Parking at Utilita Arena Birmingham: North, South and West car parks

Unlike many city-centre venues, Utilita Arena Birmingham has its own car parks, right next to the building. But spaces are limited on big nights, the streets around are under a permit scheme, and the arena sits inside Birmingham's Clean Air Zone. The golden rule: book ahead, or leave the car at home and come by train or tram.

The arena's three car parks

The arena's car parks are operated by APCOA. According to Wikipedia, the three adjoining multi-storeys provide around 2,150 spaces in total.

• South Car Park, off Sheepcote Street: lifts serve every floor. Blue Badge bays are on Level 11, with direct access to Entrance D.
• North Car Park, off King Edwards Road: there is no lift. Accessible bays are all on Level 9, near Entrance G. Vehicles over 2 metres high (vans, minibuses) should use this car park.
• West Car Park, off St Vincent Street: open on event days only, for pre-booked spaces and premium or hospitality customers. It has lifts, and some Blue Badge bays are on Level 8, the first level you drive into, with access to Entrance C.

Payment is cashless only (card or contactless). Entry uses number plate recognition (ANPR): keep your booking confirmation email to hand, printed or on your phone.

Book your space in advance

The arena and APCOA both recommend pre-booking, as parking is limited. Bookings are made on the arena's parking site (uabparking.co.uk), where you can also amend an existing booking. Opening times vary with each event: check the details for your show. For any parking question, contact APCOA customer support (details on the arena's parking page).

The Clean Air Zone

The arena and its car parks are inside Birmingham's Clean Air Zone. A daily charge applies to vehicles that do not meet the emissions standards. Check your vehicle on the official government Clean Air Zone checker before you set off.

Other car parks and on-street parking

On-street parking near the arena is limited and, according to APCOA, subject to a strict permit scheme on event days: do not count on finding a free space in a nearby street. Visit Birmingham also mentions a Q-Park car park at Brindleyplace, a few minutes' walk away, which can be useful if you are dining there first.

For sat navs, the arena gives the postcode B1 2AA. Live traffic information is available from National Highways.

Leaving after the show

Thousands of people leave at the same time, and the streets around Brindleyplace and Broad Street get busy. A few tips:

• remember your car park and level, and reverse into your space if you can;
• if you are not in a rush, have a drink or a bite nearby and leave after the main wave;
• if you have a train to catch, consider parking further out and taking the train or tram in. See our guide to getting to Utilita Arena Birmingham.

Blue Badge parking

Blue Badge bays are on Level 11 of the South Car Park (lifts to the arena entrances) and Level 9 of the North Car Park (near Entrance G, no lift). If you are collecting tickets from the box office, the arena advises parking on Level 8 of the South Car Park and following the signed route to Entrance E. Visitors with mobility needs are advised to park on an odd-numbered level of the South or West car parks, where the lifts connect to the accessible entrances. Vehicles over 2 metres, such as minibuses with lifts, must use the North Car Park.

Before the show, see where to eat near the arena and the best seats at Utilita Arena Birmingham. After it, share your review.

Frequently asked questions

Does Utilita Arena Birmingham have a car park?

Yes, three: the North, South and West car parks, operated by APCOA. The West car park is for pre-booked and premium customers on event days only.

Do I need to book parking at Utilita Arena Birmingham?

It is strongly recommended. Spaces are limited, and you can book on the arena's parking website, uabparking.co.uk.

Is Utilita Arena Birmingham in the Clean Air Zone?

Yes. The arena and its car parks are inside Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, and a daily charge applies to vehicles that do not meet the standards.

Where is Blue Badge parking at Utilita Arena Birmingham?

On Level 11 of the South Car Park, with lift access, and on Level 9 of the North Car Park, near Entrance G (no lift).