When it comes to premier event venues in Leeds, few places stand out quite like the First Direct Arena. As one of the most iconic entertainment destinations in the North of England, the First Direct Arena is a popular choice for a range of events, from concerts and sports competitions to corporate gatherings and trade shows. For event planners, hosting an event at this landmark venue offers a unique experience that blends modern amenities with an atmosphere that captivates guests.
So, with this in mind, here’s everything you need to know about planning an event at the First Direct Arena Leeds in 2025.
First opened in 2013, the First Direct Arena has quickly become a cornerstone of the Leeds event scene. Known for its innovative “super-theatre” layout, the arena was designed with fan experience in mind. The seating arrangement wraps around the stage, ensuring every visitor has a good view, creating an intimate environment even for large events. This unique configuration has made it one of the most beloved venues in the UK, attracting big-name performers and hosting major events year after year.
The First Direct Arena was awarded “Best New Venue in the World” in 2014, solidifying its reputation as a top-notch space for entertainment and gatherings. With a capacity of around 13,000, the arena is suitable for a variety of events, providing flexibility and adaptability for any occasion. Its central location in Leeds also makes it accessible, providing excellent public transport links and nearby amenities for visitors.
Since its opening, the First Direct Arena has hosted a broad array of events, making it a versatile choice for many kinds of gatherings. Primarily known for its world-class concerts, the arena has welcomed international stars like Elton John, Beyoncé and the Arctic Monkeys, to name just a few. Beyond music, the First Direct Arena regularly hosts comedy shows, such as stand-up gigs by top comedians, family entertainment shows and even sporting events like boxing and wrestling matches.
For corporate event planners, the First Direct Arena also offers facilities for conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. The venue’s adaptable spaces, including the impressive main arena and additional break-out spaces, make it ideal for business gatherings of all sizes. Whether you’re hosting a large corporate event or a small-scale workshop, the First Direct Arena provides modern facilities, making it the perfect destination for corporate events and trade shows.
For those planning an event here, the venue’s accessibility and surrounding amenities are a huge plus. Situated near Leeds city centre, the arena is surrounded by hotels, restaurants and shops, giving guests plenty to explore before and after the event. The arena also prides itself on its sustainability initiatives, including recycling programs and energy-efficient lighting, which align well with companies and planners prioritising environmental responsibility in 2025.
Creating the right atmosphere for your event at the First Direct Arena is essential, and furniture plays a major role in the look and feel of your setup. That’s where Leeds furniture hire services come in. From stylish lounge seating to functional dining tables, Event Hire UK offers comprehensive First Direct Arena furniture hire Leeds options that fit the needs of any event.
Choosing table and chair hire Leeds can help planners tailor seating arrangements to fit the theme and scale of their event, whether it’s an upscale gala or a casual corporate gathering. With options to rent everything from tables and chairs to bar furniture such as stools and poseur tables, it’s easy to set up a space that’s as practical as it is visually appealing. Not only does this ensure a seamless event setup, but it also provides flexibility as your furniture rental needs evolve.
For events that include catering, the First Direct Arena is well-equipped with the necessary facilities to support your team. However, if you’re hosting a large-scale event with extensive catering needs, you may want to consider commercial catering equipment hire Leeds. Event Hire UK provides a range of catering equipment rentals including ovens, fridge and freezer hire and serving stations, ensuring your catering staff can work efficiently and effectively. With reliable equipment at your disposal, you can focus on providing an excellent dining experience for your guests. This Leeds catering equipment rentals service comes into its own when additional capacity is required to cater for large numbers of guests and visitors.
When planning an event at the First Direct Arena, it’s essential to partner with a trusted furniture and equipment hire company to ensure everything goes smoothly. Event Hire UK has a reputation as the best furniture hire Leeds provider, offering high-quality products, timely delivery and exceptional customer service. From Leeds furniture rental online to on-site support, Event Hire UK is there to handle your rental needs, allowing you to focus on creating an unforgettable event, from our nearby Bradford sales and distribution centre.
In short, therefore, whether you’re hosting a major concert, a corporate gathering or a trade show, the First Direct Arena in Leeds is a top-tier event venue that promises a memorable experience for both organisers and attendees. The team here at Event Hire UK is perfectly positioned to be able to help with your furniture hire Leeds requirements and much more – event mobile bar hire Leeds and dance floor hire Leeds!
We’re sure to welcome your contact to discuss your event equipment hire needs at the First Direct Arena, so drop us a line today!
