Manchester Arena

Overly aggressive security staff. Saw them assault a few fans at a Madonna show. Also, closed down the arena before the concert was over. YES it was the arena who made the decision and would not excuse the artist for technical difficulties and fined her for it. What a horrible place for a concert.

This was our first time in the MEN arena and our third Neil Diamond concert in a week. The arena itself is cavernous with a few rules that really annoy. We had two 330ml bottles of water with us (in plastic bottles) and these were forbidden inside the arena yet once inside I could buy enough beer to swim in without challenge. This was to become evident half way through Neil’s performance when an obviously drunk lady beside us decided to vomit some of her surplus beer all around her for others to try to clean. The real problem is not so much that we had to dump our water but it was the long queue inside to buy some overpriced replacements. The security door lady was a charmless, unpleasant individual, despite our remaining courteous, but she has a ‘follow orders’ job to do and I’ve no doubt she’s had many a tongue lashing. I just got the impression this was a management decision geared only to squeeze money from customers and having had no such difficulty bringing water to concerts in both Dublin or Belfast so this will certainly put us off returning here. We parked within the arena and for four hours we paid the equally rip-​off sum of £12 for that convenience — the parking spaces are ridiculously tight too. Anyhow we took our tatty seats and forgot the rip — off merchants while Neil and we (and about 20,000 others that we didn’t invite) sung our hearts out and for an uninterrupted 2 hours and 15 minutes we left the present to relive a joyful past. Whoever operated the spotlights was pretty poor at the job but that apart all was well. The concert was done to soon and trying to depart this overpriced mean and scruffy cavern took far too long — note to management when you are robbing your guests you should make life easier for them. I doubt you’ll get the opportunity to catch us twice.

I have been here on a number of occasions to all different types of concerts. I have been seated and standing and I did prefer standing as I enjoyed the atmosphere. I recently went with my family in the VIP suite to watch Phoenix nights and it was fantastic we had are own bar so we didn’t have to queue of miss any of the show. The food was a bit expensive but the drinks are what I expected for the arena.

I visited the Manchester/​P4U/​MEN/​Nynex or whatever you want to call it now to watch Peter Kay Phoenix Nights. Between 12 of us we hired a VIP suite. This gave us that bit more than you get with a standard ticket. You also get free parking on the car park. Once we arrived we were quickly guided to our suite which was number 11. You go through a little black door to be welcomed to your personal waiter for the evening! There was a full side of various beers, wines, spirits and ciders (additional charge at end of the evening). This was good as you didn’t have to queue up in the madness and could grab a drink whenever you wanted. The view from the private balcony was excellent as you’d expect. You also have a few bar style table and chairs inside the suite and about 12 seats on the balcony.
Prices seemed to be expensive for food — a pizza was £18!
Overall if you fancy a bit of a treat whilst watching your favourite act then I would say it is worth the price premium.

I don’t know what to think about this arena… to me it feels like there is no vibe.
I came here last night for the first time, and at first I thought it was quite nicely laid out outside the stage. Everything was summetrical. So it did not matter what curved end you went down you would experience the sames bars, simosa counters and candy floss makers. oh and there were plenty of toilet facilities.
Now.the actual stage area I disliked… walking down those steps to reach the standing area reminded me too much of the Mayan temples. I mean I am not afraid of heights, but I am afraid after a few beers either I am going to lose my balance, or someone else is. there was quite a few scary moments where I was walking down, and some one would be on all fours climbing this steep staircase.
When I finally reached the standing area… it was strange… I have never been to see my favourtie band where the crowd has stood still… they played as amazing as usual but there was no oompf… I think they need to change the floor plan of the arena itself.

Was here for Linkin Park at the weekend and have been plenty of times before. Good venue with good access and bars etc. The lower tier seating is much much better than the upper tier ones. Upper is just waaaaaaaaay too high… you genuinely are sitting with the Gods. If you’re getting side seating in the upper tier you may not get a full view of the stage depending on where the lighting trusses are places because you are up above it and looking down. Play it safe and stick with lower tier seating or general admission. Good venue though apart from that.

