AO Arena Opens Schweppes Signature Lounge in Manchester
Legends Global and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners refresh an existing premium room with an exclusive cocktail menu and a build-your-own gin-and-tonic offer.
AO Arena has reopened one of its premium hospitality rooms as the Schweppes Signature Lounge, giving its partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) a new guest-facing expression. The Manchester venue has rebranded and refreshed the space while retaining its existing premium hospitality package.
Two cocktails have been developed specifically for the lounge: the Vanilla Passion Highball combines vodka, vanilla syrup and lime with Schweppes Tropical Soda, while the Tropical Margarita pairs blanco tequila, triple sec and lime with the same mixer. A Raspberry Fizz made with 0% gin, raspberry syrup, lemon and Schweppes Soda adds a non-alcoholic signature serve.
The menu also introduces “G&T Your Way,” allowing guests to choose from a curated gin selection and Schweppes Tropical Soda, Indian Tonic, Slimline Tonic or Elderflower Tonic, with garnishes matched to each serve. The format gives the branded room a degree of personalisation beyond a fixed drinks list.
For Legends Global, which operates AO Arena, the lounge turns a beverage partnership into a distinct premium experience before a concert or other event. Its refreshed setting and exclusive menu give guests a reason to spend time in the space, while putting the partner’s products at the centre of the visit. The project updates an existing lounge; the partners have not announced new seating capacity or an expansion of the arena’s premium inventory.
The launch also shows how a sponsor can shape the hospitality product itself. The Schweppes identity extends from the look of the room to the drinks guests order, rather than appearing only on signs or at a standard bar. AO Arena has not disclosed the refurbishment cost, the lounge’s capacity, or pricing for access.
FSM Team
Gideon Gottfried
