The tour was led by Sarah, who began the visit by explaining the significant economic impact that Co-op Live has on the local area. Students learned about the jobs created by the venue and the money it brings into the local economy. One fact that particularly impressed students was that on a busy concert night, approximately 1,000 staff members are employed to help the event run smoothly.
During the tour, students visited several of the venue’s VIP hospitality areas and learned how Co-op Live generates income from a variety of sources, not just by hiring out the arena to artists. The group explored how mathematics is used to analyse ticket sales, hospitality packages, pricing strategies and business profits, helping the venue maximise its revenue.
A real highlight of the day was the opportunity to meet professionals working behind the scenes. Students spoke with the venue’s accountant, who explained how maths is used to manage budgets, forecast income and monitor spending. They also met an events organiser, who shared how careful planning, scheduling and data analysis are essential for successful events.
The group was also given access to areas that are normally off-limits to the public, including a visit backstage. Students were fascinated to see the scale of the production areas and gained a greater appreciation of the planning and organisation required to host major concerts and events.
The visit provided a fantastic insight into the many ways mathematics is used in the workplace and helped students to see how the skills they develop in the classroom can lead to a wide range of exciting careers.
A huge thank you to the team at Co-op Live for providing such an engaging and informative experience. The trip was a memorable day for everyone involved and inspired students to think about the real-world applications of mathematics beyond school.
