Co-op Live and the MTV VMA Awards

For any of your who have taken in a concert at Co-op Live, you may be aware of it’s difficult opening challenges - But last night it faced its toughest test yet - hosting the 30th edition of the prestigious MTV VMA’s and by all accounts the evening was a real spectacle and a great success - to the delight of 25,000 music fans in attendance!

Hosting the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester's Co-op Live was an exciting yet challenging journey for the city and the newly opened arena. Co-op Live, Manchester’s latest and most advanced live entertainment venue, had been built with immersive fan experiences in mind, setting the stage for what would become a milestone event for both the venue and the city. Despite this, hosting such a large-scale, globally televised event brought significant logistical challenges.

In the initial stages, organisers worked to fine-tune the venue’s operations to accommodate the high demands of the EMAs, which involved managing crowd flow for 23,500 attendees. Being a new venue, Co-op Live had to undergo extensive testing to ensure it could meet the unique technical and production requirements of a high-profile event broadcast to over 150 countries. This preparation was crucial in showcasing the arena's state-of-the-art features, while also balancing its fan-first design with the complex needs of the global music event.

Manchester, known for its musical heritage, embraced the opportunity to showcase itself as a prime destination for international events. City officials and the event team coordinated efforts across transportation, accommodation, and hospitality services to meet the influx of global fans and music industry professionals. This coordination not only tested Manchester’s infrastructure but also demonstrated the city’s potential for hosting events on an international stage.

In the final days leading up to the event, the venue transformed as technical teams set up for the intricate performances and live broadcasts that characterise the EMAs. The elaborate production required additional efforts to manage lighting, sound, and stage design at a scale that had not yet been tested at Co-op Live. These preparations culminated on November 10, 2024, when fans, artists, and industry insiders filled the arena for a high-energy celebration of music. This landmark event marked the EMAs’ 30th anniversary and highlighted Manchester’s evolution as a global music and event capital, while Co-op Live established itself as a cutting-edge venue capable of handling the demands of a world-class show.

SOURCE: Manchester’s finest. Standout magazine. Confidentials. IQ Magazine

Standout Magazine
Confidentials
Confidentials
IQ Magazine
Manchester’s Finest
IQ Magazine