Security was appalling! To the point my friend walked through the metal detectors and they went off (she didn’t know why) but security didn’t even stop her and instead just rushed her through raising her anxiety. I also asked if security could keep hold of a ticket for a friend who was further back in the queue and they refused and purposely kept misgendering me even after correcting them I’m trans MTF and obviously presenting that way. The only thing that redeemed it was Yungblud. The show was amazing! Security needs to tighten up though 110%

Went to the Tom Grennan concert at the weekend. Had a mini backpack with me that apparently is too big and wouldn’t be allowed in - back to the hotel to get my smaller one. Can’t understand why the doors open at 6 then you have to wait another 1/2hr to get into your seats once in the arena. I really don’t understand that part. Steps very steep also. Great view though and a fantastic concert!

Usually enjoy a visit to the AO arena, but not tonight. Dermot Kennedy was amazing, but way too many drunks in the audience, leading to constantly having to get out of my seat to let people pass. How anyone legless can navigate the stairs without breaking their necks! Drink spilt all over my daughters jacket. Then on the way out, the foyer was full of vomit. I understand people want to have a good night but it was like being at Wetherspoons rather than a concert. Night ruined with constant disruption

Really fast entering the arena and great safety checks from security. Only issue is that there is a serious lack of management of vaping inside the arena we had probably around 20 people vaping directly around us. The response from a rep at the arena was that they would check in with security on this but due to the pyro-technics and smoke machines that it wasn’t possible to take control of the issue. (That was the jist). Vaping is no different than smoking no matter how you want to ‘sugar coat it’ most of the time the substances within the vape itself are questionable without even mentioning the nicotine strength. It is a public place and vaping should not be allowed, children are allowed to enter the arena as well as people with ailments which could be exacerbated. Please bring in more stringent rules regarding the use of vapes within the arena space, I make a choice not to vape and should be able to enjoy my experience!

Went to the darts Weds 3rd May, the drinks prices were through the roof!! £8.45 a pint for larger or cider .. comes on Manchester thats too much. £9 for a tiny 200ml cocktail can.

We came to see Elton John and paid over £3000 as a family, had to be at the arena at 4.00pm, no signage as to where to queue, 3 surly miserable security guards just grunting, when we had to go through security I was actually shouted at and manhandled by a miserable sod to make me go through another lane! Steps down into the arena are lethal, how people haven’t had serious injury’s beggars belief! Talk about a sheer drop! During the concert the security thought it a good idea to grab people from way behind us to get to the front of stage which upset us and others who had paid VIP prices and were treated like dirt! Miserable rude security certainly took the shine off which was a special one in a lifetime occasion, thanks Manchester! We travelled from Cornwall and certainly didn’t receive a warm Manchester welcome!

Elton John show 3/6/23 was great. However, the experience elsewhere was poor. Security turning people away because their bag was slightly larger than A4 size. High tech security devices are great but its to stop people taking drinks and snacks in. When queuing to have tickets scanned, the queue stopped as one stupid security female, 5 foot 2 inches, late 50s, grey hair (hoping someone at venue will read this) decided to stop doing her job and have a chat with a couple of people, we entered quicker by going to the back of another queue. Huge queues for the bar with no room for people passing by. £29.95 for cheap bottle of wine, rip off. £9.90 for two standard Fanta drinks, rip off. Huge queue for female toilets. Wonder why doors cannot be opened earlier to accommodate for a full house and queues. Liverpool's arena so much better, though not on prices.

I went to the Arena to an Elton John concert. Good location just next to Victoria station and a short walk away from the Premier Inn where I stayed. Very helpful staff. I am not good climbing lots of steps with no hand rails, soa member of staff escorted me to my room by the easiest route via a lift. Plenty of clean toilets. I had to go to the box office which opened at 4pm on the event day to get a paper ticket as I don't have a smart/I phone. Staff very good. Well done.

Arena staff very helpful and the venue is overall great for shows. The bars and refreshments counters however were awful. Slow and operating with zero urgency. Particularly at an intermission where there's a 20min window. Ended up missing part of the second part of the show due to slow service. Would advise not to use in the intermission. Other venues operate with some element of urgency.

I understand that renovations are needed, but why close both bars on the ground floor at the same time? If that had to be done, why at least not have a cans bar like they've had in the past? The number of people going from floor level to the first to get drinks was awful, causing jams on the very steep, dangerous stairs. I was OK, but I can imagine someone less able bodied would have real difficulties, as there are no hand rails. With the opening of a new similar venue not far off, the Arena really needs to get itself sorted if it wants a chance of competing.