Manchester Arena renamed AO Arena
Online electricals retailer AO has become the new headline sponsor of the Manchester Arena as part of a five year deal.
The sponsorship includes the venue being rebranded as AO Arena as operators ASM Global submit a planning application for phase one of its redevelopment.
AO founder and chief executive John Roberts said: “The Arena holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in Manchester so we’re hugely proud to add the AO smile, especially after such an emotional and difficult period. Our home is firmly in the North West, something we’ve never forgotten while building the business into a global destination for electricals.
“We hope today’s redevelopment plans for the AO Arena which, combined with soon-to-be-announced good news about the events coming in 2021, will create hope and excitement about the future of entertainment in our great city.”
The redevelopment plans aim to transform the venue’s visitor experience, make it one of the lowest carbon venues in Europe, and improve its access to onsite transport links.
Over 6,800 people from across Greater Manchester provided feedback as part of a consultation on the plans, with 94% voting positively on the proposals.
