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Fans of pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo have expressed dismay after technical issues forced the cancellation of her historic debut performances at Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena. Rodrigo was scheduled to kick off her UK tour this weekend with two sold-out shows that would help launch the massive new 23,500-capacity venue.
However, ongoing delays and problems plaguing the £365 million arena have now scuttled those plans. The facility has faced repeated postponements of its long-awaited grand opening due to issues like detachment of ventilation ductwork during a recent soundcheck. While dates for Keane and Take That still stand, uncertainty clouds the timeline for Co-op Live finally welcoming its first audience.
Rodrigo personally broke the bad news to devastated fans on Instagram, sharing her disappointment at not being able to perform. For many ticket-holders, the cancellation deals a painful blow after significant planning and expense went into attending the shows. Some families saved up outfits and hotels for months to celebrate special occasions with the rising star.
The arena’s operators Oak View Group apologized but blamed the most recent setback on technical faults requiring a full systems review. Sponsor the Co-operative Group also seeks answers about what went wrong.
