First Direct Arena, Leeds

The First Direct Arena, situated in the Arena Quarter of Leeds, marks a significant milestone in UK entertainment venues with its fan-shaped seating arrangement, a first in the country. Officially opened on September 4, 2013, the arena welcomed Sir Elton John as its inaugural act, entertaining a crowd of 12,000, although Bruce Springsteen had performed there earlier on July 24, 2013, to an audience of 13,000. The opening season was star-studded, featuring performances by the Kaiser Chiefs, Rod Stewart, Status Quo, and Depeche Mode.

This venue was critically acclaimed, earning the title of "best new venue in the world" in 2014 by the Stadium Business Awards. The need for such a venue in Leeds, previously the largest UK city without a major indoor venue for music or sports since the demolition of Queen's Hall in 1989, was profoundly felt. Public demand during the Vision for Leeds 2004 to 2020 consultations led to the arena becoming a priority project, supported by a robust campaign backed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, local artists like the Kaiser Chiefs, businesses, and residents.

Construction began in February 2011 and concluded in May 2013, featuring a unique super theatre fan-shaped configuration that promises perfect sightlines from each of its seats. This design significantly enhances the viewer experience compared to traditional bowl-shaped arenas, ensuring that the furthest seat is only 68 meters from the stage. The arena's interior is highly adaptable, capable of hosting a wide array of events from music concerts in various configurations to sports like basketball and UFC, accommodating capacities ranging from 1,500 to 13,781 spectators.

Externally, the arena boasts a distinctive honeycomb facade derived from Voronoi diagrams, providing a striking visual that can alter color or pattern in the evenings to reflect the ongoing event or the venue’s mood. This flexibility and design innovation has made the First Direct Arena a pivotal cultural and entertainment hub in Leeds.