The Manchester Evening News Arena or M.E.N. Arena is a large indoor arena situated in Manchester, England. It is currently sponsored by the Manchester Evening News and has a capacity of 19,000 which can be expanded up to 22,500. The M.E.N. Arena has been the largest indoor arena in Europe since opening in 1995 and has remained one of the most structurally advanced venues on the continent. When opened the arena was the first large venue in Europe to follow the traditionally American arena layout of 360 degree seating, and its style has been a prototype for many other arenas in Europe such as the Kolnarena in Cologne, Germany. The arena has been named "International Venue Of The Year" from 2001-2004 and in 2003 & 2004, the arena was also named "Busiest Arena Venue In The World" based on ticket sales per year across the globe beating all of the world's major concert venues such as New York's Madison Square Garden and London's Wembley Arena. It was opened in 1995 and initially known as the Nynex Arena as it was first sponsored by Nynex. Today, it plays host to many worldwide performing artists and shows including comedy acts, live music and tours, sporting events and occasionally musicals.
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