FAQs

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

Buy tickets online by searching our events and clicking on the ‘Buy Tickets’ button next to the relevant show that you wish to attend.

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

Can I book tickets for accessible areas online?

Yes, there is an option to buy accessible tickets online via AXS. 

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. You will be asked to submit documentation of your eligibility for accessible seating after purchasing accessible tickets through AXS.com.

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No, you will only be contacted if the evidence that you have previously supplied has expired or is no longer valid.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 contact AXS who should be able to assist by submitting a ticket and selecting 'Accessibility' as the contact reason.

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 'Wheelchair Ticket' or Ambulent Accessible Tickets. 

Wheelchair tickets are located at the rear of Level 1 seated blocks (Blocks 101-109). These areas are ideal for wheelchair users or guests who require step free access, or additional space If your access requirements.

Ambulant tickets are standard seats with a limited number of steps. There is lift access to the rear of Level 1 and there are two steps per row from there.

· Choose the seat of your choice and then add the FREE personal assistant to the booking and click on select.

· 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 appear on the left, then click 'Checkout' and continue to follow the steps to make payment and secure your tickets.

If your access requirements are not met by the online booking system, please call +44 203 481 5502 and the team will help to book your tickets.

Please click the below button to read thorough FAQ’s

AXS FAQ's

You can download the AXS app here:

Download App

AXS Mobile ID through the AXS App is the main delivery option for AXS ticketed venues. If you are unable to download the app – please contact the venue box office on show night with your order confirmation and ID.

We will always aim to have tickets ready in your account as soon as they’ve been purchased. If you’re having difficulty locating them in your account, contact the AXS support team here: 

AXS Support

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

You can find out how to transfer from the AXS website or AXS app here.

Can’t go anymore? We’ve made it easy to sell tickets you can no longer use with AXS Official Resale, meaning another fan can go instead.

Find out more information about AXS Official Resale here

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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

Getting to the first direct arena

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.

Unfortunately, backstage passes are not available to buy, however, selected events may offer VIP tickets to be purchased via AXS 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.

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.

Please contact our security team by calling 0113 3863 623

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

first direct arena is a cashless venue.

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