114 within the UK ’ s music scene , with pop-up shops at festivals such as Glastonbury , and is synonymous with Manchester , opening its first offices there in 1863 . This project will see it playing a vital role in the continued development of its home city to showcase the power of co-operation and community and its vision to co-operate for a fairer world . Around £ 1m a year will go to good causes across the UK - distributed by the Co-op Foundation - and the arena will be one of the most sustainable and socially responsible buildings of its type in Europe . It will be at the forefront of Manchester ’ s zero carbon agenda and help to tackle food poverty via a zero-food waste initiative . The Co-op is a strong supporter of apprenticeships and will back the arena ’ s apprenticeship programme and provide direct employment opportunities for its six secondary and college academies across Greater Manchester .
Once open , the Co-op will offer its members a whole host of exclusive benefits including : pre-sale tickets up to seven days before general release ; discounts on food and beverage ; hospitality experiences , the chance to win free tickets and exclusive , money can ’ t buy , backstage VIP experiences plus priority entry-access to the venue . The arena will also sell Co-op ’ s award-winning and ethically sourced food range . Manchester was chosen as the location for OVG ’ s first