The Manchester Co-op Arena has been hit with yet another setback, cancelling its opening concert featuring US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie at the eleventh hour due to a "technical issue".
This £365 million establishment, which boasts the title of the UK's largest indoor arena, had already faced embarrassment after postponing its grand opening twice last week, pushing back gigs from comedy legend Peter Kay and rock duo The Black Keys.
In a dramatic turn of events, the venue broke the news in a statement released just 10 minutes after doors were scheduled to open for what was anticipated to be its inaugural event starring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie whose real name is Julius Dubose leaving fans stranded and disappointed as they lined up outside.
The venue's statement, shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: "Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight's A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead."
Patrons were urged to disperse as the announcement continued: "We kindly ask fans to leave the area."
Further instructions were promised as the statement noted: "Tickets holders will receive further information in due course."
The venue expressed regret, saying: "We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many."
This latest cancellation comes despite previous assurances from the venue that performances by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and US songstress Olivia Rodrigo would proceed as planned this week.
Uncertainty now hangs over whether Rodrigo's shows slated for May 3 and 4 will be affected.
Adding to the turmoil, the arena's general manager Gary Roden tendered his resignation last week amidst a series of complications that have plagued the venue's launch.
The cancelled event comes after Peter Kay's Co-op Live performances were postponed once again, along with a concert by The Black Keys.
The £365m venue was set to open its doors but the gig has now been shifted to Wednesday, May 15.
The venue was initially scheduled to open on Tuesday evening (April 23) with Bolton comedian Peter officially inaugurating the landmark entertainment venue.
