AO Arena

Overview

The Manchester Arena, known as the AO Arena for sponsorship reasons, is an indoor arena in Manchester, England, immediately north of the city centre and partly above Manchester Victoria station in air rights space.
  • Creadble provider: NO
  • Creadble access: NO
  • Creadble employer: NO

Access Card Notes

Access Card accepted as proof of disability and entitlement to free essential companion ticket

Contact details

AO Arena Victoria Station, Hunts bank, Manchester, North West, M3 1AR
Phone: 0161 950 5229

Standing and Queueing

Standing
We have three accessible entrance points into the arena via Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Victoria Station.

Please note that access to the arena is restricted to ticket holders only. For collections of tickets please visit the Box Office before attempting to access the arena complex.

For more information, please visit our website.

For your safety, and for those around you, we do not allow people using crutches and/or walking aids onto a standing floor. This is because, even though your friends around you could help to look after you, crowd movement on the floor is unpredictable. If you have booked a standing ticket we will always endeavour to find you an accessible position within the Arena so that you can still come to the concert. Please contact our Accessibility Team to discuss your requirements.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair access
Lift access within both the car park and Victoria Station allows access to our Box Office and City Room entrance. Lift access to the right of the Hunts Bank steps allows access to our Hunts Bank entrance.

There is a box office window with a lowered counter and hearing loop system.

There are concession stands with lowered counters.

There are also designated areas within the venue for wheelchair users, or those with walking difficulties, and their personal assistant.

‘House’ wheelchairs are available if required. We recommend that customers use the City Rooms entrance and speak to a steward desk to make use of this service, subject to availability.

Short Distances

Short distance
There are 33 accessible parking spaces available at the adjacent car park, please note that this is not operated by the AO Arena. We advise anyone with mobility issues to arrive as early as possible and use either the onsite car park or the Shudehill Interchange NCP. You can pre-book your parking in advance to guarantee your space on the lower floors of the car park and ensure a speedy entry and exit from the car park.

Access To Toilets

Access To Toilets
There is at least one wheelchair accessible toilet in all of our toilet facilities.

There are 5 x unisex accessible toilets fitted with radar keys.

There is also a Changing Places toilet.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs
Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) accredited dogs with formal identification are welcome at the Arena. If you would like to bring an assistance dog to the venue, please contact us in advance so we can make additional arrangements to care for your dog during the event.

Essential Companions

Essential Companions
Stewards who can also provide assistance help customers reach their seats.

Accessing Visual Information

Accessing Visual Information
Audio-described performances are available. Please let us know if you would like to book tickets for these performances.

Accessing Audible Information

Accessing Audible Information
There is a hearing loop within the arena bowl. Please speak to the Accessibility Team for more details on booking tickets in this area.

We have an induction loop available for all performances. Located in the main auditorium which covers seating areas 107, 108, 109, 110 Rows J—V and Accessible seating areas on Camera Platforms 107, 110 and Accessible Platforms 108, 109.

There are also induction loops available in the Box Office and our Customer Services desk by block 101. Hearing aids need to be switched to the T position in order to receive the signal.

BSL-interpreted and captioned performances are available. Please let us know if you would like to book tickets for these performances.

Other Notes

Other Notes
A Customer Service (Tickets and Info) desk located on our concourse next to the Hunts Bank entrance should any customers require any further assistance once in the venue.

If you have any medical requirements, please contact our accessibility team in advance of your visit.

We have a food and beverage policy that does not allow food and drink to be brought into the arena. However we can make allowances in exceptional circumstances. If you have specific dietary requirements please contact our Accessibility Team in advance of your visit for further advice.

Artists performing at the Arena bring with them all of the specialist equipment and operators that they need to produce the show. This includes sound engineers, lighting designers and so on. As such, we have limited influence on them when it comes to sound and lighting levels. Ear plugs are available on request from the Customer Services Desk. For more information, please visit our website.
photo of seating area and railings
interior photo of seating in arena and stage setup
exterior photo with stairs and railings
interior ice arena and seating photo
manchester arena night photo traffic