first direct arena
first direct arena located in the vibrant city centre of Leeds, a world-class venue with a choice of luxury function rooms and versatile spaces, boosting a breathtaking and unique design. Hosting live music, comedy, entertainment shows, conventions, exhibitions, conferences and sporting events, and was voted Best New Venue in the World at the 2014 stadium business awards.
The Arena’s unique “super theatre” style configuration is designed to enhance the visitor experience, with all seats facing the stage and high quality acoustics providing the best experience in the UK.
Ideal venue to stage your Product Launch, Exhibition, Dinner, Convention, Awards, AGM, Conference, Celebration, Fund Raiser, Meeting, Roadshow, Car Launch, Fashion Show, Reception. All state of the art facilities available as expected.
Event organisers will be truly excited by our tailored approach of ensuring that expectations are exceeded with every ‘touch point’ – be prepared to ‘wow’ your guests with an unforgettable event experience.
The main auditorium has the capacity to transform into a diverse banquet, conference or special event space for up to 12,000 people.
If your event deserves first class facilities with a difference it belongs at first direct arena.
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Get my Free Venue ShortlistOur professional, skilled in-house bars and catering team are able to cater for a variety of occasions. They can feed 13,000 concert goers or cater for smaller events and conferences.
With menus ranging from light breakfasts to delicious hot and cold buffets, from stylish canapés to impressive three course dinners. Whatever the occasion our head chef and his team can create the perfect menu to compliment your event.
Our bars and catering team led by our food and beverage director will provide a seamless service to enhance the experience for your guests.
Since opening in September 2013 we have played host to BBC Sports Personality of the Year and The Grand Depart (Tour De France Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner).
Room Information
first direct arena has 6 rooms. The largest, Main Auditorium, holds up to 12000 guests seated or 3800 standing.
- Main Auditorium000 seated3800 standing
- fd Bar40-160 seated200 standing
- Premier Lounge30-120 seated300 standing
- Boardroom15-20 seated30 standing
- Production Office20-30 seated
- Promoter Office20-30 seated
Travel Information
Leeds (about 15 min walk)
Getting to first direct arena by public transport
In Leeds, first direct arena is about 15 minutes' walk from Leeds (train). Walking times are estimates.
Getting to first direct arena by car
For sat nav, use the postcode LS2 8BY.
Getting to first direct arena by air
The nearest major airports are Leeds Bradford (about 6.5 miles away) and Manchester (about 43 miles away). Distances are in a straight line, so the road journey will be longer.
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Trusted by organisations across the UK
PharmaBrands
Specialised Industry Conferences
PharmaBrands host events in the UK, Europe and USA, providing world-class education, support, inspiration and experiences. Finding the right venue in each country is a vital factor and Function Fixers is proud to be their chosen venue-finding partner.
Deaf Sports Personality of the Year
Awards ceremony and dinner
We are very proud to have worked with Ric at DSPY for a number of years. DSPY is a very special awards night, celebrating the achievements of deaf athletes.
Mars Food
European conference, 145 delegates
When Mars Food needed a two day, two night venue for 145 delegates, with breakout meeting space and two evening events, we recommended De Vere Wokefield Park for its exceptional onsite facilities and proximity to both Heathrow and Gatwick.
Aquatics GB
Annual away day and awards, Glasgow
For their annual away day and awards celebrating the season's successes, Aquatics GB needed a Glasgow venue for 110 delegates by day and 250 at the awards dinner, with affordable accessible accommodation. We secured the Glasgow Marriott, with further budget accommodation at the nearby Ibis Budget Glasgow.
Tamarindo
Renewable energy PR agency
Tamarindo provides insight, connections and communications for renewable energy and climate businesses worldwide. They regularly turn to Function Fixers to source venues for their UK and European events.
Fellowship for British Hairdressing
Barry Stephens, Chief Executive Officer
Function Fixers has become a trusted venue partner for the Fellowship, taking the time to understand our brief, our organisation and the experience we want for our members and guests. Their attention to detail and value for money have supported the successful delivery of a number of Fellowship events, including our flagship Luncheon and Awards.
NHS
Training
Function Fixers helps various departments to find venues for training events across the UK
Greenpeace
A global campaigning network
Function Fixers is a trusted partner of Greenpeace, working to find venues some of our UK events. They have a unique empathy and always manage to find us venues that perfectly fit our briefs.