First Direct Arena

Two incredible bands for the price of one! Grab your tickets to james + The Charlatans live in Leeds this December.
🎫➡ https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/s earch/james/

As we count down to our fifth birthday, we’d love to hear about your first gig experience at first direct arena.
Have any pictures? Wing them over to us by PM or pop them in the comments below and we’ll share!

Marshall, Rubble, Chase? Rocky, Zuma, Skye? Who's your favourite Paw Patrol pup? 🐶🐕🐾Marshall, Rubble, Chase? Rocky, Zuma, Skye? Who's your favourite Paw Patrol pup? 🐶🐕🐾

How time flies… this time next week we turn five!
That’s right, 24 July 2013 is when we welcomed The Boss to Leeds for an unforgettable night, and this week we’ll be looking back on our first year.
Hands up if you were there for Bruce! 🙌🙌🙌

😂 | Bill Bailey returns in 2019 after rave reviews of his show here this year! Don't miss out - tickets for a unique must-see comedy experience right this way... https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/s earch/bill-bailey/

🆕 | You may want to 'Sit Down' for this announcement... james + The Charlatans are coming to Leeds!
Tickets from 9:30am Friday 20 July 👉 https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/< br>

We've been really looking forward to this one - who's with us tonight for a real treat as James Taylor & Bonnie Raitt come to Leeds?
It's not too late to join us... https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/s earch/james-taylor/

🦁🦁🦁

One of the finest stand-ups in the country returns as Jason Manford takes to the stage in Leeds this November at First Direct Arena as he prepares to tell you all about being 'Muddle Class'!
🎫 https://www.firstdirectarena.com/even…/ search/jason-manford/

⭐ Jess Glynne 📅 25 November Tickets available now! 🎫 https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/s earch/jess-glynne/

Happy 70th birthday to the NHS!
Tonight, we'll be lit up blue to celebrate our national health service.

Quick reminder - tickets for Jess Glynne are available from 9am tomorrow. You will need a Ticketmaster account to buy tickets for this and future events at First Direct Arena.
Sign up today here: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/

🦕 | Walking With Dinosaurs is here in Leeds this August, so we want to know... who was the best dinosaur?
https://www.firstdirectarena.com/…/…/ walking-with-dinosaurs/

Ba de ya say do you remember, dancing in September (July)🕺💃 How amazing were Earth, Wind & Fire!

The Leeds Tattoo Expo returns this weekend to First Direct Arena - who's getting some ink done?!
There will be live music and entertainment including fire breathers and a piercing show not to be missed, as well as a market of hand picked traders selling everything from t-shirts to taxidermy.
Oh, and don't worry, the England game will be on at the event!
... Tickets right this way: https://www.firstdirectarena.com/…/sear ch/leeds-tattoo-expo/
See More

What's the next event you've got 🎫🎫🎫 for at @fdarena?
https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/< br>

🤔 "The greatest live band in the world is _________"

Ba de ya, say do you remember? Ba de ya, Earth, Wind & Fire are here in Leeds this week - not in September.
Why people keep thinking it's later in the year is beyond us... 👀
https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/s earch/earth/

🆕 | Acclaimed songstress Jess Glynne celebrates the announcement of her glittering new album ‘Always In Between’ with a brand new tour this November.
Tickets available from 9am Friday 6 July!

🐾 | Ryder needs you!
All paws on deck for PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure", coming to First Direct Arena, 29 August 2018 - the perfect treat for the little ones this summer - tickets available now!
https://www.firstdirectarena.com/events/s earch/paw-patrol/

Together with an old friend and my daughter, I attended First Direct Arena on 21 November 2017 to see Steps. Whereas may daughter and I were already inside, my friend came later. We had the tickets but a member of the team went out and found my friend and gave him the ticket. More than that, Faye on reception went way way way beyond 5 star service to help with my daughters safety and comfort. She had a VIP ticket at the front and was not feeling too well. My friend and I were some distance away. Faye took our details including phone and seat numbers and got a paramedic to come and see me in my seat. He said he'd watch out for my daughter. Faye meanwhile thought on her feet and magic'd up two extra seats so we all sat together. Her standard of service , politeness and care was the best Ive ever encountered anywhere at any time. Congratulations and thanks to all - including the photographer who went out of her way in the VIP package. I'd also like to compliment the security team for their thoroughness and West Yorkshire police for the armed officers keeping everyone safe.

