Utilita Arena Birmingham
Indoor Arena – Music, Comedy and Sport Venue – Birmingham
The Utilita Arena in Birmingham is one of the newer sporting and entertainment venues in the country, which opened in 1991. It was originally known as the National Indoor Arena (October 1991 – December 2014), before having its name changed to the Barclaycard Arena (December 2014 – August 2017). After being known as Arena Birmingham until 14th April 2020, it has since been known as the Utilita Arena.
Several famous sporting events have taken place there over the years, including the Davis Cup (1999, 2002 & 2016) and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The arena has also played host to several significant music events, including the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest and Linkin Park’s One More Light Tour in July 2017.
Travel FAQs Utilita Arena Birmingham Hospitality  Register Your Interest
Utilita Arena Birmingham Hospitality
Don’t miss out on VIP hospitality packages offered by Eventmasters! Enjoy fantastic views, a champagne reception, and exceptional fine-dining for a memorable evening at Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Eventmasters offers VIP Hospitality packages featuring a multi-course meal, exclusive check-in through a private entrance, complimentary drinks, and onsite parking (one pass for every two guests).
Discover more about Utilita Arena Birmingham
Utilita Arena Birmingham History
The Utilita Arena Birmingham is one of the most renowned sports and entertainment venues in the country, and it has been operating for over 30 years since it was opened by Linford Christie on Friday, 4th October 1991. The arena was originally known as the National Indoor Arena (NIA). It is also the largest indoor sporting and entertainment venue in the Second City.
The venue is not just a home for world-class entertainment. Sport has been played there since it opened, and in 1993 it hosted the IBF World Championship and the netball World Championship in 1995.
Its first significant entertainment event that it hosted was the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998, which was won by Dana International (Israel) with her song ‘Diva’. It then hosted Great Britain Davis Cup matches against the United States (1999), Sweden and Thailand (2002) and against Japan in 2016.
The Utilita Arena Birmingham has also been the host of Premier League Darts every year since 2007.
Fast forward to 2012, Birmingham City Council approved plans to refurbish and renovate the National Indoor Arena. The renovations, which would go on to cost £26 million, began in June 2013. Improvements included the three famous ‘sky needle’ light sculptures, a glazed façade facing towards a new canal and brand new hospitality facilities.
The renovations concluded in December 2014, with Michael Bublé performing as part of the venue’s re-opening. This also coincided with a name change. The NIA was now to be known as the Barclaycard Arena.
In 2017, the Arena’s name changed again to Arena Birmingham, and in the same year, it hosted a performance from Linkin Park as part of their ‘One More Light Tour’.
By 2020, its name was changed once more to its current name – the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Now, in 2026, the Utilita Arena in Birmingham has a capacity of 15,800 and is set to host world-class performances from globally renowned artists, including Jason Derulo, Grammy-nominated Alex Warren, Dave, 5 Seconds of Summer, James, Yungblud, Louis Tomlinson, Doja Cat, and many more.
Utilita Arena Birmingham Facilities
There are plenty of facilities at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham. Not only is it home to an arena with a large stage and a capacity of 15,800, but it is also home to accessible toilets, merchandise shops, two large car parks (with blue badge parking available), as well as the unsigned stage, where a variety of unsigned artists perform ahead of the main act.
There are also several hotels located in close proximity to the Utilita Arena in Birmingham. They are: Hilton Garden Inn (0.2 miles away), Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Broad Street Hotel (0.3 miles away), Novotel Birmingham Centre (0.2 miles away) and Travelodge Birmingham Central (0.3 miles away).
Attractions nearby
Legoland Discovery Centre
Just on the doorstep of the Utilita Arena Birmingham is the Legoland Discovery Centre, which is the ideal place for fun for all the family. It is home to a 4D cinema, two rides, and you can also play with Lego to your heart’s content.
National Sea Life Centre Birmingham
The National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham is yet another fantastic day out for all of the family. Take a look at some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring sea life, including starfish and tropical sharks. There are also unique views of the sea life, including a tunnel where animals will swim all around you.
