Co-op Live operator Oak View Group (OVG) has confirmed that the “venue-related technical issue” that caused the cancellation of tonight’s Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s show, which was the incident-plagued arena’s third attempt at an opening night, was part of the venue’s HVAC system falling from the ceiling during soundcheck.
The venue has also confirmed that this weekend’s shows by Filipina-American popstress Olivia Rodrigo will not go ahead, meaning its fourth and fifth attempts at opening to the public have now also been thwarted.
Co-op Group also issued a statement at 9.12pm this evening. A spokesman said: “As the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are shocked at the incident which has led to late cancellation of tonight’s show at the arena. We are relieved that no-one has been injured, but we share the disappointment and frustration of ticket holders, many of whom are Co-op members, with the continuing delay to the opening of Co-op Live and the disruption that this is causing to everyone who has been looking forward to attending events.
“We will be seeking a full explanation from Oak View Group (OVG), who are responsible for the building, to the obvious questions arising from this, together with a clear plan from the Co-op Live venue management team at OVG for opening the venue and postponed and future events.
“Safety is of course the number one priority and it is critical that Co-op members and other ticket holders can enjoy events in a venue with the very highest levels of security and safety measures in place. We are very grateful for Manchester City Council’s and the emergency services’ continued engagement with OVG to ensure that Co-op Live opens as soon as possible.”
OVG said in a statement about tonight’s incident: “During soundcheck, a component of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, used to direct air, separated from the ductwork. There was nobody injured. Although we believe this to be an isolated incident caused by a factory defect, we were not able to verify that all similar nozzles were free of such defects. In conjunction with wider stakeholders, Oak View Group has made the necessary call to ensure the full safety of all visitors to the venue, and to postpone the performance.
“In response, the installer, contractor and third-party inspector will now test each nozzle to confirm they are free of defect.
“We appreciate the inconvenience this will cause for many, and are deeply sorry for all those impacted.
“We understand the need to reassure fans over future shows. We are working with artist management and promoters to limit the impact on the opening season schedule. Where necessary, we will identify alternate dates, and will continually reassess to provide fans with sufficient notice regarding imminent shows. Should shows be cancelled or rescheduled, fans will be contacted by their point of purchase and offered a full refund where preferred.”
Tim Leiweke, chairman and CEO, Oak View Group, added: “The safety and security of all visiting and working on Co-op Live is our utmost priority, and we could not and will not run any event until it is absolutely safe to do so. Today was a very unexpected situation but without a doubt the right decision. I deeply apologise for the impact that this has had on ticket holders and fans.”