Phones 4u Funked my life up … SCREAM
No matter how many times I have been here and how good the artists have been the venue is always the downside. Capacity 21,000 says you’d better go for standing tickets and Ninja your way to front of stage. Those in the Gods are so far up in the roof they look like pigeons. By the time they hear the sound they are already two verses behind.
90 degree seating on the sides guarantees the NHS will have people with twisted spines haunting their wards for time immemorial and God help you when the 80’s crew turn up for Lionel Ritchie in Feb 2015. When the intro for Dancing on the Ceiling kicks in they will be out of their seats like crash test dummies. I wish your stasi staff the very best trying to enforce the ‘remain seated’ policy, what dickhead thought of that?! Watching the people get lairy, it’s not very pretty I tell thee…
Being handy for bars and trains and bringing in the biggest artists around does not give you licence to herd people around like a transit line at Auschwitz and why you feel the need to scan wristbands for people going in to the standing area confounds me every time. I’m already in the venue so why would I be bunking out of the expensive seats, ergo downgrading myself, you numbskull?
Note to the Arndale car park next door. I can’t be bothered to write a review about a multi storey bunker, so sort out some meaningful signs for those of us who need to get back to our motors post concert. Signage might as well be in braille :/​
Back here soon for the Black Keys and will be sure to leave the jam jar at home.
#PaoloNutiniRockedItTho

I do love having this Arena in Manchester it brings the worlds most popular artists and performers from across the Globe, Its really handy as its only a 15 minute walk from where we live and its based right in the city centre of Manchester and above Victoria Station So its easy to get there from anywhere in the City!, Every time that ive been to a concert here I’ve always had a superb time, the atmosphere and music is electric! The Arena is always kept really clean and tidy, the food and drink can be expensive from a venue like this so this can be expected, A pint of fosters was £4.80. We have just been to see Lady Gaga perform here, we had standing tickets which i prefer and had a great view of all the set and Lady Gaga herself. Ive only been seated for a couple of concerts here but much prefer to be standing as i feel that the atmosphere and the crowd are more livelier than if we was to be seated. Manchester Arena can hold up to 21,000 people so its a huge place and one of the Biggest Arenas in the UK. I can’t wait to see more and more of my favourite Artists to perform here.

Have been here a few times seeing the likes of rihanna, bryan adams and even
disney on ice.
The only problem is that if you get a seated ticket your guarented
a granny night out as you have to stay seated in your chair.
if you try to get up to dance you either get the floor staff telling
to sit back down or the person behind you seated complaining they cant see.
How can anyone stay seated listening and watching their favourite artist?
you can get a floor ticket which is much bettar but risk being elbowed in the face
or some one taller than you stood in front.
The only bad thing about the standing area is you have to go two hours before
the show starts in order to get a good place.
This arena should have two halfs to it. one for those who want to seat only !
one for those who want to dance but guarented a place.
t shirts start around £20 and food and drinks inside are exspensive
so i would rather eat after the show as they only sell junk food.

Phones 4 u this arena (formally MEN Arena) is located on the side of Victoria station. Inside is very basic but very clean. I do think the food & Drink is very expensive, plain and not value for money. Don’t often go to this arena, but had a good seat this time so was quite happy with the location I was sat.

I went to see Nine Inch Nails and it’s the fourth or fifth time I’ve been. Usually try to avoid large venues though for some bands I’ll make the exception!
On the plus side it was fast to get in, not too much hassle over the search, shirt queues for drinks and the loos really are ok. Views are pretty good wherever you sit.
On the not so good side, it’s too big and the atmosphere is lacking compared to smaller venues.

