'For the next 30 years no one will remember the first seven days'

Co-op Live boss Tim Leiweke tells Joseph Timan of his optimism after a week to forget at £365m venue

- Joseph Timan

AS CONSTRUCTION work continues around him, Tim Leiweke’s optimism is unwavering.

The self-described ‘director of enthusiasm’ at Co-op Live is confident that Manchester’s new arena – the biggest in the UK – will finally open its doors next week.

But his exclusive interview with the M.E.N. follows a turbulent few days for the venue.

Hours before a test event last Saturday, some ticket holders were told that they could no longer attend. The capacity for the event which featured a performance by Rick Astley was cut from around 11,000 to 4,000 amid concerns raised by emergency services.

Two days later, the arena announced its official opening – two performances by Peter Kay starting the following night – would have to be pushed back by a week. On Friday, Co-op Live announced that the Bolton comedian’s shows have been postponed again.

The Black Keys, who were supposed to be performing at the venue yesterday, have also been moved.

American rapper Boogie Wit da Hoodie is now set to open the building on Wednesday – something Tim ‘never thought’ he would be saying.

The following day, Olivia Rodrigo’s team – some of whom are already at the venue – will start setting up for the US singer’s two shows starting on Friday, which will be the arena’s first at full capacity. Contingency plans are in place, but Tim insists: “We’ll be fine.”