: Luxury suites and VIP lounges provide premium hospitality experiences with options like early entry, champagne, and fully catered suites.

• Technology: State-of-the-art technology ensures quick entry and exit processes, making the fan experience seamless.

• Catering: High-end Mezz bar and Mezz restaurant offer curated menus by Michelin-star chefs, along with a variety of refreshments available throughout the venue.

• Acoustics and Sightlines: Enhanced acoustics and sightlines provide an exceptional event experience with bigger and better visual and audio effects.

AO Arena's redevelopment has significantly enhanced the fan experience, including a 100% increase in standing floor capacity to 6,200, supported by a brand-new lower concourse designed to enhance the experience of standing floor fans[5]. The venue continues to be a premier destination for events in Manchester, offering a unique and innovative premium experience that delivers the best in British and global cuisine, champagne, fine wines, cocktails, and pre- and post-show entertainment.