I’m not sure I’ll ever actually refer to the arena as the Phones 4u Arena — when telling my colleagues my weekend plans, they were completely confused as to where I meant; at least the MEN had more of a ring to it!
Anyway.
We have been to the arena (as it shall henceforth be named) to see Mumford & Sons and Frank Turner, both seated due to our unwillingness to be on the phone first thing to get standing tickets. The bar situation both times was fair, with no queues either time and a designated person to each ‘window’ of the bar, meaning there was no guessing who was next in line.
The atmosphere has always been top, with people getting up in their chairs and having a good sing a long; I also find it very interesting to watch the arena staff handle the people right at the front of the pit. They’re constantly aware and ready to catch people who think it’s a good idea to crowdsurf.
The reason for 3 stars is that it just doesn’t have the same slightly grungy vibe I find — and enjoy — at venues such as Ruby Lounge or even the Academy. The toilets are also quite threateningly huge — may sound like a strange request, but you suddenly go from being surrounded by people to in an empty space.
An asset to Manchester’s music scene, but hopefully the big guys wont forget where they came from.

Been there quite a few times now in the last fee years and every time, I’ve always come away in such a good mood. The staff are always friendly and are always very helpful whenever I’ve needed to ask something. The arena always has susch an amazing atmosphere whenever I’ve gone. There’s always been a buzz of excitement off the people going to see an event there. Everything is just amazing. Oh and if anyone is hungry after a gig, there’s a small McDonalds near the doors.

Question: What happens when your favourite band of 10 years starts getting more and more popular? Answer: The venues they play start getting bigger and bigger and rubbisher and rubbisher (if that’s not a word then it should be…)
This has been the case with Queens of the stone age — where they used to be playing great Manchester venues like the Apollo and Academy (I’ll admit that trying to get tix was a major pain), they’ve now come back and sold out Arenas all across the UK on the back of a quality new album. And while you can’t blame them for supplying the demand, unfortunately a lot of the experience is lost in the wide open space of haunts more suited to Justin Bieber.
While QOTSA put on a great show, I was so relieved that we managed to get a standing ticket near the front so as we could really get close to the band and feel the full effect! For the un-​animated crowd in the seating areas, nobody was really getting into the swing of things and the atmosphere was more like a piano recital.
As usual with these corporate owned places, the beer selection from the bar was dreadful — £4.80 for a pint of Fosters, a bottle of Heineken for £4.50 and a can of John Smiths for £4. Still the queue was huge for the bar as people didn’t have anywhere else to go.
I’d go back to the Arena again to watch bands that I really can’t miss out on, but it’s never a pleasurable experience compared to some of the more intimate venues throughout Manchester.
Bonus of the night was us going to the excellent Umezushi next door for some quality sushi and tempura — check it out if you’re near here but book in advance!

I went to see Metallica here in Feb 2011 and while this review isn’t about Metallica I will say that they were amazing and part of that is down to the MEN Arena.
Metallica put there stage slap bang in the middle of the arena. This meant no matter where you sat you had an amazing view.
As well the acoustics were good no matter where you sat.
The MEN staff allowed you to enjoy the concert without constantly trying to remind you of the rules (I’m no rule breaker but this was a Metallica gig and you try and not rock out)
My belief is that in arenas it should be mandatory for the stage to be in the middle.

Like Andy W, I had the pleasure of seeing my favourite band Pearl Jam in here.
Would rather have been standing, as I find it difficult to engage with a band in a stadium of this size, sharing the space with 20,999 other people. I felt more like Pearl Jam were playing TO me.
The acoustics are above average for a venue this size in my mind, where the seats are also well positioned. I was right on the front row up in one of the blocks where I was too scared to stand up in case someone got excited and pushed me over to my inevitable death.
A few ways in and out of here mean it’s not the nightmare I was expecting to get out after the show finished.
Loads of bars with the usual overpriced filth, and plenty of toilets to cater for the capacity crowds they regularly draw in.
Centrally located (linked to a main rail station) this is easy to get to both for folk living to the south and north, like me, where it’s becoming a frequently visited venue for touring bands from outside of the UK.
See my review on ‘the city warehouse hotel’ for a well recommended place to stay if you are visiting Manchester.

