AO Arena (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is AO Arena?
What makes it 67% Baby-Friendly: Babies under 23 months can sit on a lap free, with pram park, nursing room and bottle access, but extremely loud sound, flashing lights and long shows require ear defenders and frequent breaks.
Positives:
- Central location: Next to Manchester Victoria station for quick arrival and easy transfers.
- Complimentary baby amenities: Free pram storage, changing stations, nursing room and arena-wide Wi-Fi.
Challenges:
- High noise levels: Shows and games can be loud—bring baby ear protection.
- Crowded concourses: Entry and exit get busy; navigate with a pram by arriving early.
What is AO Arena?
- A multi-purpose indoor arena in Manchester city centre with a maximum capacity of 21,000
- Features a flexible seating bowl and configurable stage layouts that accommodate events from concerts to sports fixtures
- Exhibits a contemporary steel-and-glass envelope topped by a sweeping canopy and a column-free interior for unobstructed sightlines
What is so special about AO Arena for with baby?
- Engaging family shows like Disney On Ice and basketball performances
- Free pram park and baby-changing stations on all levels
- Quiet nursing room available on request
- Allowed to bring baby food, bottles and nappies through security
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Most shows run around 2–3 hours including an interval, fitting a baby’s routine and allowing time to use facilities.
Baby-Friendly Activities in AO Arena
Book a family-friendly show:
Choose events like Disney On Ice or the Harlem Globetrotters for gentle, engaging entertainment.
Tip: Buy tickets online early to get seats near exits and baby facilities.
Use the Pram Park:
Leave your pushchair safely at the dedicated Pram Park by Block 101.
Tip: Ask a steward at Customer Services when you arrive for free pram storage.
Visit the nursing (quiet) room:
Access a private space to feed or soothe your baby.
Tip: Email accessibility@ao-arena.com ahead or ask a steward on arrival to open the room.
Access baby-changing stations:
Find free changing tables on every concourse level and a full Changing Places facility near Block 110.
Tip: Carry your own radar key or ask any steward for access.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to AO Arena
- Arrive early: Get to the arena 45 minutes before doors open to store your pram and find facilities.
- Pre-book all extras: Book the quiet room and any premium seating in advance to secure the best spots.
Reviews of AO Arena
Adrian Grinyer
the queueing experience wasn’t great… thankfully we got redirected to the trinity tunnel entrance pretty quickly, even with seated tickets, which got us into the arena way faster than going through any of the other entrances. before this though, queueing along two busy main roads (trinity way and the a56) felt horrifically unsafe and the fact they don’t have concrete barriers separating the paveme...
Joseph Newman
My experience was very positive. Plenty of staff available, safe and swift entry, and plenty of bars available with fast service. The AI ’Frictionless’ bar was a bit strange and prices didn’t seem to be advertised, just to feed that back. I’d highly recommend a concert here.
Emily Clatworthy
Little to no queues. It was easy to find our seats, and nicely air conditions so didn't get too stuffy. Lighting and sound was great too.
Tanya Jones
Had a brilliant night watching Sean Paul and Ashanti. The atmosphere was electric. The DJ was so good and had the crowd warmed up before the acts came on. It was quick to get into the arena, and parking was much cheaper than parking in the other car parks outside. It cost £12 at the arena and a short lift ride to the arena floor. Staff were efficient directing people to their seats. Toilets w...
Clay Johnson
My daughter and I recently attended Taemin's last European tour date at the AO Arena, and it was magnificent - the venue, the show, the evening. To be honest, I'm not sure if the quality of the show elevated the nature of the arena. Either way, it was a lovely setting. Worth mentioning is it's situated within the Victoria Station complex. This made it so easily accessible by train and tram servic...
When is the best time to visit AO Arena (Manchester, United Kingdom)?
In winter, book holiday ice shows early for family discounts. In summer, look for afternoon sports events with earlier start times to suit nap schedules.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Two adult show tickets | GBP 90 |
| Concession snacks | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of AO Arena
Address: Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M3 1AR, UK
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