9th March 2026
March 9 – Manchester City have submitted plans for a new immersive event venue at the Etihad Campus – with the intention of hosting theatrical dining experience _Mamma Mia! The Party_.
The proposed three-storey venue forms part of the wider Medlock Square development and is designed to complement the growing entertainment footprint around the club’s home.
Positioned at the north-east of the campus, the site would sit alongside Co-op Live and the expanding Etihad Stadium, whose redeveloped North Stand and surrounding facilities – including the Radisson Blu-partnered Medlock Hotel, a club shop, museum and roof walk – are scheduled to open later this year.
Working with investors and producers Pophouse Entertainment, the venue would stage the ABBA-inspired show for up to 600 guests per performance, combining a live theatrical production with a full dining experience.
The format has already proven successful internationally – the London production has been running at The O2 Arena since 2019, while the Stockholm version recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
The project is another step in the club’s long-term strategy to turn the Etihad Campus into a year-round entertainment destination. The ABBA-themed event is also likely to draw a completely different clientele to the blue corner of the city as it diversifies its appeal beyond just football fans.
Danny Wilson, Managing Director of Manchester City Operations, said: “Working with Pophouse, the Club’s latest proposal to further develop the Etihad Campus is an incredibly exciting opportunity for both East Manchester and the wider city more generally.
“We know there is ever increasing demand for more immersive, entertainment experiences in the North of England and we are incredibly proud to have put forward plans for consideration by Manchester City Council to bring a world-renowned event to Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, Medlock Square.”
The club said the project would also create additional jobs across the Etihad Campus and encourage visitors to travel via public transport, walking or cycling as part of its long-term strategy to reduce traffic around the site.
Jessica Koravos, chief executive of Pophouse Entertainment, added: “Manchester is known for its enthusiasm and innovation in music and entertainment and we cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world’s most popular and ground breaking theatrical productions…
“Mamma Mia! The Party has been hugely successful in London, with audiences continuing to love the experience even seven years after its opening, and we are excited to be able to expand on that success, with plans to give it a new home in Manchester for many more people to enjoy.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1773065301labto1773065301ofdlr1773065301owedi1773065301sni@g1773065301niwe.1773065301yrrah1773065301](javascript:;).