AO Arena unveils mesmerizing suite ‘The Mezz’

Article posted by Coliseum, May 15^th, 2023

Image: AO Arena

Manchester’s (UK) AO Arena has unveiled how its new VIP mezzanine level will look ahead of its formal launch. The new luxury suite, ‘The Mezz’, is now available to book for shows in 2024.

‘Manchester Evening News’ stated that the new development is part of the multimillion pound expansion and upgrade of the AO Arena, which is currently Europe’s largest indoor arena. It includes a new VIP entrance to the arena for hospitality guests heading to the venue.

The 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena, currently referred to as the AO Arena for sponsorship reasons, is an indoor arena in Manchester, England (UK), immediately North of the City Centre and partly above the Manchester Victoria station in air rights space.

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‘Manchester Evening News’ further stated that ‘The Mezz’ will be the latest premium suite at the arena, boasting its own bar and restaurant, as well as an ‘unrivaled view’ of the stage. It will also stay open after the show with a DJ to keep the party going and sits on a new “members-only” level being built inside the arena.

It will fit within a portfolio of premium offerings for VIP experiences at the music venue which has played host to some of the world’s biggest stars including the likes of the Australian singer-songwriter Kylie Minogue, the American singer-songwriter Katy Perry, the Canadian singer Michael Bublé, the American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, the English pop group Take That, and the American singer-songwriter Beyoncé.

A statement released on May 11^th read, “As the AO Arena undergoes its major, transformational redevelopment, the venue today announces the launch of ‘The Mezz’, a brand-new suite, premium bar and restaurant, set for completion in early 2024 and open for bookings from May 2023. News of this latest, state-of-the-art offering comes as the AO Arena continues to expand and elevate its entire premium portfolio, delivering the next level in exclusive luxury experiences in the heart of the Manchester City Centre. ‘The Mezz’ is the new and exclusive, members-only level at Manchester’s iconic, award-winning venue. Opening early 2024, ‘The Mezz’ promises to take guests above and beyond the show. With two connected experiences, ‘The Mezz’s’ bar and restaurant, guests can expect the very best modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails, and post-show entertainment.”

Bosses say ‘The Mezz’ restaurant will showcase freshly prepared modern dishes with local, seasonal ingredients, complemented by an expertly-crafted wine list and “impeccable service timed to perfection” around the live shows. It will have space across both spaces for up to 380 people when it launches.

Master mixologists will man the bar at ‘The Mezz’, delivering champagne, mocktails and cocktails accompanied with snacks and sharing platters. After the show, ‘The Mezz’ bar will stay open with a DJ on the decks to keep the party going.

From ‘The Mezz’, guests will have an “unrivaled view” of the arena bowl and the world famous stage, as well as direct access to the “best seats in the house”. Bookings are live for 2024 gigs – which mean the first gigs people can currently book are for the English stand-up comedian Peter Kay on his return to the Arena on January 26^th-27^th.

Said Jen Mitchell, General Manager at the AO Arena, “With our redevelopment works well underway, we are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of ‘The Mezz’. A stunning new suite, premium bar and restaurant for guests, right here in the Manchester City Centre. And of course, there will be access to watch the shows from some of the best seats in the house. We’re incredibly proud to be elevating the AO Arena as we drive ahead to a bright future, so it’s fantastic to be able to reveal this latest addition in the works, as part of our state-of-the-art premium portfolio.”

The new VIP entrance to the Arena opened for the first time at the Duran Duran shows (concerts) recently, and offers a snazzy new way for hospitality guests to head to their suites, including a stylish new reception. It sits next to the main entrance to the Arena.

Meanwhile, ‘The Mezz’ will sit alongside the raft of other premium seating options at the Arena. Expanded “super-suite” ‘The Beautiful North’ was the latest to open as part of the redevelopment last year which can host up to 34 guests.

Entrance to that suite is via an annual membership which costs a cool £15,000 per person plus VAT – and for that figure you get to attend 50 shows of your choice over the course of the year, and all food and drink is included in that price.

Guests can also book premium experiences at the AO Electric Lounge and the Heineken Sky Lounge which have undergone recent revamps too. There are also private boxes across the venue that seat from 14-16 people which cost an eye-watering £126,000 annually – but that includes tickets to every show.

Entrance to ‘The Mezz’ will be via membership, with packages from £8,500 for the year which includes entrance to 50 shows in the bar space. Packages for the restaurant space are £12,500 for the year.

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