TfGM promotes public transport for getting to events ahead of Co-op Live arena opening

Those attending events at the Co-op Live area when it opens later this month are being advised public transport is the best way to get to the show.

The 23,500-capacity arena opens its doors at the Etihad Campus on 23 April, launching into a diverse opening season filled with globally renowned artists and events, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is advising that public transport and active travel offers fans a great opportunity to get to the arena.

Tram travel is included with event tickets for four hours before and after the show – owing to Co-op Live’s groundbreaking initiative with TfGM. Co-op Live is right next to Etihad Campus tram stop and is served by the Ashton-under-Lyne to Eccles service every day.

Post-event shuttle buses are also included with your event ticket and run from the Blue Car Park at the Etihad Campus back to Piccadilly Gardens. Inclusive tram and shuttle bus travel will run during the venue’s opening season, ending 30 June. Travel on commercial bus services is not included; further information on services in the area is available on the TfGM website.

The venue is just a 25-minute walk from the city centre. A regenerated step-free, well-lit, interactive walking route (also marked on maps as ‘CityLink’) is clearly signposted from Piccadilly Station and through the Ancoats and New Islington areas. Helpers will also be on hand to support on show days.

And it takes just 10 minutes by bike if you cycle via Merrill Street, then on to the CityLink by Holt Town tram stop. There are over 500 cycle parking spaces on the Etihad Campus once you get to the arena.

Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director at TfGM, said:

“It’s an exciting time as the fantastic new Co-op Live prepares to welcome some of the world’s biggest stars to Manchester – and we want to make sure everyone gets to and from their show as quickly and easily as possible. “By choosing public transport or walking, wheeling or cycling you can dodge the traffic and with tram and bus shuttles included with your ticket you can also save yourself some money.”

Roads in and around Co-op Live will be busier on event days and travel time may vary depending on a variety of factors, including whether it is an evening or weekend concert and whether there is a Manchester City match being played.

For those looking to drive, Co-op Live’s Official Off Street parking can be found next to the arena on the Etihad Campus. Depending on what else is on at the Etihad Campus, the official parking may be located in Blue, Orange or Green car parks.Further information will be available when off-street parking is made available, no sooner than four weeks before the event. The pick-up and drop off point for Hackney carriages will be on Rowsley Street.

Parking is also available at the 24 tram park and ride sites in Greater Manchester. The nearest park and ride sites to Co-op Live are at Ashton Moss, Ashton West and Ladywell.