Utilita Arena Birmingham

Utilita Arena is the largest sports and entertainment venue in Birmingham. In this article, we will tell you about its history, upcoming and past events, ticket prices, and nearby hotels and restaurants.

History of Utilita Arena Birmingham

The National Indoor Arena (NIA) opened on 4 October 1991. It retained this name until 2014, when it was renamed Barclaycard Arena. In September 2017, the name was changed once again to Arena Birmingham, which was used until 2020.

In 2013, a £26 million renovation of the arena began. It reopened on 2 December 2014. On 16 January 2020, it was announced that from 15 April 2020, the arena would be called Utilita Arena Birmingham.

Since 2020, the sports and entertainment facility has been sponsored by Utilita Energy, with the agreement running until 2030. The arena has hosted a wide variety of events, including the 1993 IBF World Championships, the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest, the 1999 World Judo Championships and other large-scale events.

Events at Utilita Arena Birmingham

Utilita Arena Birmingham is used for sporting events, concerts and all kinds of shows. The following events are planned for 2025:

• 20.11.25 – Lorde concert.
• 21 and 22 November 2025 – JLS show.
• 28 November 2025 – FIVE concert.
• 29 November 2025 – Wolf Alice concert.
• 3 and 13 December 2025 – Stereophonics.
• 7 December 2025 – Mumford & Sons show.
• 12 December 2025 – Jamiroquai concert.
• 19 December 2025 – Madness.

Past notable events

List of past events that are still remembered:

• 2013 – Beyoncé with the Carter Show World Tour. The international superstar drew a nearly full house.
• 17 to 21 September 2014 – Lee Evans concert, recording of the last stand-up show on the Monsters tour ahead of his retirement.
• 6 July 2017 – Linkin Park concert as part of the One More Light tour, the musicians' last performance on the European leg.
• 1999 — Whitney Houston performed as part of one of her biggest British tours, the My Love Is Your Love Tour.
• 15 July 2022 — Billie Eilish's debut show as part of her Happier Than Ever world tour.
• 29–31 March 2024 — the world debut of Monster Jam Ramped Up featuring Monstergon.
• 23 November 2023 — the band's performance.

Over the years, the national indoor arena has hosted concerts by world-famous artists such as Michael Buble, The Prodigy, Jason Derulo, John Legend, One Direction, Imagine Dragons and Madonna. The arena has also hosted world championships in boxing, basketball, judo, badminton and indoor rowing.

Since 2007, the arena has hosted an annual darts tournament.

Where is Utilita Arena Birmingham located?

Utilita Arena is located in central Birmingham. Address: King Edwards Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2AA.

The arena is owned by the NEC Group. In addition to concerts and sporting events, it is also used for conferences.

The music hall and sports arena are located next to the Old Turn junction on the main Birmingham Canal Navigations line, opposite the National Marine Life Centre in Brindlip Place.

The arena is located along the main Birmingham-Wolverhampton intercity railway line, but it does not have its own station.

Adjacent to the arena are three car parks with a total capacity of 2,156 spaces. It is also adjacent to the ICC, also owned by the NEC Group.

Seating plan for Utilita Arena Birmingham

Utilita Arena Birmingham consists of two levels of fixed stands – upper and lower. Depending on the specific event (concert, show or sporting event), the seating plan may be subject to change. It is possible to add temporary seating modules and use standing areas, especially for concerts.

During seated events, 9 blocks are used, with blocks A, B, and C closest to the stage, followed by D, E, and F, and then G, H, and J. Seats in the stands, rear and side sections are cheaper, but the view may be incomplete.

How to get to Utilita Arena Birmingham?

There are various ways to get to Utilita Arena Birmingham, so choose the most convenient transfer option.

By train

Utilita Arena Birmingham is easily accessible from Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, Snow Hill and Five Ways railway stations. The sports and entertainment venue is a 15-20 minute walk from these stations.

By underground

There is no traditional underground in Birmingham, but there is a tram line. The closest stops to the arena are Brindley Place and Library. Trams run every 15 minutes.

By bus

Utilita Arena is located in the centre of Birmingham, close to public transport stops. Buses run past the sports and entertainment venue. There is a bus stop next to Utilita Arena, which is served by bus number 126.

By car

Utilita Arena Birmingham can be reached by car from the M6 motorway. Take Junction 6 and follow the signs to the city centre, taking the A38(M) road.

Another option is from the M5: turn onto the M6 and follow the directions. Or take the A4540 ring road.

Parking

Parking near Utilita Arena Birmingham is limited, so it is recommended to book a space in advance, especially on days when major events are taking place. Available car parks:

1. South Car Park (exit from Sheepcote Street) — one of the most popular options. There are special spaces for disabled people on level 11. The car park has direct access to the arena via Entrance D.
2. West Car Park (on the St Vincent's Street side) — only open on event days and requires advance booking.
3. North Car Park (exit from King Edward's Road) — a car park without a lift, with disabled access on level 9, at Entrance G.

Visitor information

Before visiting Utilita Arena Birmingham, please read the visitor information.

Opening hours

Ticket offices are open exclusively on event days, usually at 4 p.m. on the eve of evening shows. Doors open to the public 1-2 hours before the start of the event (the exact time of the event can be found on your ticket or on the event poster page).

Tickets

The cost of tickets to Utilita Arena Birmingham depends on the event — the popularity of the artist, the scale of the event, and the location of the seat (grandstand, standing, VIP).

The starting price for most concerts and shows is £44-60. The average price range varies between £70-120. Tickets for premium seats (VIP) for world-class artists can cost £150 and above.

It is best to buy tickets on the arena's website on the events page. Utilita Arena Birmingham's official ticketing partner is AXS. Tickets can also be purchased on large, trusted platforms such as Ticketmaster.

Hotels near Utilita Arena Birmingham

There are a number of good hotels near Utilita Arena Birmingham:

1. Travelodge Birmingham Central. One of the most affordable options near the arena. A good choice if you just need a place to stay and standard amenities.
2. Novotel Birmingham Centre Hotel. Conveniently located 0.2-0.4 miles from the arena. More comfortable than budget hotels.
3. Hyatt Regency Birmingham. You can stay at this hotel after the event. It is only 0.3 miles from the arena and offers a decent level of service.
4. AC Hotel by Marriott Birmingham. A modern hotel not far from the centre and the arena. One of the best options in terms of value for money and convenience.

Restaurants near Utilita Arena Birmingham

There are also many restaurants with positive reviews within walking distance of Utilita Arena Birmingham:

1. Bank Birmingham. Specialises in modern British cuisine, has a stylish interior, and is located by the canal, a 5-10 minute walk from the arena. An excellent option for dinner before a concert.
2. Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining. Offers Indian cuisine and a wide selection of cocktails on the menu. Attracts lovers of lunch and dinner in an informal setting.
3. Ju Ju's Café. A relaxed café offering home-style food and a cosy atmosphere.
4. Lulu Wild. Specialises in Chinese cuisine and offers a wide selection of original cocktails. The arena is an 8-10 minute walk away.

Contact details and postcode

Address: King Edwards Road, Birmingham, England

Postcode: B1 2AA

General telephone number: 0121 780 4141

Email: [email protected]

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