The First Direct Arena opened in 2013 and quickly established itself as one of the best indoor venues in the north of England. Located in the centre of Leeds with a capacity of around 13,500, it is a modern, purpose-built arena that benefits from being within walking distance of the city's train station, restaurants, and nightlife. Here is what to expect when visiting.
Getting to the First Direct Arena
By train
Leeds station is roughly a 10-minute walk from the arena. The station is one of the busiest in the north of England, with direct services from London Kings Cross (around 2 hours 15 minutes), Manchester (around 55 minutes), York (around 25 minutes), Sheffield (around 40 minutes), and most towns across Yorkshire and the north. The walk from the station takes you through the city centre, so it is easy to combine with a pre-show meal or drink.
By bus
Leeds bus station is close to the arena, and buses from across West Yorkshire serve the city centre. First Bus and Arriva operate the majority of local routes. On event nights, some services run later than usual.
By car
There are several multi-storey car parks within walking distance, including the Arena Quarter car park on Clay Pit Lane, which is the closest. Leeds city centre can get congested on event nights, so arrive with time to spare. The arena is well signposted from the inner ring road. On-street parking in the surrounding residential areas is restricted in the evenings during events.
Seating and layout
The First Direct Arena has a distinctive asymmetric bowl design. The seating wraps around the stage area in a horseshoe shape rather than a full circle, which means that even the seats furthest from the stage are not as far back as they would be in a larger, fully enclosed arena.
Best seats for concerts
For concerts, the floor is usually a mix of standing and seated sections. The lower tier blocks closest to and facing the stage offer the best seated views. The arena's design means the upper tier feels relatively close to the action compared to venues of a similar size. Block 107 and the surrounding blocks are typically considered the prime seated spots for end-on shows.
For sport and comedy
When the stage or ring is positioned centrally, the lower tier blocks on all sides offer good views. The horseshoe layout means there are fewer "bad" seats than in some other arenas, as the furthest seats are simply not as distant.
Food and drink
Inside the arena, concessions are spread across the concourse on each level. You will find the standard arena range: burgers, pizzas, nachos, and a selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Prices are on par with other major UK arenas.
Outside the arena, Leeds offers far better options. The city centre is excellent for food and drink. Merrion Street, which runs alongside the arena, has several restaurants and bars. The wider city centre, particularly the Calls area, Greek Street, and the Corn Exchange, has dozens of independent restaurants within a 10-minute walk. Many arena regulars eat in town before the show.
After the show
One of the big advantages of the First Direct Arena over out-of-town venues is its city-centre location. After the show, you can walk straight into Leeds' nightlife. Call Lane and the surrounding streets have bars open late on event nights. If you prefer a quieter option, many of the restaurants near the arena stay open for post-show diners.
Practical tips
- Bag restrictions apply -- As with most UK arenas, large bags are not allowed. Keep it small or leave bags at your hotel.
- Use the train if you can -- Leeds station is so close to the arena that the train is by far the easiest option from most Yorkshire and northern cities.
- The horseshoe is your friend -- If you are booking seats, the horseshoe design means there are very few genuinely bad positions. Do not overpay for "premium" seats if your budget is tight. Even the upper tier is a good experience here.
- Leeds in winter -- The walk from the station is exposed and can be cold in winter months. Dress for the weather or plan to duck into a pub on the way.
If you are debating whether to go for standing or seated tickets, read our guide to standing vs seated at arena events. For accessibility information across UK venues, check our guide to accessibility at UK arenas. You will also find more venue guides and event tips on the Tickts homepage.