I’ve attended various gigs here over the years, but last night was the first time I experienced a band from a seated position. Now, the first thing that hit me was just how bloody steep the seating is arranged — it took a while for my head to adjust as I’m not great with heights. It was also a fair distance from the band themselves, and this was probably half way down the side of the stadium, so the furthest seats must feel like they’re miles away! However, the sound was still pretty good and we could still get into it so it was ok. What I will say though, is that it felt like we were spectators to the performance rather than being part of it, as I usually felt like in the standing section. One pointer from the evening though — I was pleasantly surprised by the staff. All of the staff that we encountered were friendly and helpful, so bonus points for that!
From a standing perspective the MEN Arena delivers a little more. The sound is pretty darn good, and the closer you get to the stage the better it gets. However, due to the sheer number of people crammed in it can get difficult to get really close, unless you get there early as we used to do when I was younger!
Of course, there is one thing that makes the MEN fantastic, and that’s the bands you get playing there. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing one of my very favourite bands, Pearl Jam. I am from Manchester, but I’ve lived in Leesd for 10 years now, and you just don’t get massive bands like this there. Despite the price hikes in recent years I’m still happy to pay for the joy of seeing someone like Pearl Jam. They even went as far as playing 2 encores and played past the point of the lights being turned on — amazing!!!
Frankly, no matter how many stars a place like this gets, given the kind of bands that play here there really isn’t much choice of venues so it’s this or a probably expensive trip elsewhere. I’m more than happy to stick with this though!

We saw Elbow here last week and it was an amazing night! I’d never been to MEN before (we live on t’other side of t’Pennines), and I was amazed at how big it was. It reminded me of the O2 in terms of its size, absolutely huuuuge. And then I was worried that it was too big for Elbow, and wasn’t sure if it’d be all that good, and then it turned out it was awesome, and it was so lovely going to a gig where you get to sit down :)
Anyway, now I’ve been once I’ll be back again, particularly as it’s so easy to get to!

Call me old fashioned but if I’m going to pay £25-£40 to see one of my favourite bands, I have a couple of stipulations:
I want to be close enough to be able to see their facial expressions.
I want to be able to sing, holler and dance along with other fans.
I want to get drunk and have a good time.
Unfortunately, the M.E.N. Arena doesn’t tick any of these boxes. The venue is so big that it’s like going to see your favourite band play the world’s largest baseball stadium. I’ve seen a dozen different acts over the years and can honestly say, even in the press seats towards the front — I felt like I was watching mini action figures and ended up focusing on the big screen behind them! If you’re watching Take That perform surrounded by acrobats and dancers this might not be a problem. If there’s no pyrotechnics however, you’ll spend the whole evening craning your neck to try and see… anything.
To make matters worse, the drinks at M.E.N. Arena are hideously over-​priced and they sell nachos, hot dogs, crisps and sodas — which people actually take into the stadium and eat whilst watching bands like Green Day. The length of the rows also means that if you’re unfortunate enough to get seated tickets with a distant view of the stage, you’ll probably be interrupted every 15 minutes by kids needing the toilet /​bored parents going for another weak beer!
On the positive side, M.E.N. Arena provides a platform for fans to see some of the world’s biggest pop and rock stars from Madonna and Beyonce to U2. Just don’t blame me if you shell out £100 for two tickets and still can’t see!

In the virtual line up of music venues in Manchester, the M.E.N sits somewhere uneasily between the hip, small Academies/​Cafes and pubs and the sports grounds that eclipse it in terms of size: Old Trafford Cricket Ground, City of Manchester Stadium.
That said, the M.E.N is still the go-​to venue for pop bands and indie bands gone stellar. I would definitely say that if your favourite band plays here and you think they need the indoor darkness to shine then go. If they are more like U2 — you know, the kind of band that can command the open air then go see them elsewhere if you have the choice. For instance, I had loads of fun seeing Stereophonics here.
No two gigs will be the same; I’ve been here when there is seating right up to the stage and the lights barely went down (I’m not even going to admit who that was). Most of the time though, be careful what seats you get if you can’t get hold of standing tickets. In a venue this size, there will always be bad seats. Just make sure its not you sat in them.