We hope you enjoy your visit to the first direct arena.

How do I book a ticket?

You can book tickets online by simply clicking the event you wish to attend from our Event Calendar.

You can buy tickets for accessible areas of the venue online for all events (subject to availability). From the Ticketmaster booking page just select the applicable Ticket Type from the menu.

If you have a specific question that has not been covered in the information above please email - info@firstdirectarena.com.

Can I book accessible tickets online?

Can I book tickets for accessible areas online?
Yes, there is an option to buy tickets for wheelchair users, visual impairments, hearing impairments or ambulant disabled visitors (visitors with any other disability that would make them unable to use standard arena standing or seating positions).

Will I be asked to provide evidence to prove that I am entitled to bring an essential companion with me?
Yes, because essential companion tickets are issued free of charge measures are in place to prevent the system from being abused. After your purchase you will be contacted by our ticketing partners Ticketmaster who will ask you to submit your proof of eligibility.
More information on the process and accepted accessble documentation can be found here. Your order may be cancelled if no supporting document is provided.

Will I need to provide evidence every time I book?
No, you will only be contacted if the evidence that you have previously supplied has expired or is no longer valid.

I'm having trouble booking accessible tickets online

If you are having trouble booking accessible tickets online please email access@ticketmaster.co.uk who should be able to assist.

How do I book accessible tickets

All our accessible tickets are available to be purchased online. When booking accessible tickets, please follow the below guide:

· When you are on your event’s page, select 'All ticket types'

· Select 'Essential Companion' (Should you require one)

· Select either 'Wheelchair Accessible, Ambulant Disabled, Sight Impaired or Hearing Impaired'

· The available tickets will then be highlighted on the interactive map to the right - please click to view and select your preferred area of seats

· Once selected, your choice of tickets will then appear on the right, then click 'Get Tickets' in green and continue to follow the steps to make payment and secure your tickets.


On the interactive map, to make accessible seats stand out from standard, all accessible seats have a wheelchair image on them.

Do you have a dress code?

At the first direct arena, we want everyone to feel comfortable during our shows and be able to engage with what is happening on stage. Whilst we encourage fans to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, we ask that you are fully clothed and that your clothing does not include profanity, nude or semi-nude pictures or slogans/message that incites or insinuates political themes or violence.

How do I find out the timings for my event?

We always try to include the most up to date information to the event pages on the website, but timing information can change.

Please arrive in plenty of time to avoid disappointment and to get through security and ticket checks. 

What should I bring to the event

We do not have a cloakroom or storage facilities on site so we advise that you only bring what you need.

Backpacks, holdalls and suitcases are not allowed in the venue. 

Guests with accessible and medical requirements/equipment will be considered on an individual basis but encouraged to contact the venue in advance for ease of entry.

All remaining bags will be searched.  

Prohibited Items

What is the latest guidance in relation to Covid-19?

When you visit us we’ll be operating under the most up to date Government guidance and legislation in place supported by ASM Global's environmental hygiene protocol – VenueShield.
 

Our safety measures and terms of entry are under constant review and we'll keep you up to date with any changes on how we operate on this page so please read all the information below and check back regularly before attending your event.

Find our more

Can I upgrade my experience to include a bar or hospitality option?

Already got your ticket?

No worries we have got you covered. 

Each show has its own upgrade option, this includes early entry and a welcome drink. Some of our upgrades even include a 2or 3 course meal. 

Its never too late! Look out for our on the night upgrades! 

Find out more about Upgrades

Are there any age restrictions for shows at first direct arena?

We request that no children under 14 come unaccompanied. Under 14s are not permitted on the standing floor.

Generally, children's shows allow babes in arms up to 23 months however some shows specifically targeted at younger audiences require a ticket for anyone attending the performance. Please check the relevant show's event page for event-specific details.

Where is the Box Office and when does it open?

Our Box Office is located to the left of main doors, adjacent to the Sky VIP lounge.

The office opens on event days only from no later than 1 hour before doors open until approximately 15 minutes after the main act goes on stage. 

If Box Office is closed when you’re running late – please speak to a member of our staff outside.

Can I bring a camera into the arena?

Our standard policy dictates that the unauthorised use of professional cameras, video and any other form of recording equipment (including Laptop computers, iPads, Go Pro’s or tablets with filming and recording capabilities) is prohibited.

The use of small digital cameras is generally ok however some artists/promoters request that all cameras be prohibited for certain shows.  In this case we will state the policy on the event page.

If your camera has a detachable lens it will be classed as professional and you will not be allowed to bring it in to the auditorium.

Where can I park?

There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15 minute walk of the arena.  The arena doesn't have it's own car park however there are lots of options nearby. 

