The AO Arena claims to be "Manchester's best venue" in an advertising campaign on the city's trams

A spokesperson for the AO Arena said it welcomed the competition, which "raises everyone's game and is great for fans and artists alike".

They highlighted its track record, saying stars would want to follow "in the footsteps of thousands of music, comedy and sporting legends".

"Being a great venue isn't something you can promise to be, you have to deliver and we have been delivering goosebump experiences for generations of fans for decades," they said.

After the renovation, the AO will remain "the biggest arena in the UK for many types of show configurations", while fans and artists have new facilities and improved acoustics, they added.

Co-op Live's launch comes six months after the opening of another major venue in Manchester, the £240m Aviva Studios.

Meanwhile, struggling small music venues have been looking at the boom in big halls with envy.

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