Saw Disney on Ice yesterday evening, what a fantastic show!!! Wanted to say a huge thank you to the kind member of staff in the arena that helped us to calm my little boy who was quite distressed, we would have gone home and missed most of the show but was so grateful to be offered a quiet room for him to calm down in and for us all to enjoy the show. They went above and beyond to help us and we so appreciate it, thank you First Direct Arena Leeds big thank you to the staff, brilliant venue.

My sister and I went to the "40 years of disco" concert. Every member of staff we encountered was friendly, approachable and professional. Nothing was too much trouble and they all went above and beyond to make sure we were ok. I was feeling unwell so asked if there were seats available anywhere that was near an exit. Sure enough, the lovely lady on the desk sorted us out and we were escorted to our new seats by an equally lovely gentleman. First class service throughout. Thank you.

I have had some health issues which I was worried would cause problems with an upcoming event. I contacted ticket master first who put me in touch with James Devlin who is the ticketing manager for first direct. He was extremely helpful and put my mind at ease and helped me change my seats to a more accessible place. I am so happy with my experience he went out of his way to help me. Thank you so much !

Hi we’ve just got back from watching Michael McIntyre at the first direct arena. We nearly didn’t see anything as we turned up tonight when our tickets were actually for tomorrow. The guy on the gate was great and suggested we try the box office to see if there were any seats available to swap to. Luckily for us there were and in a slightly better position than our original seats. I would just like to thank the chap on the gate but also James the box office manager who was absolutely brilliant at sorting us out. He was super helpful and kind.

Been there twice to see the Stereophonics and such a brilliant place. Fantastic sound and view. Great staff. So organised and helpful. I struggle with lots of stairs and especially with no hand rail on them and the staff moved us to sit in a more suitable area. Thank you

Attended last night to see Michael McIntyre. Can’t fault the staff they were amazing. It isn’t the first time I have been can’t actually count how many times I have been, however it’s the first time. I have taken my guide dog as usual I take my cane. The staff are usually great with me anyway however they were fantastic helping both of us last night. Shame Michael missed out on meeting the most unique guide dog to actually be a guide dog

... just got back from the 10:30 showing for Disney on ice and I have to say the security was faultless! Everyone was ushered in to lines and all our bags were checked and I mean checked they had a good rifle through which was brilliant then we were all scanned before going in tickets were checked and pointed in our seating direction all was quick and efficient! All the staff were smiley and polite a real credit to the arena! I took my daughter to the loo and there were staff everywhere on the walk ways all happy to help it was a fantastic experience! My only bug bare was the price of food, drink and toys they were an extortion and obviously kids are going to want them so as parents we pay it but surely it being a child friendly show where 90% of the attendees are kids they could make things a bit more affordable it cost me £37 for popcorn, candy floss and 2 slushes � but other than that it was brilliant, we will definitely be back!

Really disappointed to see plastic straws being readily available at the front of the counter at the Arena tonight. Are they really necessary? Think of the terrible impact that plastics are having on our planet and lead by example - withdraw the straw!



... and while you are at it, why not put baskets near the exits to collect and recycle the VIP lanyards? It's such a waste not requesting their return, and they can only end up in household waste.



As my bank, I expect better from you in terms of environmental impact.

On the plus side you get a good view from anywhere in the arena & the seats are reasonably comfy.

On the minus side some staff can be over eager to force you to sit down even when the artist on the stage is trying hard to get you on your feet.

Food & drink prices are criminally high as in all such places & by not allowing you to keep the tops on water bottles they treat everyone as a thug.

There's never enough toilets.

My minus points could stand for pretty much any arena I've been in though!

