AO Arena announces brand new luxury suite to open in 2024

Want to get the VIP treatment next time you go to a gig?

By Manchester's Finest | 11 May 2023

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AO Arena is upping its game with a major transformational redevelopment costing a cool £50m. Today the original Manchester sports and music venue has announced its latest upgrade in the form of The Mezz, which it says is “a brand-new suite, premium bar and restaurant”.

Work on this premium mezzanine experience is set for completion in early 2024 but you can book it now. 

The new VIP entrance at the AO arena. Image: Vincent Cole

The Mezz will be a members-only area for people attending the award winning venue who want to do it VIP style. There will be a bar and restaurant serving a menu of high-end British cuisine alongside a list of champagne, fine wines and signature cocktails. There will also be “post-show entertainment” in the space where guests can keep things going after party style with DJs and more.  

From The Mezz, the arena team says, guests will have an “unrivalled view of the arena bowl” and the acts on stage. The Mezz is the latest addition to the AO Arena as part of its long-term vision and investment. 

The Mezz will have an exclusive bar and restaurant serving modern British cuisine. Image: AO Arena

The Mezz joins several upgraded experiences that will be available at AO Arena. 

These include The Beautiful North, an “exclusive premium super suite” that can accommodate up to 34 guests as part of a 50-show membership package. This comes with balcony seating for a better stage view as well as complimentary premium drinks and small plates , and a free parking space.

Not got 33 mates and time to see 50 shows in a year? The AO Electric Lounge is a Champagne experience aimed at couples and smaller groups with a VIP entrance, fast-track early entry to the AO Electric Lounge, a glass of champagne and a sharing charcuterie board, and some of the best seats in the house located just one block from the stage.

The Beautiful North offers a better view of the stage. Image: AO Arena

Lastly, The Heineken Sky Lounge offers an upgrade on your show ticket to give you access to a semi-private bar for pre-show drinks with views across Manchester’s ever evolving skyline. Guests can enjoy exclusive pre-show access to this premium lounge before heading through to watch the show. This is the most affordable option with prices starting at £30 per person.

Those that are priced out of a VIP experience like this can be assured that customers will also see “upgraded concourse areas, revamped bars and refreshed, quality new menu offerings”. The main arena bowl floor space is also being expanded to allow for increased capacity. 

AO Electric Lounge offers some of the best seats in the house and a cool bar. Image: AO Arena

Jen Mitchell, General Manager at AO Arena said, “With our redevelopment works well underway, we are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of The Mezz. A stunning new suite, premium bar and restaurant for guests, right here in Manchester city centre. And of course, there will be access to watch the shows from some of the best seats in the house. We’re incredibly proud to be elevating AO Arena as we drive ahead to a bright future, so it’s fantastic to be able to reveal this latest addition in the works, as part of our state-of-the-art premium portfolio.” 


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