Best seats at First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds: floor and blocks

First Direct Bank Arena is not a typical arena. Opened in 2013, it was the first in the UK built on a fan-shaped, "super theatre" layout: instead of a bowl that wraps all the way around the floor, the seats all face the stage. According to Wikipedia, the furthest seat is only about 68 metres from the stage, much less than in a conventional arena of similar size. With a maximum capacity of around 13,800, that makes for good sightlines from most of the house.

Seating plans still vary from one show to the next (standing floor or seated floor, reduced capacity, special setups): always check the plan shown by your ticket seller when you buy.

How the arena is laid out

From the arena's accessibility information and FAQs, the house is organised as follows:

• the floor: standing for many concerts, or filled with seated blocks lettered from A onwards for seated shows. According to Wikipedia, 15 rows of retractable seating can be pulled back to enlarge the standing area;
• level 1: blocks 101 to 109, at the back of which is the accessible viewing platform;
• level 2: blocks 210 to 220;
• level 4: the upper tier, blocks 321 to 333.

Lifts and escalators serve the floor blocks and levels 2 to 4.

The best seats for your evening

To be close to the artist

The standing floor, if there is one, or the front lettered blocks on a seated floor. Arrive early if you want to be near the barrier: the box office opens up to an hour before the doors, and timings are on your ticket.

To see the whole show

A central block on level 1 or level 2. The seats are angled towards the stage, which limits the very side-on views found in many arenas, but central blocks still give the most balanced view of lighting and screens.

For the best sound

Stay close to the axis of the stage. On the floor, the area just in front of the sound desk is the classic spot for a balanced mix.

With children

A seated ticket, ideally on an aisle. Under-14s are not allowed on the standing floor, and under-14s with seated tickets must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Children aged two and over need their own seat.

Seats to think twice about

• The upper tier (blocks 321 and above): the arena itself warns that it involves steep steps and may not suit people with mobility problems. The view of the stage remains direct, but it is the furthest from the action.
• The back of the standing floor if you are not tall: the floor is flat.

Accessible seating

The arena's accessible seating is clearly described on its website:

• an accessible platform across blocks 101 to 104 and 106 to 109, suitable for wheelchair users and step-free guests, with space for companions. Platform seats have no armrests;
• wheelchair spaces in the accessible viewing area at the rear of the level 1 blocks, near accessible toilets;
• ambulant tickets: standard seats with a limited number of steps;
• ambulant standing tickets on the standing floor.

Accessible tickets are booked through AXS, which uses the Nimbus Access Card to record access requirements, or by phone on the arena's accessibility line. Demand is high, so book early. A radio-frequency induction loop covers the whole arena; collect a receiver from the information desk in the main atrium. There is also a Changing Places toilet off the ground floor concourse and a quiet room on level 1.

Practical tips

• No re-entry: once you are in, you cannot leave and come back.
• Backpacks, holdalls and suitcases are not allowed, and there is no cloakroom. All bags are searched.
• The arena is cashless.

To plan the rest of your evening, see our guides to getting to First Direct Bank Arena, parking nearby and where to eat near the arena. After the show, tell other fans how your seat was: write a review.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best seats at First Direct Bank Arena?

For the whole show, a central block on level 1 or level 2. For proximity and atmosphere, the standing floor. Thanks to the fan-shaped layout, all seats face the stage.

Is the upper tier at First Direct Bank Arena very high?

The upper tier, blocks 321 and above, has steep steps and the arena says it may not suit people with mobility problems. The furthest seat is still only about 68 metres from the stage.

What is the capacity of First Direct Bank Arena?

Around 13,800 at most, according to the arena's ticketing partners and Wikipedia. The capacity varies with each show's layout.

Where is accessible seating at First Direct Bank Arena?

On a platform across blocks 101 to 104 and 106 to 109, and in the accessible viewing area at the rear of level 1. Book through AXS or the arena's accessibility line.