Attended the Roy Orbison UK Hologram Tour event at First Direct Arena tonight. What can I say - sadly the production was a shambles 😕 The hologram of Roy was amazing, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra were excellent, the music brilliant but what happened to the presentation? The light show whilst initially fine became unbearably strong and blinding and I had to close my eyes and put my hand over them as well and could still see the colours. The show was to start at 7.30pm, nothing happened until unannounced, without props and off set from the centre of the stage a family group of 3 suddenly appeared at about 8pm? Excellent local singers and guitar players but they disappeared without any ceremony nor announcement, as they had arrived. The Roy Orbison Show started at 8.30 and finished at 9.30. Curtains closed, no announcements, lights came on. Everyone was looking around at each other saying is that it, or is it the interval? So folks just got up and walked out. Sorry to say but a shambles in my eyes. The Base Entertainment company behind the production have offices in many parts of the world apparently. If this is an example of your productions I dont know how you make it pay! My husband and daughter attended the Celine Dion concert at Leeds Arena last year and he compared tonight’s performance as a village hall concert in comparison to Celine Dions slick and time perfect show!

I’ve been to the arena several times (and will continue to go) but there are occasions where I struggle with sound quality. Last night at Paul Weller was an example. Band sounded great but vocals sounded off (nothing do to with the man himself). Does anyone else think the acoustics are a bit dodgy or is it just me and my hubby?

We went to see the script on Friday 2nd,We were sat 5rows from the back(which I knew before I went) but thought oh well we will be able to watch the big screens,how wrong was I,the speakers hanging down from the ceiling were obstructing our view,my husband worked hard to get me these tickets for Christmas.

I don't even know why I'm writing this because no one will get back to me,and I Carn't find an email address to complain to.

First direct you need to get this sorted so others don't lose out on seeing there favourite bands.

We came last night to see the nashville tour to be told my hand Bag was a backpack and we had to take a detour to pay £5for it to be looked after it was a small black leather bag with a Handel at the top there was ladies walking in with massive holdalls for handbags and they managed to get in ???? Also what a joke to be locked out at 930 for going to toilet because the artists were coming up the stairs and were being filmed totally spoiled my night what a waste of money

I will never go back to this arena again I bought my mum paloma faith tickets for Christmas we went on Friday had 2 drinks in the pub before we went in as was a massive line waiting to go in and it was snowing and cold we went to the arena around half 7-8 the first security we’re fine checked our bags and tickets got the the doors the the second lot of security and this one young lad sed we couldn’t go in as was drunk none of us was drunk at all so I had my back turned to ring my dad because we was stuck in Leeds and are from hull and one of the security lads started pushing me off the site for no reason at all i am not happy with the service and I think you need to sort ur security staff out as u don’t want this happening again I paid £170 for those tickets and we was not aloud to enter it is a joke and I will never come to this arena again �

I will never ever go to this arena again, I'm absolutely discusted by how me and my daughter was treat by security, on the coach down there people was drinking and very drunk and loud me and my daughter wasn't drinking, when we arrived in Leeds we had 2 drinks in the pub before going in, had our bags searched, everything was OK, went to go through to the next security to be told we couldn't come in because we were drunk, we wasn't, my daughter paid £85 each for these tickets, we stood in the snow and was a very windy night to be turned away just because they decided we wasn't coming in, how dare they do this to people, my daughter is a single parent and bought these as a surprise for me for Christmas, the place is an absolute joke �

I was at the arena for Europe’s strongest man 4pm - 10pm today. The food provision was an absolute shambles. I came out in the break after the log press to get food and waited in a queue to be told there was no food left. I then went to a different floor to wait in another queue for a considerable amount of time to be told that there was no food left. I kicked off and the manager went to a different kiosk to get me some food (not what I wanted). Meanwhile I had missed all of the deadlift event standing in queues for none existent food. Get a grip Leeds arena how can you expect so many people to be in the arena for that duration of time and not eat. You need to sort it out or let customers bring their own food in. Please reply and tell me how you are going to compensate me for missing a chunk of the event.

For those saying security was strict, having been to the 2:30 DOI show today I have to beg to differ....

We entered via the accessible entrance. Bags were searched. People were asked to take backpacks to the car if had them.

At the side of us the queue was allowing people in with backpacks. An elderly couple questioned why theyd had to struggle on crutches back to the car to be told that Disney and kids backpacks were allowed.....hhhmmm because no suspecting bomber is going to ever think enough of children to load a bomb into a childs backpack or a ladies handbag are they? .....and the bag they had to return was apparently a Cath Kidson Disney one identical to one which was allowed through by another member of security.

