first direct bank arena

Understanding the arena’s policies before your visit ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from the moment you arrive. From entry requirements and security procedures to prohibited items, knowing what to expect helps you focus on the excitement of the event.

• Re-Entry & Smoking: No re-entry is allowed. There are smoking areas on Level 2 of the arena.
• Payment Options: All purchases are cashless. Guests can use credit/debit cards or mobile pay options.
• Prohibited Items: No outside food or drinks, video recorders or professional cameras, selfie sticks, or banners. Glass, cans, aluminum bottles or thermoses, noise-making objects, flammable substances, weapons, and projectiles (balls, frisbees) are prohibited.
• Age Restrictions: Most events are all ages. However, under-14s are restricted from the standing floor and must be accompanied by an adult.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations (including bag policies), check the official first direct bank arena’s policies before your event for the most up-to-date information.

A beacon of modern entertainment in the vibrant Leeds city center, first direct bank arena is surrounded by a lively mix of culture, nightlife, and entertainment. The neighborhood brims with bustling restaurants, cozy pubs, and historic streets, making it an ideal spot for a full day or night out before or after your event. Music and live entertainment thrive here, with several other top venues close by:

• Stylus Leeds: This dynamic live music and club venue is located on the University of Leeds campus. Accommodating 1,000 people, Stylus hosts concerts, club nights, and student events.³
• O2 Academy Leeds: Situated in the heart of the city, this historic venue offers an eclectic lineup of live performances, from rock and indie to hip hop and comedy. The theater-style auditorium can accommodate up to 2,300 attendees, and an intimate club space, The Underground, has capacity for 400 people.⁴
• Leeds Beckett Students Union: Located on the Leeds Beckett University campus, this 1,020 capacity venue features live music, club nights, comedy shows, and student-focused events.⁵

first direct bank arena has no on-site parking but offers over 7,500 spaces within a 15-minute walk.² Book in advance to ensure a smoother arrival.

Public Transportation: Leeds City Bus Station (Dyer Street) and Leeds City Railway Station on New Station Street are both about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the arena. Frequent bus services from Arriva Yorkshire and First Leeds stop on nearby Woodhouse Lane, including routes like 5, 5A, 22, 23, 38, and 39.

Driving: By car, the arena sits beside the A58(M) ring road, with signage guiding drivers directly to the venue. Those who are driving can navigate to Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY, United Kingdom. Links out of the city from the Claypit Lane junction (A58) can take you to the east (A64 York Road), the south and west (M621), as well as the M62 and the M1.

Nearby parking options:

• CitiPark Merrion Centre at 5 Merrion Way, Leeds, LS2 8BT.
• Q Park The Light at The Light, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL.
• Woodhouse Lane Car Park at Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3AX.

Standard concession kiosks throughout the concourses serve quick snacks, soft drinks, hot food, and alcoholic beverages.

Guests looking for an elevated experience can choose from premium hospitality packages, such as The Mixer, Luxury Experience, or Club 200, which include access to exclusive lounges, a welcome drink, and gourmet bites or chef-curated three-course meals.

There are also several superb restaurants and bars in the area near the arena for a drink or a bite to eat before or after attending a show.

first direct bank arena opened in September 2013, with the inaugural concert held by Bruce Springsteen on 24 July 2013.⁶ Sir Elton John headlined the official opening in early September.⁷

Designed by Populous, the arena’s fan-shaped configuration was the first of its kind in the UK, ensuring every seat faces the stage and keeping sightlines within 68 meters, far shorter than in traditional layouts.⁸ Its distinctive honeycomb façade, based on a Voronoi pattern, can illuminate in colors and patterns themed to each event, an architectural landmark that Leeds locals are truly proud of.^9,10

By 2014, the arena earned “Best New Venue in the World” at the Stadium Business Awards. The contemporary arena soon established itself as Yorkshire’s largest indoor entertainment venue after increasing its standing capacity to 4,321, which raised its total capacity to 13,781.^7,11

first direct bank arena has hosted some of the globe’s most renowned artists, including Prince’s iconic Leeds performance in May 2014, along with Pearl Jam, Kylie Minogue, and Pharrell Williams. It’s also hosted flagship events such as the MOBO Awards and BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.^1,12