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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Manchester Co Op Arena Standing Area Under 16's

77 replies

DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:10

We have bought tickets to see Olivia Rodrigo this coming Saturday at Manchester Co Op Arena. When we look at the small print it says that under 16's are not allowed in the standing area. DD is 13.

What the hell do we do? I know it's a new venue so there might not be many people with experience of this problem but ... argh.

I would have thought most of her fan base was under 16?

OP posts:
Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:12

Also apologies for using AIBU unreasonable. Doing it for traffic.

Is this common? Does anyone have experience of another venue? Are they likely to turn us away?

OP posts:
JayAlfredPrufrock · 30/04/2024 23:13

Is it ready?

Icepop79 · 30/04/2024 23:14

How old does your daughter look? Could she get away with looking like a young but passable 16 yr old? My instinct is to try and sneak her in.

YoureStuckOnMeLikeATattoohoohoo · 30/04/2024 23:16

I've seen people turned away from gigs due to age restrictions, I've also seen people swapping tickets at the gig __for seated.

I would try and get a swap beforehand, if you can't I would probably just risk it.

It's usually under the information about age restrictions, especially for the standing area.

madnessitellyou · 30/04/2024 23:17

Is it definitely going ahead? I live in Manchester and the opening gig last week was cancelled due to the lack of readiness!

Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:18

@Icepop79 thank you for answering. Yes she could pass. This was my plan but her friend isn't 13 until August and she does look a bit younger.

I just can't imagine how we would feel (DD's friend's mum is coming too) if they turn us away.

Tickets were bought on Viagogo and I don't recall seeing any warning about this rule when I bought them.

OP posts:
alibongo5 · 30/04/2024 23:18

I would have thought most of her fan base was under 16?

They won't have different rules depending on who's playing though!

Doyoumind · 30/04/2024 23:19

They aren't going to ask to see her passport so if she can pass for 16 you might have to say she's 16 and be ready argue it out if you need to.

I can understand why they would do this. Standing at concerts can be scary.

theonlygirl · 30/04/2024 23:19

I wouldn't worry, the gig will probably be cancelled.....on Friday.
How old does she look? pass for 16? Are you going with her? I'm not sure how they're gonna police this.
Plead ignorance and if they turn you away, see if a kind steward will find a seat for you, is it a sell out?

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 30/04/2024 23:20

It's for safety
Standing areas are more likely to be a crush hazard so their RA will be 16+
You should have checked before
Are there tickets left? I'd try contacting the venue to see if you can swap tickets. It'll be heartbreaking for your daughter if you try and pass her off as 16+ and she gets refused entry for being too young and lying

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 30/04/2024 23:21

DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:18

@Icepop79 thank you for answering. Yes she could pass. This was my plan but her friend isn't 13 until August and she does look a bit younger.

I just can't imagine how we would feel (DD's friend's mum is coming too) if they turn us away.

Tickets were bought on Viagogo and I don't recall seeing any warning about this rule when I bought them.

If you've brought on Viagogo I'd be more concerned about the tickets being fakes tbh!

They are a reselling site so won't necessarily have the venue booking conditions. It's up to you to check that.

Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:22

They are still selling tickets on Viagogo and I was tempted to buy more but I don't want to be stuck with the ones I have. I know you can re-sell them on there but they still have tickets so I'm guessing mine will be sold at a significant loss.

That's interesting about it not being ready .. I bought the tickets last October/November and I didn't realise the venue wasn't actually yet in existence. That was a shock.

OP posts:
KenAdams · 30/04/2024 23:23

There's no way it's going ahead at Co-op sorry OP. Viagogo is awful for tickets, try and find out what happens if the event is cancelled.

Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:24

@ButWhatAboutTheBees a contract exists with Viagogo. I have bought with them before.

OP posts:
Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:25

Taking on board what everyone is saying. My memories of gigs are definitely that it can be risky in standing, though considering her fan base I wasn't expecting a mosh pit. Seems it could be a mistake to risk it.

OP posts:
Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:26

Ah okay @KenAdams. Two very disappointed kids this weekend .. we've booked a hotel and train tickets

OP posts:
UsherPusher · 30/04/2024 23:27

Viagogo is notorious for fake tickets at a huge mark up and many venues/shows now ban reselling via them, tickets brought on there might not even be valid

We had a fairly big show and several disappointed couples as they had paid 100s for tickets on Viagogo which were fakes

And if the venue isn't ready, you probably won't even get a refund for the tickets.

Plus you should have checked the venue T&Cs yourself. They won't break the rules and if you're caught breaking them you risk being kicked out

Sorry OP but you might have to suck up this as lost and a learning experience

JayAlfredPrufrock · 30/04/2024 23:29

Come to Manchester anyway.

Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:29

Does anyone know whether A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has been cancelled for tomorrow?

OP posts:
ButWhatAboutTheBees · 30/04/2024 23:29

The website says that under 16s will be removed or reseated if they are caught on the floor

It's not worth the risk

JayAlfredPrufrock · 30/04/2024 23:30

BBC website says shows going ahead this weekend.

Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:32

Thank you @ButWhatAboutTheBees decision made.

OP posts:
Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:37

@alibongo5 good point.

OP posts:
Original poster
DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:39

@UsherPusher do you mind me asking what the concert was?

OP posts:
UsherPusher · 30/04/2024 23:48

DilysDilemna · 30/04/2024 23:39

@UsherPusher do you mind me asking what the concert was?

It wasn't a concert
It was a comedian and its happened more than once its just this one was a particularly big name

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