Come on Leeds....lets have one rule for everyone. If a disabled person is asked to return a bag to a car so can a parent. Better still send a note with the tickets or search every bag and allow them all in.

Firstly the arena, the crowd staff and security are 5 star. Shame same cant be said for your box office staff who were disgraceful. We were on the guest list for The Script lastnight and the attitude towards us was appalling. As it was late coming through we had to keep coming back and ask if it was ready and as it was 1 degree outside and we weren't dressed for the weather you can appreciate we had to ask several times. Each time we asked if it had arrived we did do with politeness, excitement and smiles on our faces only to be greeted with a i am not interested in helping you or smiling at you in the slightest your getting on my nerves attitude from EVERY staff member, tbey almost seemed to enjoy watching us absolutely freezing which was really upsetting. When the guest list did come we expected (as i would of done) to be called over by one of the staff that were all just sat there chatting but no they thought they would keep it quiet a bit longer. Then another guy came to ask for his tickets and he was also on the guest list and he was greeted with smiles and his tickets handed to him straight away, so we approached the office again to be told like naughty school children that the guest list had only just arrived and was being sorted and it was just lucky that his name was at the top so we would have to wait a bit longer....we have now been stood outside 1.5hr and are beyond frozen. After another 20mins of waiting i approached the box office in freezing desperation and apologised to the lady as i knew i was annoying her but could she please check if our tickets were ready and she said oh yes let me just grab them, reached behind her and passed us our tickets!!!!!!!! Yet was sat chatting away laughing at us stood frozen in the cold. NEVER have i been treated or had an experience like this before they ought to be absoloutely ashamed of how they treated us lastnight. Its such a shame that they totally ruined the excitement of the night for us, having won a competition and a meet and greet we were so looking forward to it but they just took any happiness and excitement we had away, just ruined it to the point where we would of rather just gone home.

Together with an old friend and my daughter, I attended First Direct Arena on 21 November 2017 to see Steps. Whereas may daughter and I were already inside, my friend came later. We had the tickets but a member of the team went out and found my friend and gave him the ticket. More than that, Faye on reception went way way way beyond 5 star service to help with my daughters safety and comfort. She had a VIP ticket at the front and was not feeling too well. My friend and I were some distance away. Faye took our details including phone and seat numbers and got a paramedic to come and see me in my seat. He said he'd watch out for my daughter. Faye meanwhile thought on her feet and magic'd up two extra seats so we all sat together. Her standard of service , politeness and care was the best Ive ever encountered anywhere at any time. Congratulations and thanks to all - including the photographer who went out of her way in the VIP package. I'd also like to compliment the security team for their thoroughness and West Yorkshire police for the armed officers keeping everyone safe.

Saw Disney on Ice yesterday evening, what a fantastic show!!! Wanted to say a huge thank you to the kind member of staff in the arena that helped us to calm my little boy who was quite distressed, we would have gone home and missed most of the show but was so grateful to be offered a quiet room for him to calm down in and for us all to enjoy the show. They went above and beyond to help us and we so appreciate it, thank you First Direct Arena Leeds big thank you to the staff, brilliant venue.

My sister and I went to the "40 years of disco" concert. Every member of staff we encountered was friendly, approachable and professional. Nothing was too much trouble and they all went above and beyond to make sure we were ok. I was feeling unwell so asked if there were seats available anywhere that was near an exit. Sure enough, the lovely lady on the desk sorted us out and we were escorted to our new seats by an equally lovely gentleman. First class service throughout. Thank you.

I have had some health issues which I was worried would cause problems with an upcoming event. I contacted ticket master first who put me in touch with James Devlin who is the ticketing manager for first direct. He was extremely helpful and put my mind at ease and helped me change my seats to a more accessible place. I am so happy with my experience he went out of his way to help me. Thank you so much !

Hi we’ve just got back from watching Michael McIntyre at the first direct arena. We nearly didn’t see anything as we turned up tonight when our tickets were actually for tomorrow. The guy on the gate was great and suggested we try the box office to see if there were any seats available to swap to. Luckily for us there were and in a slightly better position than our original seats. I would just like to thank the chap on the gate but also James the box office manager who was absolutely brilliant at sorting us out. He was super helpful and kind.