Q-Park offers first direct arena visitors exclusive discounted parking at a number of car parks within the city.

Woodhouse Lane Car Park, located on Woodhouse Lane, offers 1272 spaces and easy access to the ring road at the end of the show. 

Merrion Centre Car Park, located on Merrion Way is adjacent to the Arena.  It is our closest car park however visitors may experience delays leaving this location due to traffic restrictions on Merrion Way.

None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we direct you to the above websites.  

How do I get to first direct arena?

Check out our dedicated page for all the information you need to plan your journey

Getting to the first direct arena

Do you do meet and greets / backstage passes / special announcements?

Unfortunately, backstage passes are not available to buy, however, selected events may offer VIP tickets to be purchased via Ticketmaster which can include exclusive meet and greet opportunities.

All special requests including birthday announcements, 'shoutouts' and autographs are dealt with on an individual basis via the artist's promoter. Any requests can be forwarded in writing to the first direct arena and these will be passed on to the relevant persons in good faith, however, we have no influence in any decision.

Can I bring my own food and drink into the venue?

Food and drinks cannot be brought into the venue unfortunately. If you have a medical condition or need to bring babies milk, please contact us via info@firstdirectarena.com.

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase within the venue and free water is from our concession stands.

Who do I contact for lost property?

Please contact our security team by calling 0113 3863 623

What should I do if I have an issue whilst I am attending an event?

If you experience any issues relating to seating problems, the behaviour of other guests or anything else that affects your enjoyment of the show we recommend that you speak to a member of our team to see if they can help,

Our Information Desk is located in the main atrium adjacent to the main doors, and our stewards are clearly identifiable in yellow or purple uniforms.

Will there be any pyros, lasers or strobes at the event I'm attending?

Most shows have some form of flashing lighting or strobes. Signage is displayed around the concourse to advise people if pyros - lasers or strobes will be in use.

Do you have baby changing facilities?

Yes, designated facilities are available on levels 1 and 2 of seating.

Are there smoking areas at the first direct arena?

Smoking areas are located on Level 2 of the Arena, at either end of the concourses away from the main stairs.

Unfortunately for Health and Safety reasons, you cannot leave and re-enter the venue. 

 

Do you have a cloakroom?

Unfortunately due to building regulations inside the venue, we do not have an area for guests to leave coats, bags and other items.

How do I transfer Mobile Tickets to my friends and family?

  1. Open your Ticketmaster App and select the event
  2. Click "Transfer"
  3. Add contact details of friends or family
  4. Transfer sent!
  5. Ask them to accept the transfer request via the App or email - Transfer complete!

For more information check out the Ticketmaster information guide

I've purchased tickets for an event I can no longer attend

Can't go anymore? We've made it easy to sell tickets you can no longer use on our ticket exchange, meaning another fan can go instead. Less missing out, more going out?

Find out more information about exchanging tickets here

 

What are you doing to reduce plastic waste?

ASM Global are committed to the reduction of plastic waste to the lowest practicable levels and to the promotion of recycling within its venues. Working in collaboration with industry partners and vendors, we are in the process of devising a comprehensive solution-finding programme to reduce the usage of single-use plastics within our organisation.

This ongoing programme involves:

The identification of single-use plastic usage
Reduce, reuse, recycle approach to existing single-use plastics
Substitution of single-use plastics wherever possible, such as;

Introduction of paper straws and wooden cutlery

Education of staff, suppliers, vendors and customers to assist with the programme

This is an ongoing endeavour that reflects our commitment to finding workable environmental management solutions across our venues.

What is a facility fee?

The venue facility fee is reinvested into our services, so we can keep offering the highest quality experience for fans, artists and promoters.

My tickets have not arrived. What should I do?

If your tickets haven’t arrived 5 days before the event then contact your point of purchase.  If you booked via Ticketmaster you should be able to check the status of your tickets via your online account. 

My circumstances have changed since I made my booking. Can I change the location of my tickets?

Please contact us via info@firstdirectarena.com with details of your booking and we will see what options are available to you.

What time will my event finish?

The venue curfew for an evening event is 11pm unless stated differently. 

We do not list end times both for security reasons and because running times can vary due to the nature of live events.

 

Do you allow camping?

We do not allow camping on our property and security staff would move you on. We do not condone or support a queuing or numbered system. Any attempt to queue in this way will not guarantee customers enter first.

Can I bring my walking stick or crutches into the venue?

Walking sticks and crutches can be brought into the venue. If you have access needs then we encourage you to use the accessible entrance. 

Please bare in mind that should you require a walking stick or crutches you may wish to contact us at accessibility@firstdirectarena.com about alternative seating as space is limited within our seating blocks. 

Can I pay with cash?

first direct arena is a cashless venue.