Inside state-of-the-art new £350m arena next to Man City’s Etihad stadium that could rival O2 as UK’s new home of boxing

THIS is the £350million state-of-the-art arena that could become the UK’s new home of boxing.

Manchester Council have given the green light to plans for the 23,500-seater indoor arena to be built next to Man City’s Etihad stadium.

This new £350m arena in Manchester could be the new home of British boxingCredit: Oak View Group

The 23,500-seater is set to play host to boxing, MMA and live music eventsCredit: Oak View Group

And it looks set to challenge London’s O2 for the country’s biggest boxing bouts.

Scheduled to be completed in 2023, it will become the largest arena in the UK.

And to give it even more prestige, it will be able to count the Etihad stadium as its next door neighbour, as well as other parts of City’s Etihad campus.

Plans were first drawn up for residents in October last year by American entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG).

As well as boxing fights, it is set to host MMA bouts too – as well as live music concerts.

There could even be restaurants and shops inside its many tiers.

OVG already have projects on the go in places such as California, Texas, New York and Milan.

In a statement released last year, OVG said: “Arenas have evolved rapidly in recent years, with built-in design features now expected as standard to manage noise issues, enhance security and manage the flow of visitors.

The arena will be situated next to Man City’s Etihad StadiumCredit: Oak View Group

Manchester council have given the green light for the arena to be builtCredit: Getty – Contributor

“Our ambition is for a large, enclosed venue which makes use of cutting-edge design and technology, as well as first class customer service to provide a truly outstanding event experience for a multitude of events.

“A new, state-of-the-art arena is consistent with the wider commitment to continue the growth of Eastlands and the Etihad Campus.”

A statement from Man City at the time added: “The City Football Group is working with OVG as part of its commitment to continuing the growth of Eastlands and the Etihad Campus as a thriving community and world-leading sporting and leisure destination.”

The multi-tier arena will boast restaurants and shopsCredit: Oak View Group

The arena is set to be finished by 2023Credit: Oak View Group

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk