First Direct Arena, Clay Pit Lane, LS2 8BY
First Direct Arena, Clay Pit Lane, LS2 8BY
first direct arena provides a unique and exciting environment for conferences of all sizes. With flexible spaces that can accommodate from 10 – 12,000 delegates we have the venue for you. We can work directly with you or alongside your chosen event agency. Our highly skilled in house teams will be committed to help you deliver the perfect event from initial enquiry through to catering and event completion.
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, boasting a breathtaking and unique design.
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.
Organisers, visitors, delegates and presenters alike, will enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with reduced viewing distances inside the venue which can accommodate up to 12,000 delegates or 2,250 square meters exhibition space.
Tiered auditorium perfect for 500+ delegates
Breakout rooms for 10 – 200 people
Lounge spaces for meetings of up to 200
The ideal space for staff briefings, product launches and AGM’s.
Tailored packages based on event needs and requirements.
The First Direct Arena achieved the highest BREEAM score for a building of its type in the UK through its material selection which made use of recycled products and sustainable materials.
Rainwater from the roof is collected and used for the flushing of the venue’s toilets. From roof downpipes, rainwater harvesting tanks are sized to meet non-event toilet and urinal flush demand. Over an 18 day period, the tank collects 50% of non-event water consumption and runs it through a dedicated pipework system. These integrated drainage systems help make the First Direct Arena incredibly sustainable.
We have a designated recycled waste compactor on site. All general waste is sent to the Leeds Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility. The RERF is designed to remove recyclable waste from black bins and recover energy from what is left over. It significantly reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfill.
first direct arena has been designed to be accessible to everyone.
It only takes a couple of minutes to send us your brief online and we will get to work.
Jenny and The Venue Booker have provided exemplary service to us over the years.
Saida Basheer, University of Leeds
The Venue Booker provided us with a fantastic selection of venues to view for the two events we enquired about – each of these met our brief, several offered something really special and most of them came with discounted rates that we would not have been able to achieve on our own. The service is free of charge and Jenny is friendly and helpful. We will definitely use them again.
Rachel Bailey, Clement
"I recommend using the venue booker! Jenny was absolutely amazing; from sourcing a number of venues to getting me and my event booked in successfully. She was very patient and friendly even when I asked her 1001 questions and changed the details of my event, she was happy to help. She was very fast at replying and on job with chasing up venues. Very good and professional service. Thank you!!! Even through the pandemic, jenny made my event possible. I would use the venue booker again. "
Rochelle Cassell , Private Event
Morning Jenny! Everything went very well thank you and the venue was a huge success!! Thank you so much again for finding such a gem! I am still getting lovely emails now so a big thank you for all your support Jenny!! I have been singing your praises all week!
Sarah Grant, GKN
Thank you so much Jenny, you are fantastic and I am grateful for your help.
Mirela Sula, Global Woman