Accessible to Everyone

first direct arena has been designed to be accessible to everyone. Below is a summary, or you can download our detailed accessible guide.

We have received recognition of our design, commitment and support for deaf and disabled music fans, from leading charity Attitude is Everything, by being awarded the Silver level of the Charter of Best Practice.

How do I book accessible tickets?

How do I book an accessible ticket?

The easiest way to book is directly from ticketmaster.co.uk. On the event page, where it says 'Ticket Type' on the right hand side you will be able to drop down and select the appropriate tickets from here. From here you can select Wheelchair Accessible, Ambulant Disabled, Sight Impaired or Hearing Impaired tickets. Please select the one that is most appropriate for your needs.

 

How do I book an essential companions ticket?

Once you have selected your accessible ticket, then if you drop down where it says 'Ticket Type' on the right hand side and select 'Essential Companion' then you will see that the companion seats become available to select and they show at £0.00. Once you zoom in on the interactive seating map, you will be able to see our access tickets which are available to select.

 

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 accessible 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No, you will only be contacted if the evidence that you have previously supplied has expired or is no longer valid.

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

Car Parking

Closest on-street disabled persons parking spaces are available at; Elmwood Close (9 spaces - 136m from doors), Tower House Street (7 spaces - 180m from doors), Jacob Street (2 spaces - 160m from doors).  Off street parking is available at: Woodhouse Lane Car Park (14 blue badge spaces on levels 1 & 7), CitiPark Merrion Centre (4 blue badge spaces on each level - 12 in total).  Along with an accessible minibus parking space (subject to availability) on Brunswick Terrace with 4hr max stay.

Please check local signs for time limit information.

Download the car park and disabled parking map

Public Transport Travel Plan

Leeds City Station is managed by Network Rail and provides accessible ticket machines and an accessible ticket office counter, an induction loop, ramp for train access plus assistance to and from platforms, disabled persons toilets and lifts or level access to all platforms.

National Express operates four Leeds bus and coach stations with the Dyer Street Coach Station owned and managed by Metro. They have introduced a dedicated team to help disabled customers – Tel. 08717 81 81 79 (option 4) – please call before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you want to travel.

Entrance

All front entrance points are accessible and are staffed throughout the event by venue safety stewards. Please speak to any member of staff if you have any questions. On entering the venue through our accessible entrance, you will receive a leaflet explaining our emergency procedures.

first direct arena has been designed to be accessible to everyone.  The following provisions have been made in terms of entrance arrangements:

  • Lifts are available to take you down to floor seating Blocks A onwards, up to level 2 Blocks 101 – 109, 210 - 220 and up to level 4 Blocks 321 - 333.
  • Escalators are also available up to level’s 2 – 4, Blocks 101 - 109, 210 - 220 & 321 - 333.
  • Wheelchairs are available to borrow on entry for short distances to your seat (subject to availability)

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at first direct arena (and we will look after them in a secure environment during the event if required). A number of seats in the arena do however incorporate extra space to the front of them, should you want your assistance dog with you in the arena. An extra area will be allocated for your assistance dog toilet, please ask a member of staff for information.

Visual Impairment

Seats are reserved close to the stage/performance area for visually impaired customers for all events at the Arena. These seats are strictly limited (subject to availability) and booking in advance is essential.

Additional Medical Needs or Pregnant

If you are pregnant or need specialist medical care you are advised to get advice from your GP or consultant before attending an event.

Toilets

Disabled person toilets are available on all levels of the Arena, in addition to these, ambulant disabled person toilets, which are slightly larger than standard toilet cubicles, have an outward opening door and slightly more space, and grab rails are available within the main male and female toilet provision on all seating levels. For directions or assistance please ask a member of our stewarding team.

Changing Places Toilet

A changing Places Toilet is provided just off the ground floor concourse. This is a facility for people with multiple disabilities, who need extra facilities and to allow them to use the toilet comfortably. The Changing Places Toilet at the first direct arena incorporates a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, a height-adjustable basin, a centrally-placed toilet, adequate space for a disabled person and up to two companions, and a large waste bin. The Changing Places Toilet is locked using a RADAR lock. Please note that a sling for the hoist system is not provided. Further information on this facility can be provided if required.

Baby Changing Facilities

Baby changing areas are available on the main concourses on all seating levels.

Concourse Concession Stands (Bars & Merchandise)

All venue facilities are fully accessible.

Facilities for people who are deaf and/or hard of hearing

An RF induction loop is installed which gives coverage throughout the Arena, please go to our customer service/information point in the centre of the main doors on arrival for a receiver.

Seating

first direct arena has been designed to be accessible for everyone. Access to the upper tier of seating (BLK 321 and above) may require the negotiation of steep steps and so may not be suitable for some people with mobility problems, the front of BLK 321 is 19m from ground level and rises to 29m at the rear of the block.

When booking please make our staff aware of any access requirements to ensure we secure the most suitable seats/location for you.

Can I request a BSL interpreter?

Please contact our accessible team on accessibility@firstdirectarena.com as soon as possible if you require a BSL interpreter at one of our events, and our team will endeavour to make arrangements for an interpreter.

What is the width of your seats and do they have armrests?

Please see below the width of our seats in various locations: 

1. Seat floor blocks A-P, seat width 42cm with no armrest

2. Seated Blocks 101-333, seat width 46cm, armrests that don’t move 

3. Seats on the accessible platform, seat width 44cm with no armrest

Contact Details

If you would like to contact us about booking accessible tickets, getting to the venue, our access facilities, or if you require any further information, please contact our Accessibility Team.

Write to us

Our postal address is first direct arena, Arena Way, Leeds, LS1 8BY

In Person

Our box office is open 1hr before doors on show days only. Please see our event calendar here.