Andy Burnham says he'll stop calling the Arena the MEN as AO extends sponsorship

Andy Burnham has promised to stop calling the AO Arena by its former name of the MEN. The Greater Manchester mayor made the pledge as he hailed a 'new era' for the entertainment venue as it extends its naming deal with AO.

The Bolton-based electrical goods retailer announced today (January 24) that its naming rights partnership with the arena has been extended until at least the end of the decade. It comes as the venue marks the completion of a £50m investment including a new VIP entrance and a bar and restaurant which is set to open in five weeks' time.

Mr Burnham attended the topping out ceremony where he joined Stockport band Blossoms who placed their hands in cement, leaving their mark on the venue forever. The mayor listed the bands he's seen perform at the arena over the years, including Elbow, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, as well as sporting events including swimming and boxing.

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He also recalled the reopening of the arena following the attack in 2017. He said: "For so many reasons, it will always be at the heart of the Greater Manchester story. But it is going into a new era with this major redevelopment.

"Maybe in this new era, we might event come to call it the AO rather than the MEN. I don't know - maybe.

"Is that controversial? Perhaps when people see the new space, then we'll all adopt the new terminology."

With a capacity of 21,000, the AO Arena is currently one of the biggest indoor venues in the UK. However, Coop Live, which is set to open near the Etihad Stadium in April will be bigger with a maximum capacity of 23,500.

On a mission to 'future-proof' the venue, the AO Arena has undergone a £50m redevelopment, boasting a new VIP entrance,