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 9,000+ 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 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
DON'T PANIC
KOVACIC CONFIDENT BLUES CAN OVERCOME SLUMP
Zlatan not ruling out Vic switch
AC MILAN advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has refused to rule out the possibility of United centre-back Victor Lindelof joining the Italian club next summer.
Carsley gives respect to Ireland after Greece win
INTERIM boss Lee Carsley says celebrations are on ice as England look to follow up their impressive win in Greece by sealing promotion back to the Nations League top tier by beating the Republic of Ireland.
Young Heskey aims to step out of dad's shadow with Blues
\"IT'S the normal,\" says one of the latest City academy strikers catching attention in describing his upbringing.
Safety pledge for Brits going overseas for ops
THE Health Secretary has said he will work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths.
£15m 'wasted' on migrant camp site
THE Home Office spent £15m buying a derelict prison contaminated with asbestos amid political pressure to stop housing migrants in hotels, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.
Experts: Climate talks 'no longer fit for purpose'
THE process of UN climate negotiations is no longer fit for purpose and requires a comprehensive overhaul, leading experts have warned.
McCall reveals tumour diagnosis
CELEBRITIES have flocked to wish Davina McCall well after she revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, with fellow TV presenter Amanda Holden sending \"so much love\".
'Revenge' shooting teen faces years behind bars
BOY BLASTED AT CLOSE RANGE WITH SHOTGUN IN PREMEDITATED AND PRE-PLANNED' ATTACK
'It was dark, the waves were very high - it was very, very hard'
THE M.E.N. SPEAKS TO ASYLUM SEEKERS WHOSE HOUSING AT A HOTEL HAS DIVIDED A TOWN