Been there twice to see the Stereophonics and such a brilliant place. Fantastic sound and view. Great staff. So organised and helpful. I struggle with lots of stairs and especially with no hand rail on them and the staff moved us to sit in a more suitable area. Thank you

Attended last night to see Michael McIntyre. Can’t fault the staff they were amazing. It isn’t the first time I have been can’t actually count how many times I have been, however it’s the first time. I have taken my guide dog as usual I take my cane. The staff are usually great with me anyway however they were fantastic helping both of us last night. Shame Michael missed out on meeting the most unique guide dog to actually be a guide dog

... just got back from the 10:30 showing for Disney on ice and I have to say the security was faultless! Everyone was ushered in to lines and all our bags were checked and I mean checked they had a good rifle through which was brilliant then we were all scanned before going in tickets were checked and pointed in our seating direction all was quick and efficient! All the staff were smiley and polite a real credit to the arena! I took my daughter to the loo and there were staff everywhere on the walk ways all happy to help it was a fantastic experience! My only bug bare was the price of food, drink and toys they were an extortion and obviously kids are going to want them so as parents we pay it but surely it being a child friendly show where 90% of the attendees are kids they could make things a bit more affordable it cost me £37 for popcorn, candy floss and 2 slushes � but other than that it was brilliant, we will definitely be back!

Really disappointed to see plastic straws being readily available at the front of the counter at the Arena tonight. Are they really necessary? Think of the terrible impact that plastics are having on our planet and lead by example - withdraw the straw!



... and while you are at it, why not put baskets near the exits to collect and recycle the VIP lanyards? It's such a waste not requesting their return, and they can only end up in household waste.



As my bank, I expect better from you in terms of environmental impact.

On the plus side you get a good view from anywhere in the arena & the seats are reasonably comfy.

On the minus side some staff can be over eager to force you to sit down even when the artist on the stage is trying hard to get you on your feet.

Food & drink prices are criminally high as in all such places & by not allowing you to keep the tops on water bottles they treat everyone as a thug.

There's never enough toilets.

My minus points could stand for pretty much any arena I've been in though!

Attended the Roy Orbison UK Hologram Tour event at First Direct Arena tonight. What can I say - sadly the production was a shambles 😕 The hologram of Roy was amazing, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra were excellent, the music brilliant but what happened to the presentation? The light show whilst initially fine became unbearably strong and blinding and I had to close my eyes and put my hand over them as well and could still see the colours. The show was to start at 7.30pm, nothing happened until unannounced, without props and off set from the centre of the stage a family group of 3 suddenly appeared at about 8pm? Excellent local singers and guitar players but they disappeared without any ceremony nor announcement, as they had arrived. The Roy Orbison Show started at 8.30 and finished at 9.30. Curtains closed, no announcements, lights came on. Everyone was looking around at each other saying is that it, or is it the interval? So folks just got up and walked out. Sorry to say but a shambles in my eyes. The Base Entertainment company behind the production have offices in many parts of the world apparently. If this is an example of your productions I dont know how you make it pay! My husband and daughter attended the Celine Dion concert at Leeds Arena last year and he compared tonight’s performance as a village hall concert in comparison to Celine Dions slick and time perfect show!

I’ve been to the arena several times (and will continue to go) but there are occasions where I struggle with sound quality. Last night at Paul Weller was an example. Band sounded great but vocals sounded off (nothing do to with the man himself). Does anyone else think the acoustics are a bit dodgy or is it just me and my hubby?

We went to see the script on Friday 2nd,We were sat 5rows from the back(which I knew before I went) but thought oh well we will be able to watch the big screens,how wrong was I,the speakers hanging down from the ceiling were obstructing our view,my husband worked hard to get me these tickets for Christmas.

I don't even know why I'm writing this because no one will get back to me,and I Carn't find an email address to complain to.

First direct you need to get this sorted so others don't lose out on seeing there favourite bands.

