OVG Planning $450M Sports, Entertainment Venue In Manchester

Oak View Group's potential US$449M arena in Manchester would "host a range of music, sports and entertainment events" and be the "largest in the U.K." of its kind, according to the BBC. OVG has "yet to submit a formal planning application for a 23,500-capacity venue next to the Etihad Stadium," but CEO Tim Leiweke has been "consulting the community since August and had 'understood the local priorities and vision.'" It would "likely take about three years" for the venue to be built. OVG said that it "aimed to submit a planning application in the coming weeks" (BBC.com, 2/28). The GUARDIAN's Amy Walker noted the project would "outstrip the planned MSG Sphere London -- a vast spherical structure that would hold 21,500 people -- in becoming the country’s largest concert arena." Events at the arena are to be "scheduled to avoid" conflicts with Manchester City matches at Etihad Stadium in order to "try to avoid issues with traffic and public transport" (GUARDIAN, 2/28).