First Direct Arena Leeds Tickets

First direct arena events in Leeds

Leeds' first direct bank arena, also known as first direct arena, opened in 2013. Its programme spans live music, comedy, entertainment shows and sporting events. Past performers include Elton John, Stormzy, Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran, while the venue has also hosted Cirque du Soleil.

Populous designed the arena as a flexible multipurpose venue. Its super-theatre configuration places the fixed seating towards the stage, with acoustics and reduced viewing distances central to the design. That stage-facing arrangement gives the building a distinctive identity among large live-entertainment venues.

Floor seating and the rising blocks

Seated floor arrangements use lettered blocks, beginning with Block A. Around them, the venue identifies blocks 101 through 109 and 210 through 220, with upper blocks running from 321 through 333. Lift and escalator routes connect the building's different circulation levels with these seating areas.

The upper tier rises noticeably above the event floor. At Block 321, the front is 19 metres above ground level and the rear reaches 29 metres. Access within these upper blocks involves steep steps, so a location at the front and one further up belong to different heights within the same tier.

Step-free viewing and companion positions

Step-free viewing platforms run across blocks 101 through 104 and 106 through 109, with positions for wheelchair users and companions. The accessible entrance is to the right of the main doors and close to the lift. A radio-frequency induction-loop system supports assisted listening throughout the arena.

The venue's newer accessibility information also distinguishes wheelchair positions from ambulant-accessible seats. Ambulant seating is intended for visitors who can manage a limited number of steps, while the rear of the 100-series seated blocks provides the wheelchair-viewing areas. The Black & White Lounge is a named hospitality space, paired with Level One seating in the venue's Luxury Experience.

Arriving in central Leeds

The arena is on Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY. Leeds Station on New Station Street is the nearest mainline station, with bus stops on Clay Pit Lane, Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road and Woodhouse Lane. The city bus and coach stations provide further regional and national connections. For other live music destinations, browse concerts on TixChoice.