The world famous Manchester Evening News Arena is set to be renamed after the newspaper’s publishers opted not to continue the partnership.
Trinity Mirror, which bought the daily title from Guardian Media Group last year, has decided not to retain the naming rights to the venue which have been held by MEN Media for the past 13 years.
The venue is operated and managed by SMG Europe on behalf of its owner Development Securities.
Trinity’s move is likely to trigger an auction for the naming rights with a number of leading consumer brands likely to be interested in stepping in.
A Trinity Mirror spokesman said: “MEN Media has enjoyed a 13-year relationship with the Manchester Evening News Arena. Its partnership with SMG Europe has transformed the building into the most popular entertainment venue in the world.
“This hugely successful relationship has seen the arena nominated an unrivalled 10 consecutive times for the Pollstar “International Venue of the Year” award, winning it in 2002 and gaining official recognition in 2007 as the world’s most popular entertainment venue.
“The partnership is now set to evolve with MEN Media stepping down from the naming of the venue at the end of this year.
“MEN Media will continue to work with SMG Europe to continue to attract the biggest entertainment stars in the world to Manchester.”
Sign up for our free daily email bulletin
Follow HTFP on Twitter
Got a story? Email the Editor at
‘most popular entertainment venue in the world’ ? I sincerely doubt that. I, for one, have never heard of the place.
Report this comment
On the basis of TM’s withdrawal, is the Liverpool Echo Arena to follow?
Report this comment
re Echo arena – You bet
Report this comment
Good – about the Echo Arena anyway. I’ve never been to a more Echoey place.
I hope it’s taken over and renamed by the Excellent Acoustics company.
Report this comment
Excelleent idea. Well done TM
Report this comment
Trinity Mirror aren’t daft. They will have their eye on a prime location (sic) in Oldham, which of course is where the MEN is now based!
Report this comment
Subbo – It was. A venue’s success doesn’t solely depend on Subbo having heard of the place. Do your research before posting a comment which adds no value of any kind.
Report this comment