I went to see Paramore here last month, my first visit to the MEN arena.

Location -

I drove the 40 miles up the A34 and beyond to reach here. It was not too bad at all, using the sat nav I reached the general area and there were many many unofficial car parks as was the one I went too. I was nervous and edgy by this point because I had never been to this side of the city before so chose to pop into one where a man in a yellow vest was directing people to and it cost me £10, and was told it was 10 minutes walk away whereas it was twice that and me and my friend had to walk back at 11pm in the dark, naughty people.

I recommend allowing the sat nav to take you as close as possible to the arena, as there are so many car parks near to it, often 'unofficial', I saw some from about 4 or 5 pounds.

I do not know what the car park officially for it is, although it is next door to Victoria train station and the Arndale centre so any city centre car park will suffice.

I'd have got the train but the last one is far too early and plus we'd need to travel to Piccadilly first to get on the west coast mainline.

Upon arrival at the arena, there were a large flight of stairs that took you through a row of turnstiles upon which you entered the building.

Bag searches are conducted so no bottles of water etc.

The red doors are clearly labelled accordng to row and seat number, and there are actually several entrances and exits to the arena so remember which one you came in. It goes around in a big circle and at random intervals are toilets, small bars which sell over priced drinks and a selection of crisps.

We were extremely disappointed to find out that we could not locate a cafe etc and could only buy crisps or £4 hot dogs :/, there were popcorn stalls, candy floss stalls, then we saw several indian food stalls which had like 2 choices so we had a chicken tikka wrap for £4 which was lovely, I just wanted to sit down though in a cafe :(

Not to worry. We entered our entrance and found our row, it took a very long time to get into our seat. The seat was very comfortable but as usual if anyone wants to get past in your row there is no room and you have to stand up to make way for folks.

The place was massive, it was clear many thousands of people could be sat here, for this concert there was also a large standing area at the base of the arena, 2 seating tiers and some luxury boxes.

The arena was not as cold as I was expecting being indoors it was fine without a coat for the most part in December.

Getting out of the venue took ages naturally, although ushers were guiding people the best route that they can, it took about half an hour to get out. There was a huge sea oif people going in every direction possible so brace yourself!!

SUMMARY =

This is a great place to combine with Manchester shopping being in the city centre, if you are visiting get something to eat before you go in as the selection is ridiculously small for an arena and of course stupidly expensive, and research your route and car park well.

It loses a star for the food and drink selection and prices.