From major music stars to wrestling titans, you’ll find them all and much more at the First Direct Arena. It’s time to take a quick tour with our guide. Once the largest city in the UK without a major venue, in 2013 things changed in Leeds when the First Direct Arena was opened. On the first night, Bruce Springsteen played to a packed arena and the Arena has been pulling in the crowds all year round since then. With room for 13,500 excited fans, the Arena has hosted a huge array of international music artists, from Dolly Parton to Drake, as well as big events including World Wrestling, X Factor and the MOBO Awards.
First Direct Arena
First Direct Arena
First Direct Arena
Essential information
Promising a perfect view from every seat, the First Direct Arena is great venue for any event. Whether it’s a sporting spectacular or a major music event, the arena’s super theatre fan shape and excellent acoustics means you won’t miss any of the action. Want to know where you’ll be sitting? Check out the First Direct Arena website for seating plans. From the entrances to seats, the First Direct Arena has been designed to be fully accessible to everyone. If you email or call the venue to let them know about your requirements, they’ll arrange everything so you can relax and enjoy the event.
Top tip
Big events attract equally big crowds. Make sure you arrive as close to the advertised door time as possible to avoid queues and get to your seat in plenty of time.
Eating and drinking
Looking for a pre-show bite to eat? There’s plenty of choice in and around the First Direct Arena. Want to hang out before the show or grab a drink during the interval? Head to the fd Bar. Looking for something to eat in the Arena? From hot dogs and pizzas to burgers and fries, you’ll find lots of fast food options on offer. Located right in the heart of the city, the Arena is close to places to eat and drink. You’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from high street favourites, like Zizzi and Las Iguanas, to local favourites, like Bulgogi Grill and My Thai Leeds, on the Arena’s doorstep.
Getting to First Direct Arena
Situated in Leeds’ compact city centre, you’ll have no trouble getting to the Arena.
By car
With 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15 minute walk of the Arena, driving to your show is no trouble. The roads can get busy when there’s a show though, so make sure you leave plenty of time for your journey.
By bus
With bus stops on nearby Clay Pit Lane, Lovell Park Road and Woodhouse Lane, as well as Leeds City Bus Station not far, you’ll have plenty of choice if you decide to hop on a bus to the Arena.
By train
If you’re arriving in the city by train, you’ll have no trouble getting to the venue for curtain up. Leeds City Station is a 15-minute walk from the Arena.