North East events business expands to Manchester

A North East events business is expanding into Manchester after the successful launch of a new fitness competition attracted athletes from across the UK.

The Arena Games will make its debut at Manchester’s AO Arena on August 1, following the success of its inaugural event at Utilita Arena Newcastle less than a year ago.

Founded by live events professional Simon Michael Mooney and CrossFit coach Kat Sanger, the competition was created to give amateur athletes the opportunity to compete in major arena venues typically reserved for elite sport and entertainment.

The Newcastle launch welcomed around 360 competitors, more than 400 spectators and a workforce of around 100 staff and volunteers, while generating more than one million social media impressions.

Athletes travelled from across the UK, as well as Malta, to take part.

The founders developed the concept after identifying what they saw as a gap in the growing functional fitness market, where many competitions continue to be staged in gyms, sports halls and exhibition venues.

Simon said: “The vision has always been incredibly simple – put everyday athletes on the big stage.

“We felt there was an opportunity to completely rethink what these events could look like. 

“People dedicate huge amounts of time to training and improving themselves, so why shouldn't they experience world-class production and an unforgettable competition environment?

“The response in Newcastle gave us confidence that we were building something people genuinely wanted, and Manchester was the natural next step.”

Manchester was chosen as the next location after providing the largest number of travelling teams to the Newcastle event outside the North East, highlighting the city’s strong fitness community.

The expansion forms part of a wider growth strategy, with plans to establish a nationwide series of Arena Games events in cities including Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and London before exploring international opportunities.

Simon added: “We’re building much more than a competition. 

“We’re creating a new events brand with long-term ambitions.

“Global is the ultimate goal, but our focus is firmly on establishing The Arena Games across the UK first. 

“We want to create an annual series that athletes aspire to compete in and host cities are proud to welcome.”

Athlete registrations and spectator tickets for The Arena Games at Manchester's AO Arena are here.

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