Utilita Arena

The Utilita Arena stands on the south-western edge of Newcastle upon Tyne, close to the River Tyne. It is the largest concert and exhibition venue in the north east, with 40,000 square feet of exhibition space and seating for up to 11,000 at concerts. The arena was designed by the Ogden Corporation and built for £10.6 million, partly funded by a £2.5 million grant. It opened in November 1995 with a basketball game and was officially opened by Torvill and Dean in January 1998. The arena has hosted seven million visitors in its first decade and continues to attract major touring acts. The arena has a long history with professional sports teams. The Newcastle Comets basketball team played there before becoming the Newcastle Eagles in 1996. The Eagles won the British Basketball League championship during their time at the arena. Ice hockey teams such as the Newcastle Vipers also called the arena home until 2009. The venue has evolved through sponsorship deals, changing names from Telewest Arena to Metro Radio Arena and now Utilita Arena. Inside, the arena offers a large foyer area that once housed two venues, the Mayfair and Riverside. There are two corporate lounges, each seating 100 people, and a 600-space secure car park. The main entrance is on the east side, with steps leading down to Redheugh Bridge Road. The arena is oriented east–west, with the stage at the west end. Modernisation plans include a new mezzanine floor with premium lounges and a VIP entrance, along with upgrades to technology and artist facilities.