Arena Birmingham

The Utilita Arena Birmingham stands in central Birmingham beside the Birmingham Canal Navigations. The building crosses the main railway line between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, with car parks nearby. It is the fourth-largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom. The arena was opened in 1991 by athlete Linford Christie as the National Indoor Arena. After a £26 million renovation completed in 2014, Michael Bublé reopened the venue. The NEC Group owns the arena and the adjoining ICC Birmingham. Major events have taken place here since opening. The arena hosted the 1992 general election count for eight constituencies. Gladiators was recorded here from 1992 to 1999. The arena has staged the Eurovision Song Contest, world judo and netball championships, and Premier League Darts every year since 2007. Linkin Park performed here in 2017, their final European show before cancellation of the Manchester date. Billie Eilish played her first show here in 2022. Visitors find a modern arena with up to 15,800 seats using permanent and temporary arrangements. A canal-side entrance leads into the refurbished building, with three light sculptures and a new glass front. The arena hosts concerts, sporting events and conferences throughout the year. The surrounding area includes the National Sea Life Centre and Brindleyplace. The ICC Birmingham is also owned by the NEC Group and lies close by.