Gig-goers heading to Paul’s first of two Co-Op Live performances this weekend were hit with delays getting into the venue
Music fans bound for the Sir Paul McCartney gig at Co-op Live were left exasperated by long delays getting into the venue on Saturday night. Ahead of the first of two weekend shows, fans shared their ire on social media after experiencing lengthy lines outside the arena.
The doors opened at 6.30pm for Sir Paul’s first UK gig since his Glastonbury appearance in 2022. But some concert-goers were still posting at 7.30pm about being stuck outside with one reporting a single-file queue system for all ticket holders.
Addressing the gridlock, Co-op Live attributed it to ‘significant early arrival’ but assured fans everyone made it in within 20 minutes and well before Sir Paul hit the stage. Frustrated fans didn’t hold back in their online criticism, with one saying: “Sort your act out. Been stuck in a queue in rain for an hour and a half.”
READ MORE: Paul McCartney stuns crowd with incredible performance but one thing should have been differentREAD MORE: Sir Paul McCartney surprises audience with rare hit he never plays
Another said: “Pity can’t get into the venue. Absolute joke walking in rain for 5 miles away from venue. First and last time here,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
One fan criticised the lack of facilities, adding: “Do you honestly think it’s okay to arrange hour long queues by bunging multiple entrances into one, with no portapotties en route? A large amount of us had to make our OWN QUEUE in a wooded area to relieve ourselves. This is unacceptable and humiliating. Sort it out.”
Another attendee said: “Worst organised venue ever been to in my whole life won’t be buying any more tickets for here,” with another echoing the frustration: “What a mess to get into the venue to see Paul McCartney. One of the worst organizations I’ve ever seen.”
A third fan vented their disbelief, claiming: “Anyone arriving for the McCartney gigs at Co-op Live know they are making EVERY SINGLE TICKET HOLDER queue in one single queue. Absolutely mental.”
However, a Co-Op Live spokesperson responded to the criticism stating: “Following significant early arrival before tonight’s advertised opening time of 18:30, once doors opened on time fans accessed the building within a maximum of 20 minutes.”
They added: “There were no queues by the time the act took to the stage at 8.15pm.”
Sir Paul McCartney is poised for another performance at Co-op Live in a sold-out show tonight. The event coincides with Derby match day at the nearby Etihad Stadium between Manchester City and Manchester United.