Utilita Arena Birmingham: 3 reasons why it is more than just concerts

In search for a centrally located venue to host large scale events? Then look no further than Birmingham's Utilita Arena. Let's explore what it has to offer you.
Utilita Arena Birmingham: 3 reasons why it is more than just concerts

The Utilita Arena Birmingham, formerly known as the National Indoor Arena (NIA) or simply Arena Birmingham, is a cornerstone of Birmingham’s vibrant entertainment and events scene. Situated in the heart of the ‘Second City’, this iconic venue – which opened in 1991 – boasts a central location that is easily accessible by road, rail and air, making it a prime choice for visitors from across the UK. With a capacity of up to 15,800, the arena is best known for hosting world-class concerts featuring global music stars and comedy legends.

While the Utilita Arena Birmingham is rightly celebrated for its musical and comedic extravaganzas, this versatile venue is capable of much more. From hosting major indoor sports tournaments to accommodating trade shows and exhibitions, the arena has proven itself as a space where all kinds of events can come to life. Alongside its exceptional facilities, the arena occasionally relies on external suppliers for specialised equipment such as backstage dressing room furniture, green room furniture hire, staging or pipe and drape hire to meet specific event requirements.

So, here’s why the Utilita Arena Birmingham is far more than just concerts.

Concerts and comedy: The heart of the arena

At its core, the Utilita Arena Birmingham excels at delivering unforgettable concerts and comedy shows. For decades, it has been a go-to venue for music fans and comedy enthusiasts, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. Its adaptable seating arrangements, excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art production capabilities ensure every show is a hit.

Behind the scenes, however, a lot of work goes into making these performances shine. Artist dressing room furniture hire plays a key role in creating comfortable spaces for performers to prepare and relax. Sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, and even artificial plants transform temporary dressing rooms into cosy spaces. For hair and make-up, make-up mirror hire, Hollywood chairs and vanity mirrors are essential to ensure artists are camera-ready. Privacy for performers is another crucial consideration, often addressed using dividing partition screens and pipe and drape hire to create discreet areas backstage.

Utilita Arena Birmingham: 3 reasons why it is more than just concerts
Take That with Dermot, relaxing on our Marlborough luxury sofas.

While concerts and comedy shows are undoubtedly the arena’s mainstay, let’s explore three other event types that make this venue more than just a stage for music.

1. Major indoor sports events at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham

The Utilita Arena Birmingham is no stranger to high-profile indoor sporting competitions. From indoor athletics and netball championships to darts tournaments and even Davis Cup tennis matches, the venue regularly transforms into a world-class arena for sports.

Hosting these events requires specialised setups for athletes, officials and support teams. Furniture rentals in Birmingham come into play here, providing everything from temporary locker hire for athletes to tables and chairs for player lounges. Creating a relaxing environment for participants is key, and many organisers opt for players lounge furniture hire that includes sofas, rugs and even entertainment options like arcade machines, pool tables and table tennis tables. These small touches can make a significant difference in helping athletes unwind before or after a big game. You didn’t think these entertainment hire items were part of our range here at Event Hire, we hear you say? Well, they most certainly are!

Utilita Arena Birmingham: 3 reasons why it is more than just concerts
Keep the stars entertained at the Utilita Arena.

Additionally, seating arrangements for spectators and VIP areas can also require customisation. Event organisers often rent furniture for events at Utilita Arena in Birmingham to ensure every detail meets the high standards expected at such prestigious occasions.

2. Trade shows and exhibitions

While the Utilita Arena Birmingham isn’t primarily known for trade shows and exhibitions (with the nearby NEC often taking the lead in this category), its ample floor space and adaptable layout make it a viable option for such events. The arena’s central location and excellent transport links are a major draw for businesses looking to showcase their products or services in a professional and accessible environment.

For trade events, organisers can rent furniture Birmingham for events to create tailored spaces that enhance the visitor experience. Modular seating, stylish poseur tables with stools, and bespoke setups help exhibitors stand out, while pipe and drape hire can be used to section off booths or create private meeting areas. The flexibility of furniture rentals allows businesses to design spaces that reflect their branding and meet their specific needs.

3. An unmatched venue for concerts

While the Utilita Arena Birmingham is capable of hosting other event types, it’s impossible to ignore that concerts remain its bread and butter, so do we actually need a third event type? This venue does live music exceptionally well, offering top-tier facilities and a seamless experience for artists and fans alike. Its reputation as a concert venue is second to none, and this is where the arena truly shines. With this in mind, therefore, we felt as though we really don’t need to even mention any more types of events that can be held here!

Utilita Arena Birmingham: 3 reasons why it is more than just concerts
Back stage artist’s room furnished by Event Hire UK.

For these types of music events, the behind-the-scenes logistics are just as important as the performance itself. Backstage dressing room furniture hire, complete with fridges, rugs and comfortable seating such as armchair and sofa hire, ensures that artists have a space to recharge. For larger productions, additional hair and make-up area furniture hire, such as full-length cheval mirrors and director’s chairs, may be required.

Conclusion

The Utilita Arena Birmingham may be best known for its stellar concerts and comedy shows, but it’s far more than just a music venue. Its ability to host major indoor sports events and trade shows demonstrates its versatility and appeal as one of the UK’s premier event spaces.

And, whatever the occasion, you can count on the team here at Event Hire UK to deliver an exceptional service into this venue, from our local regional distribution hub in Walsall, just a couple of junctions up the M6. We have extensive experience of delivering into this venue, as we do with all the other major event venues in Birmingham, and so why not put your faith in the hands of arena equipment hire experts in the Midlands today – we can’t be beaten!

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