Parking at Co-op Live: pre-booked parking, Blue Badge and park and ride

At Co-op Live, the golden rule is simple: only pre-booked parking is available on event days. You cannot turn up and pay at the gate. Spaces on the Etihad Campus are limited, shared with Manchester City's stadium and the other venues on the campus, and released only a few weeks before each show. If you have not booked, plan to come by tram or use a park and ride.

Official Vertu Parking: book in advance

The arena's official parking, run with Vertu Motors, is located next to the arena on the Etihad Campus, in the Blue or Orange car parks depending on the event. It must be booked online through the link on the arena's Parking page.

• When to book: parking is released up to four weeks before the show, and ticket holders are informed by email. It is allocated on a first come, first served basis. On days when there are events at both Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium, spaces may be very limited and cannot be bought on arrival.
• Types of space: Standard Parking somewhere on the campus, and Express Parking, closer to the venue (about a 1 to 2 minute walk) for a quicker arrival and departure.
• Opening times: official parking opens 4 hours before general admission doors (3 hours before premium doors) and stays open until 2 hours after the event. Cars cannot be left overnight.
• Vehicle size: vehicles larger than a standard space need a coach or minibus space, booked separately.

The arena advises not to leave valuables on display in the car parks. For the sat nav, use M11 3DU and follow the signs to the Etihad Campus as you get close.

Traffic: allow extra time

According to Co-op Live, congestion starts building around two hours before each gig. The arena suggests adding about:

• 20 minutes on Alan Turing Way (both directions);
• 15 minutes on Hyde Road (eastbound);
• 10 minutes on the Mancunian Way (westbound).

Roadworks are also under way around the campus, notably on Alan Turing Way and Every Street. When football is on at the same time, roads around the campus can be closed for twenty minutes or more after the match.

Blue Badge parking

Accessible parking, exclusively for Blue Badge holders, offers a wider space as close to the venue as possible. It is booked in advance like the other spaces, on the same platform, from up to four weeks before the event; you will need your Blue Badge number and vehicle registration. On arrival, follow the signs. On days with several events on the campus, limited accessible parking is still released up to four weeks ahead.

Entrance B is the arena's dedicated accessible entrance, with direct access to the step-free platform on Level 0.

Drop-off and pick-up

If someone is driving you, use the designated drop-off and pick-up points on Edwin Road (postcode M11 3ER). The arena also runs, on a trial basis, a free pick-up point in the Blue or Orange car park, open from 10pm, with no booking needed; drivers must stay with their vehicle. A residents' parking scheme protects the surrounding streets: you cannot park, drop off or pick up outside the designated areas, and enforcement action may be taken.

Park and ride and city-centre car parks

If you have no booked space, Metrolink's free park and ride sites are the best alternative. The arena lists the nearest ones:

• Ashton Moss and Ashton West, on the Ashton line;
• Ladywell, in Salford, on the line that continues to Ashton.

From there, the tram takes you to the Etihad Campus stop, beside the venue. You can also park in a city-centre car park and take the tram or walk the CityLink route from Piccadilly (about 25 minutes). Check the time of your last tram back on the Bee Network website.

Electric cars

There are public charging points at the Tennis Centre and more than 60 charging points across the wider campus, run by different providers with their own rates and overstay fees.

For the rest of your evening, see our guides to getting to Co-op Live by public transport, where to eat nearby and the best seats.

Frequently asked questions

Can I park at Co-op Live without booking?

No. Only pre-booked parking is available on event days. Official Vertu Parking is released up to four weeks before each show and must be booked online.

When does the Co-op Live car park open?

Official parking opens four hours before general admission doors (three hours before premium doors) and closes two hours after the event. Overnight parking is not allowed.

Is there Blue Badge parking at Co-op Live?

Yes. Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders, with wider spaces close to the venue, must be booked in advance through the official parking platform.

Where is the nearest park and ride to Co-op Live?

Ashton Moss and Ashton West, on the Ashton line, and Ladywell in Salford. Parking there is free with a tram ticket, and trams stop at Etihad Campus, beside the arena.