First Direct Arena
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| Former names | Leeds Arena |
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| Location | Claypit Lane Leeds LS2 England |
| Coordinates | 53°48′11″N 1°32′32″W / 53.80306°N 1.54222°WCoordinates: 53°48′11″N 1°32′32″W / 53.80306°N 1.54222°W |
| Owner | Leeds City Council |
| Operator | SMG |
| Capacity | 13,500 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | February 2011 |
| Built | 2011–2013 |
| Opened | 24 July 2013 (first concert) 4 September 2013 |
| Construction cost | £60 million |
| Architect | Populous |
| Project manager | Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company |
| Main contractors | BAM Construct UK Ltd |
| Website | |
| www |
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The first direct arena (also known as the Leeds Arena) is a 13,500 capacity entertainment focused arena in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is the first in the United Kingdom to have a fan-shaped orientation.
The arena officially opened its doors on 4 September 2013 with Sir Elton John, playing to an audience of 12,000. Bruce Springsteen had, however, held the first concert on 24 July 2013, with an audience of 13,000. The arena's opening season in 2013 later included acts including Kaiser Chiefs, Rod Stewart and Depeche Mode.
The building has been nominated as one of England's greatest landmarks. and won best new venue in the world in 2014
Leeds had been the largest city in the United Kingdom without a major venue to hold music or indoor sporting events. As of February 2010[update], Bristol and Leeds were the only major cities without an arena style venue. Previously, the Queen's Hall was used for popular music concerts but this was demolished in 1989. Since 1989, there have been a number of failed attempts at building a major venue in Leeds.
An arena has been long requested by residents in Leeds. The consultation on the Vision for Leeds 2004 to 2020 showed a strong demand from the public for a new arena, and the project became one of the city's 12 priorities. The Leeds Initiative formed a Cultural facilities task group to consider options. It appointed PMP consultants whose report outlined the viability of a Leeds Arena,and other potential projects such as a concert hall. The task group recommended that the Council proceed with the development of a 12,500 seat arena.
Whilst this study was taking place, campaigners including the Yorkshire Evening Post lobbied for a new arena to be built in the city. This resulted in a widescale 'Leeds needs an arena' campaign that had endorsements from local artists including the Kaiser Chiefs as well as local businesses and residents. The campaign was well publicised in local media, and included popular Myspace and Facebook groups.
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