The Resorts World Arena (formerly the Genting Arena, and before that the NEC Arena and LG Arena) sits on the NEC campus just outside Birmingham. With a capacity of around 15,700, it is one of the largest indoor arenas in the Midlands and a regular host for major concert tours, comedy shows, and sporting events. Its location next to Birmingham Airport and the NEC exhibition centre makes it easy to reach from across the country, but the out-of-town setting means the experience is quite different from city-centre arenas.
Getting to the Resorts World Arena
By train
Birmingham International station is the closest rail stop, roughly a 10-minute walk from the arena via covered walkways through the NEC complex. Direct trains run from Birmingham New Street (around 10 minutes), London Euston (around 70 minutes via Avanti West Coast), and Coventry (around 20 minutes). The station is well connected to the West Midlands rail network.
By car
The NEC campus sits right next to junction 6 of the M42, making it one of the most accessible arena venues by road in the UK. There is ample on-site parking across multiple car parks. Parking must usually be pre-booked and costs vary by event, typically between £10 and £15. Follow the signs for the NEC once you leave the motorway, and allow extra time on busy event nights as the car parks can be slow to exit after shows.
By air
Birmingham Airport is next door. If you are flying in for a show, the airport is connected to Birmingham International station by a free monorail link, and from there you walk through to the NEC campus. It is one of the few UK arenas where flying in and walking to the venue is genuinely practical.
The venue layout
The Resorts World Arena has a classic bowl layout with a floor area surrounded by tiered seating. The lower tier (blocks A to P) provides the closest seated views, while the upper tier wraps around above. The floor can be configured as all-standing, all-seated, or a mix depending on the event.
Best seats for concerts
For end-on stage setups, the blocks directly opposite the stage in the lower tier offer the best views. Side blocks give an angled perspective but are still perfectly good, and you often get interesting views of the stage production from the side. The upper tier is further away but the rake is steep enough that sightlines are clear even from the back rows.
The Resorts World connection
The Resorts World leisure complex is attached to the NEC campus and includes restaurants, a cinema, and a casino. It is a convenient option for a pre-show meal, and the restaurants are generally better value than the arena's internal concessions.
Food and drink
Inside the arena, concession stands serve the usual range of arena food and drink. Outside, the NEC campus and Resorts World complex offer more variety. There are several chain restaurants in Resorts World, and the NEC itself has food outlets that are open during events. Many regular visitors eat at Resorts World before heading into the arena.
Practical tips
- Allow time for the walk -- The NEC campus is large. From the car park or train station to your seat, you might be walking for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not cut it fine.
- Pre-book parking -- On-the-day parking is not always available for popular events, and it costs more. Book online in advance.
- Stay nearby if travelling far -- There are several hotels on or near the NEC campus, including a Genting Hotel, a Hilton, and others. If you are coming from a distance, staying over avoids the late-night drive home.
- Check your entrance -- The arena has multiple entrances and the one printed on your ticket matters. Going to the wrong entrance can mean a long walk around the building.
For more advice on getting the best value from arena visits, see our guide to food and drink at UK arena venues. If this is your first arena experience, our guide to getting the best seats at arena shows will help you pick the right ticket. And for general event planning, head to the Tickts homepage.
