We Are Manchester
Manchester Arena turns twenty in 2015!
Since we opened in 1995 we’ve sold more than twenty million tickets, staged the biggest names in live entertainment and broken records around the world. But most importantly we’ve made memories for millions of people from Manchester and beyond.
Throughout 2015 we’ll be sharing our memories from the last twenty years - from Torvill & Dean’s iconic opening performance, Peter Kay’s record-breaking 39 night residency, Take That’s triumphant hometown shows and Manchester’s finest coming together for Versus Cancer.
We’d also like to showcase your memories of Manchester’s biggest live entertainment venue so please share your stories, photos and experiences with us on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #WEAREMANCHESTER
Check out Manchester Arena's Anniversary Tribute written by Manchester poet Tony Walsh (aka Longfella).
Click here to watch it on YouTube
Today marks the official 20th anniversary of Manchester Arena, which opened with its first show on 15 July 1995.
In the run up to our official 20th anniversary on 15th July 2015, our friends over at the Manchester Evening News remember some of the biggest moments in Arena history.
On Saturday 4 June 2005, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton took on Kostya Tszyu "The Thunder from Down Under" in an epic fight for a world championship title.
As we look forward to Take That's return to Manchester tonight, we remember all the other amazing shows they've held here over the years...
Manchester poet Tony Walsh - aka Longfella - has penned a brilliant tribute to his hometown arena as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations!
On 9 May 2012, Manchester Arena made history again with the debut show of Street of Dreams - a live musical event celebrating Manchester's best loved soap Coronation Street.
27 April 2010 was the first night of Peter Kay's record breaking residency here at the Arena as part of The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour
Back in 2008, we were proud to host the 9th FINA Swimming World Championships, which ran from 9th - 13th April.
The Busted boys have performed here quite a few times over the years and on 19 March 2004 they came back for two shows, with support from their friends McFly!
We caught up with Noel before the High Flying Birds gig last night to find out about his memories of Manchester Arena
On 9 March 2010, TV sensation Cesar Millan came to Manchester to share his tips and techniques
Singer and radio presenter Rowetta shares her favourite memories of Manchester Arena
On 23 February 1997 Manchester Storm made history when a record breaking number of people came to see their match against the Sheffield Steelers
Posted on: 23 February 2015
In February 2002 Pollstar presented their Concert Industry Awards for 2001 and we walked away with the trophy for International Venue of the Year!
Posted on: 16 February 2015
Controversial rap star Eminem caused quite a stir in Manchester when he performed here on 8 February 2001....
Posted on: 08 February 2015
McBusted stopped by earlier this week and shared a few memories of Manchester Arena
Posted on: 30 January 2015
On 26 January back in 2008, The Spice Girls performed here in Manchester for the last time as part of The Return of the Spice Girls tour.
Posted on: 26 January 2015
Manchester’s biggest live entertainment venue will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and as part of the celebrations, we have officially changed our name to Manchester Arena
Posted on: 15 January 2015