The Utilita Arena Sheffield (formerly the FlyDSA Arena and, before that, the Sheffield Arena and Hallam FM Arena) is one of the key entertainment venues in South Yorkshire, with a capacity of around 13,600. Located about a mile north of Sheffield city centre in the Don Valley area, it has been a fixture of the UK arena touring circuit since opening in 1991. It was notably one of the first purpose-built indoor arenas in the UK.
Getting to the Utilita Arena Sheffield
By tram
Sheffield's Supertram network is the best way to reach the arena using public transport. The Arena/Don Valley Stadium tram stop is directly outside the venue, served by the Blue and Yellow tram routes. From Sheffield city centre, the journey takes around 10 minutes. Trams run frequently on event nights, and the service typically operates late enough to cover the end of most shows. A return ticket from the city centre is good value.
By train
Sheffield station is in the city centre, roughly two miles from the arena. From the station, take the Supertram (the stop is a five-minute walk from the station) directly to the arena. Sheffield is well connected by rail, with direct services from London St Pancras (around 2 hours via East Midlands Railway), Manchester (around 50 minutes), Leeds (around 40 minutes), and Nottingham (around 55 minutes).
By car
The arena has a large on-site car park with space for several thousand vehicles. Access is from Broughton Lane, just off the A6178. The arena is well signposted from the M1 (junction 34) and from the Sheffield Parkway. Parking is usually around £8 to £10 per event. Because the arena is outside the city centre, driving is more practical here than at many other UK arenas, and the car park exits relatively smoothly after events.
The venue
The Utilita Arena Sheffield has the classic arena bowl shape with floor-level and tiered seating. The lower tier wraps around the floor, and the upper tier sits above. The venue was refurbished in the early 2010s, but its 1991 origins mean it does not have the modern polish of arenas built more recently, like the First Direct Arena in Leeds or the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. That said, it is a solid, functional venue with good sightlines from most positions.
Best seats
For end-on concerts, the lower tier blocks directly facing the stage offer the best experience. The floor standing area is mid-sized and gets a good atmosphere. The upper tier is further from the stage than in some newer arenas, but the rake is steep enough that you can see over the heads of those in front. For in-the-round or centre-stage events, lower tier blocks on all sides work well.
Food and drink
The arena's internal concessions offer the standard range of arena food and drink. The Don Valley area immediately around the arena is largely industrial, so there are not many independent restaurants within walking distance. This is where the Supertram becomes useful. Many regular visitors eat in Sheffield city centre before taking the tram to the arena. The Ecclesall Road area (accessible by bus from the city centre) and the city centre itself around Division Street and Leopold Square have excellent food and drink options.
The Snooker World Championship connection
Sheffield is synonymous with the World Snooker Championship, but that event takes place at the Crucible Theatre in the city centre, not at the arena. However, the arena does host other sporting events, including darts, boxing, and ice hockey (the Sheffield Steelers play their EIHL home games here).
Practical tips
- Take the Supertram -- It is cheap, fast, and drops you at the door. There is no easier way to reach a UK arena by public transport.
- Eat in the city centre -- The food options around the arena itself are limited. Eat before you take the tram.
- The car park works -- Unlike city-centre arenas, driving to the Sheffield arena is genuinely practical. The on-site parking is large and reasonably priced.
- Check for Steelers games -- If you are visiting for a concert and there is an ice hockey game on another night during your trip, it is worth checking out. EIHL hockey is fast, physical, and great value.
- Dress warmly in winter -- The arena is in an exposed area and the walk from the tram stop, while short, is open to the elements.
For details on the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible, see our guide to the Snooker World Championship in Sheffield. To understand more about choosing seats at big venues, read our guide to getting the best seats at arena shows. Explore more event guides at Tickts.