We came last night to see the nashville tour to be told my hand Bag was a backpack and we had to take a detour to pay £5for it to be looked after it was a small black leather bag with a Handel at the top there was ladies walking in with massive holdalls for handbags and they managed to get in ???? Also what a joke to be locked out at 930 for going to toilet because the artists were coming up the stairs and were being filmed totally spoiled my night what a waste of money

I will never go back to this arena again I bought my mum paloma faith tickets for Christmas we went on Friday had 2 drinks in the pub before we went in as was a massive line waiting to go in and it was snowing and cold we went to the arena around half 7-8 the first security we’re fine checked our bags and tickets got the the doors the the second lot of security and this one young lad sed we couldn’t go in as was drunk none of us was drunk at all so I had my back turned to ring my dad because we was stuck in Leeds and are from hull and one of the security lads started pushing me off the site for no reason at all i am not happy with the service and I think you need to sort ur security staff out as u don’t want this happening again I paid £170 for those tickets and we was not aloud to enter it is a joke and I will never come to this arena again �

I will never ever go to this arena again, I'm absolutely discusted by how me and my daughter was treat by security, on the coach down there people was drinking and very drunk and loud me and my daughter wasn't drinking, when we arrived in Leeds we had 2 drinks in the pub before going in, had our bags searched, everything was OK, went to go through to the next security to be told we couldn't come in because we were drunk, we wasn't, my daughter paid £85 each for these tickets, we stood in the snow and was a very windy night to be turned away just because they decided we wasn't coming in, how dare they do this to people, my daughter is a single parent and bought these as a surprise for me for Christmas, the place is an absolute joke �

I was at the arena for Europe’s strongest man 4pm - 10pm today. The food provision was an absolute shambles. I came out in the break after the log press to get food and waited in a queue to be told there was no food left. I then went to a different floor to wait in another queue for a considerable amount of time to be told that there was no food left. I kicked off and the manager went to a different kiosk to get me some food (not what I wanted). Meanwhile I had missed all of the deadlift event standing in queues for none existent food. Get a grip Leeds arena how can you expect so many people to be in the arena for that duration of time and not eat. You need to sort it out or let customers bring their own food in. Please reply and tell me how you are going to compensate me for missing a chunk of the event.

For those saying security was strict, having been to the 2:30 DOI show today I have to beg to differ....

We entered via the accessible entrance. Bags were searched. People were asked to take backpacks to the car if had them.

At the side of us the queue was allowing people in with backpacks. An elderly couple questioned why theyd had to struggle on crutches back to the car to be told that Disney and kids backpacks were allowed.....hhhmmm because no suspecting bomber is going to ever think enough of children to load a bomb into a childs backpack or a ladies handbag are they? .....and the bag they had to return was apparently a Cath Kidson Disney one identical to one which was allowed through by another member of security.

Come on Leeds....lets have one rule for everyone. If a disabled person is asked to return a bag to a car so can a parent. Better still send a note with the tickets or search every bag and allow them all in.

Firstly the arena, the crowd staff and security are 5 star. Shame same cant be said for your box office staff who were disgraceful. We were on the guest list for The Script lastnight and the attitude towards us was appalling. As it was late coming through we had to keep coming back and ask if it was ready and as it was 1 degree outside and we weren't dressed for the weather you can appreciate we had to ask several times. Each time we asked if it had arrived we did do with politeness, excitement and smiles on our faces only to be greeted with a i am not interested in helping you or smiling at you in the slightest your getting on my nerves attitude from EVERY staff member, tbey almost seemed to enjoy watching us absolutely freezing which was really upsetting. When the guest list did come we expected (as i would of done) to be called over by one of the staff that were all just sat there chatting but no they thought they would keep it quiet a bit longer. Then another guy came to ask for his tickets and he was also on the guest list and he was greeted with smiles and his tickets handed to him straight away, so we approached the office again to be told like naughty school children that the guest list had only just arrived and was being sorted and it was just lucky that his name was at the top so we would have to wait a bit longer....we have now been stood outside 1.5hr and are beyond frozen. After another 20mins of waiting i approached the box office in freezing desperation and apologised to the lady as i knew i was annoying her but could she please check if our tickets were ready and she said oh yes let me just grab them, reached behind her and passed us our tickets!!!!!!!! Yet was sat chatting away laughing at us stood frozen in the cold. NEVER have i been treated or had an experience like this before they ought to be absoloutely ashamed of how they treated us lastnight. Its such a shame that they totally ruined the excitement of the night for us, having won a competition and a meet and greet we were so looking forward to it but they just took any happiness and excitement we had away, just ruined it to the point where we would of rather just gone home.