First Direct Arena Leeds
2,250 sqm
Indoor Space
12,000
Plenary Capacity
1,200
Banquet Capacity
6
Breakout Rooms
2
Exhibition Halls
About this Venue
The First Direct Arena Leeds is a world-class, multi-purpose entertainment venue located in the heart of Leeds city centre. Opened in 2013, it is renowned for its unique 'super theatre' style configuration, designed by Populous, which ensures excellent sightlines and high-quality acoustics from every seat, creating an intimate atmosphere for audiences. The arena hosts a diverse range of events including live music concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and major televised productions, accommodating up to 13,781 spectators. It was named 'Best New Venue in the World' at the 2014 Stadium Business Awards.
Images
1 photos
Venue at a Glance
Venue Type
Stadium
City
Leeds
Country
GB
Total Indoor Space
2,250 sqm
Max Plenary
12,000
Max Banquet
1,200
Breakout Rooms
6
Exhibition Halls
2
Airport Distance
17 min
Full Address
Arena Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BY, GB
Event Spaces & Rooms
5 configurable spaces
| Space Name | Type | Theatre | Classroom | Banquet | Reception | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Auditorium | Auditorium | — | — | — | — | — |
| Black & White Lounge | Lounge | — | — | — | — | — |
| The Mixer | Breakout Room | — | — | — | — | — |
| Level 1 Concourse | Concourse | — | — | — | — | — |
| Level 2 Concourse | Concourse | — | — | — | — | — |
Sustainability
The arena was designed to achieve a 'Very Good' BREEAM rating, indicating a high standard of sustainable building practices. It also features a 5G neutral host network designed to minimize equipment and power usage, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient means of delivering reliable mobile connectivity.
Certifications
Notable Past Events
39 events hosted
Subvention & Funding Support
Attendees of conferences held at First Direct Arena can receive a 25% discount on train travel from all LNER stations to Leeds.
Plan Your Event Here
Submit an RFP to get a customized proposal for your event at First Direct Arena Leeds.
Quick Facts
- Airport
- 17 min drive
- Exhibition Halls
- 2
- Breakout Rooms
- 6
- Indoor Space
- 2,250 sqm
Contact Information
Destination
Leeds, United Kingdom
Europe — Northern Europe
View destination profileData Quality
Bronze
Last Verified
27 Mar 2026