Accessibility
Booking accessible tickets
How do I book accessible tickets?
All accessible tickets are available through Ticketmaster’s online booking system, meaning no call centres or time spent on hold.
Accessible tickets are available for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, and ambulant impairments (those with any other access requirements that stop them from using general access standing and seating areas).
When booking accessible tickets through Ticketmaster:
Please select the 'All Ticket Types' button and highlight Wheelchair Accessible, Ambulant, Sight Impaired or Hearing Impaired as appropriate from the drop-down menu.
Please note that the Accessible Symbol is used for all access requirements, so please make sure you are booking the appropriate tickets. If your specific requirement isn’t listed, please purchase any accessible ticket and then contact us to ensure we can facilitate your need.
The essential companion ticket next to the accessible ticket you’ve highlighted should be chosen when booking (where this is an option) and all tickets must be purchased in one transaction.
How do I book tickets for an essential companion?
When purchasing accessible tickets, including an essential companion, you will be asked to provide proof of eligibility. You will be contacted by Ticketmaster after purchasing accessible tickets, ensuring that tickets are allocated correctly, and the system is not misused. For more information on what you will be asked to provide, please head to Ticketmaster.
Accepted forms of Proof of eligibility include:
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- DLA Letter from a medical professional, including a doctor’s note or a letter from an occupation therapist Carer’s allowance
- A Nimbus Access Card with the +1 symbol. Visit the Access Card page for more information
- Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual is included on their Deaf Register or a letter or report from an aural specialist confirming that hearing loss has been recorded at 70-95 dBHL or worse
- War Pensions Mobility Allowance
- Blind or partially sighted registration certificate (BD8 or CVI certificate)
- A personal letter from the GP, community nurse or social worker
- Benefit awards letter
- Copy of a blue badge (we would need to see both sides)
You will only need to provide the above documentation to Ticketmaster once every 2 years.
What do I do if I’m experiencing issues booking accessible tickets?
If you are experiencing any issues in booking accessible tickets please contact Ticketmaster or fill in our Accessibility Form.
We always advise booking a ticket first and contacting us in advance of the event with specific requirements, which we will then do our best to accommodate, if at all possible.
Getting to the venue
How do I get to Co-op Live?
Co-op Live is located on the Etihad Campus, a short distance from the centre of Manchester. We ask fans to support Manchester City Council and our goal of becoming net zero carbon, avoiding travelling by car – Co-op Live’s largest emission potential. We are easily accessible by cycle, tram, bus, car and foot via our designated, upgraded step-free walking route.
For more information, visit the TFGM website.
Accessible entrances
All entrances into the venue are step-free except entrance C which involes roughly 12 steps to access this entrance. Accessible ticket holders can use the closest entrance to their point of arrival. Entrance B is a dedicated accessible entrance directly onto the event floor. Please speak to a member of the team outside the venue when you arrive for any assistance.
Accessible Parking
Blue badge parking will be available, details of which will be made available closer to opening.
Facilities in the venue
Can I use accessible toilet facilities?
Accessible and gender-neutral toilets are located throughout and marked on the maps both inside the venue and on the Co-op Live app. Venue and safety staff are available to guide and support where necessary.
Changing places facilities
The venue includes 2 fully accessible changing places facilities. These are in The Street on Level 00 and on Level 1 Concourse opposite Block 114. Access is available via radar key. The toilet includes an adjustable changing bench, a hoist, and space for up to two personal assistants.
Are baby changing facilities available?
Baby changing facilities are available throughout the venue. These can be accessed within the general WC blocks throughout the venue as well as in the following locations:
- Level 00 – The Street
- Level 01 – Outside Block 101 and 113
- Level 02
- Level 03
- Level 04
What is the Respite Room and how do I access it?
Co-op Live includes a designated respite space; a safe space accessible to all who need it, including those with anxiety. Our stewarding team will be available to direct and grant access to you on the night. If you feel that you may require use of this space, please let us know in advance if you can by contacting us. The respite room is located on Level 1 on the Northeast corner of the venue, adjacent to the Co-op Backstage Club.
Accessibility inside the venue
How do I move around inside Co-op Live if I have additional accessibility requirements?
All areas within the venue can be accessed step-free. Four publicly accessible lifts will transport fans to all levels. Venue and safety staff are available to guide and support where necessary.
Can I access restaurants, bars and merchandise if I have additional accessibility requirements?
All our bars, restaurants and lounges can be accessed step-free, and include lowered counters for accessible ordering.
Where are accessible platforms and seating located?
Accessible platforms and seating are available on every level to ensure variety and choice for everyone. We request that fans with accessible tickets enter via Entrance B. If you need assistance, please speak to a member of the team outside the venue when you arrive.
- Floor access
Entrance B is a dedicated accessible entrance with direct access onto the event floor. All seats on this level, including the accessible viewing platform can be accessed from here.
Seats in Blocks D1 and D2 are accessed via the floor, Row 1 seats are accessed via 3 steps.
- Level 01
Access Platforms, ambulant disabled and easy access seating are available on Row 24 of the Level 01 blocks and can be accessed step free from the concourse. - Level 03
Blocks 301 – 308 and 313 – 319 are accessed step free from the concourse. Entrances bring you into the bowl at row 4. Blocks 309 – 312 are accessed via 7 steps with the aid of a handrail from the concourse. Entrances bring you into the bowl at row 6. Row 6 is the front row of this section. For Blocks 321 – 324, entrances bring you into the bowl at row 14. Row 14 is the back row of this section.
Do you provide power supply if needed for my medical equipment?
Yes, we do. Please contact us to request this with one of our team in advance of the event.
What happens in an emergency if I have additional accessibility requirements?
Our emergency systems include both visual and audible warnings. Assistance will be provided and where necessary fans will be guided to a safe space or refuge for evacuation, including the use of evacuation lifts. Evacuation routes are signed throughout the venue.
Want to bring
Can I bring my assistance dog to Co-op Live?
Assistance dogs are very welcome at the venue. Event staff will be available to look after your dog to allow you to fully enjoy the show. The venue also includes a designated dog spending room on Level 01.
Please let us know in advance by contacting us if you are bringing your assistance dog to the venue.
Note that on rare occasions, we may need to move you to a more suitable seat should you wish to remain with your assistance dog.
Can I bring medical supplies, equipment, or necessary food and drink with me?
Although we don’t normally allow fans to bring supplies into the venue with them, we welcome fans who need to bring medical supplies, equipment or food and drink to manage medical conditions. Please contact us in advance should this be the case, providing as much detail as possible, including your seat number or ticket type so we can ensure the event teams are aware. A medical team will be available at each event.
Accessible performances
Are British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters and Assisted Performances available?
We are working with event organisers to provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter wherever possible. We will also ensure direct line of sight for those requiring an interpreter. Please note that we cannot guarantee a BSL interpreter at every event – where there are multiple shows we will endeavour to have a designated BSL event. To request an assisted performance of any kind, please contact us at least four weeks in advance of the event.
How can I raise a concern about special effects, including strobe lighting?
Events are likely to include special effects including strobe and flashing lights, smoke, haze, and pyrotechnics. Any effects being used in the performance will be displayed at all entry points to Co-op Live and the seating bowl. Please speak to a member of staff on arrival should this be a cause for concern or contact us in advance for more information where possible.