28/03/2014 - Leeds First Direct Arena

[Abstract Unknown Girl]

I've not had chance to go to the arena yet, but have been waiting for someone I like to play there, seen as I live quite locally and work in Leeds. I've heard good things about it from people I know who have been though and one of my friends volunteers at certain events to direct people where to go etc. He had a tour round it and seemed to be quite impressed. It's been on the local news loads of times as well, seen as it only recently opened and Bruce Springsteen christened it, which of course the local press loved.

It's a bit different to your usual arena shape though:



I was surprised when I read the capacity of it was 13,500 as it doesn't look that big from pictures/footage I've seen of it. The standing area looks quite small, but that might be because the space is quite wide, rather than deep. I'd be surprised if it sold out for the Manics tbh, but they'll probably just shut a section off.

No idea what the queuing/door situation is like; surely it can't be any worse than the MEN

Edit: Whilst looking for pictures of the arena, I came across this video interviewing Springsteen fans before his gig in Leeds: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...eeds-1-5883534 And people thought Manics fans were bad for queuing and having a list

[Adam Manic]

They've really done a great job of what looks like an amazing venue. It looks like a massive theatre.

Would be amazing if it did sell out for the manics. I'm definitely considering a london to leeds trip just for this venue.

[JimmiB]

No, Depeche Mode wasn't sold out. It didn't really matter though as they just put up curtains round much of the top tier. I'd be surprised if the manics sold out the whole place, but you never know.

The standing area did actually look quite big, and don't rely on this but it appears that you could stand at the back and have a bit of room. And like someone else said, it's like a massive theatre, every seat faces the stage which is unusual for an arena.

Beer is a rip off but otherwise it was a great place.

[Forty Something]

Got tickets for Leeds and booked the Premier Inn which is the other side of the road from the arena. £34 for the room

[Adam Manic]

Originally Posted by JimmiB

No, Depeche Mode wasn't sold out. It didn't really matter though as they just put up curtains round much of the top tier. I'd be surprised if the manics sold out the whole place, but you never know.

The standing area did actually look quite big, and don't rely on this but it appears that you could stand at the back and have a bit of room. And like someone else said, it's like a massive theatre, every seat faces the stage which is unusual for an arena.

Beer is a rip off but otherwise it was a great place.

Beer is a rip off in most of these places though isn't it? I don't mind too much if it's a rip off and good quality beer!! But when you have to pay £4-£5 for Carling then that makes my blood boil!

[astrogirl]

Oh yep, I'm in

[burnleybassman]

Just booked my tickets for this. Can't believe it will be nearly 4 years since I last saw them play live

[slightly delayed]

hurrah I'm going (thanks to mum) and I'm going to break my little brothers gig cherry for him (though at 20 it seems quite late)

[franny]

Just had a look at where it actually is, how on earth have I never noticed it before? Nice and near to the station though, the infamous 23.35 to Manchester beckons.

[slightly delayed]

not at chance we can catch the last train home it leaves leeds at 2121, so means we get a night out in leeds as well hurrah

[waterintobeer]

Just got my ticket! £29.50! More expensive that the recent small show tour?

If you want to save on the silly booking fees, you can buy any Leeds Arena event tickets without charges if you buy them from their box office in the Trinity Shopping Centre, and pay in cash.

And it's the day after the school holidays start for Easter!

[franny]

Originally Posted by waterintobeer

Just got my ticket! £29.50! More expensive that the recent small show tour?

If you want to save on the silly booking fees, you can buy any Leeds Arena event tickets without charges if you buy them from their box office in the Trinity Shopping Centre, and pay in cash.

And it's the day after the school holidays start for Easter!

Not in Manchester it ain't We're the week after, not that it stops me going to Leeds at all mind.

[Politico]

Have a friend who is part of the management at the venue.
Been to the venue twice myself - it does appear big when you're in there.
I was in the middle tier for Bruce Springsteen and had an amazing view. The sound from the seats was absolutely amazing. I wouldn't want to be in the top tier, as it just looks too high.
Was in the standing area for Depeche Mode. Felt like there was plenty of space. It wasn't sold out but the venue were pleased with the ticket sales, as DM played a sold out Manchester Evening News the next night. 12000 tickets were sold for DM, but it didn't feel empty.
They've designed the venue so that it still appears full, regardless of ticket sales, meaning as long as they reach 10000 sales the venue is 'full'. Capacity is 14600.

[FASTER]

I shall be going its only down the road from here first gig since Wolverhampton 2011

[Nige]

I'm going!

I was there for the Springsteen gig and was very impressed with the arena-great sound and a great view from anywhere in the building.