Co-op Live becomes first UK arena to offer enhanced Apple Wallet tickets

Co-op Live has become the first UK arena to introduce the enhanced Apple Wallet ticket, giving fans more information before and during events.

The upgraded pass is available for Safetix tickets on iOS 18 and later. It adds arrival guidance, venue maps, parking instructions, journey planning, local weather, curated Apple Music playlists and links to the venue app, food and drink and merchandise, all inside the Wallet.

The system is self-serve, so venues can build, update and customise passes themselves. Passes can be refreshed in the days before an event so fans get the latest information.

The change means the ticket is no longer only a means of entry. Instead, the pass becomes a “communication hub that streamlines arrival and encourages app engagement.”

Guy Dunstan, general manager of Co-op Live, said: “Innovative technology underpins much of Co-op Live and continuously cements our commitment to a seamless, forward-thinking fan experience. Working with our partners at Ticketmaster to be the first arena in the UK to implement the upgraded Apple Wallet features further showcases this drive, offering ticket holders an elevated, intuitive offering as they prepare for, travel to and enter the venue.”

The arena says its early adoption of the enhanced pass reflects a continuing focus on technology, sustainability and digital innovation, and sets a benchmark for how venues can use digital tools to engage fans.

Co-op Live, Europe’s largest indoor music venue, opened after a series of false starts and cancellations while the final work on the building was completed, with Elbow eventually playing the first show.

It has since become an important part of the music scene in Manchester and the wider North. In July this year it was named a Greener Arena with Highly Commended status under A Greener Future (AGF) certification.