Escape Brum
Located in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham’s City Centre, ‘Escape Brum’ is an escape room venue. It is home to two unique rooms, which are called ‘Blackmail’ and ‘The Mystic’s Cabin’. Blackmail is a traditional office escape, whilst The Mystic’s Cabin tasks you with locating and retrieving a mysterious statue to then return to its owner.
Visiting Utilita Arena in Birmingham
Please use of map provided by Google for directions to the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
How do I get to Utilita Arena Birmingham by car?
If you are travelling to the Utilita Arena by car, please take note of the Clean Air Zone, where you will be charged £8 per day in which your vehicle does not meet Birmingham’s emissions standards.
Remain on the M1 motorway until you see signs for Red House/M18/M1. Follow these signs until you arrive at junction 35, where you will need to take the M18 exit onto Sheffield/M1/Scunthorpe/M180. Once you get to the Wadworth Viaduct, you will need to take the 3rd exit onto the M18 slip road towards Sheffield/M1.
Merge onto the M18 before using the right 2 lanes to take the exit towards the M1/Nottingham. You will then need to merge onto the M1 before taking the A42 exit towards Birmingham and then continue onto the A42.
You will then need to follow signs for Tamworth/Birmingham before then taking the left 2 lanes in order to take the M6 (North) exit towards Birmingham (Central, East, North & West). Once you have merged onto the M6, you should then take the A38 (M)/A38 exit towards Birmingham (Central)/Birmingham (North-East).
Follow signs for the A38/Birmingham before merging onto the A38 (M). You should then continue onto the Aston Express Way/A38 and you will need to stay on this road until you take a slight left to exit onto the Great Charles Street Queensway/A4400.
Continue onto Parade/B4135, before turning left onto Clement Street. Finally, at the subsequent roundabout, you will need to continue straight onto St. Vincent Street and the venue will be on your left.
How do I get to Utilita Arena Birmingham by train?
The nearest train station to the Utilita Arena is Birmingham New Street. New Street is located just over a mile away from the Arena. You will then have a convenient walk to the venue, which will take approximately 20 minutes.
Another train station that is located in close proximity to the Utilita Arena is Five Ways, which is less than a mile’s walk away. Taxis are also available from the Five Ways Train Station.
How do I get to Utilita Arena Birmingham by bus/metro?
The Utilita Arena Birmingham is located in the City Centre. The closest bus stop to the arena itself is served by the 126 bus service which runs regularly.
There are trams every 15 minutes (4:45am to 7am), every 6 to 8 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes (7pm to 12:45am) to the Brindley Plan and Library Tram Stations, which are both located in a short walking distance of the Utilita Arena.
How do I get to Utilita Arena Birmingham by air/taxi?
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the closest airport to the Utilita Arena. The airport is less than 15 miles away. Taxis are available to get you to the arena from Birmingham Airport, or if you would rather take a train from the airport, the Birmingham International Station will have regular services to Birmingham New Street. New Street is less than 2 miles away from the arena, making it a convenient distance to walk.
Taxis are also available to take you to the arena from the Birmingham International Station.
Utilita Arena Birmingham FAQs
Where is Utilita Arena Birmingham located?
Utilita Arena Birmingham is in the city centre at King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA. You can get there easily by public transport, and it’s just a short walk from Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill stations.
What events take place at Utilita Arena Birmingham?
Utilita Arena Birmingham hosts live events all year, including concerts, comedy shows, sports, family entertainment, theatre, and special experiences.
The arena often features major touring shows, making it one of the top entertainment venues in the area.
What hospitality packages are available at Utilita Arena Birmingham?
Eventmasters offers official hospitality packages for selected events at Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Hospitality packages can include:
Premium hospitality tickets
Exclusive hospitality lounges
Private suites
Premium seating with excellent arena views
Dedicated hospitality access
Food and beverage packages
Priority entry
VIP event experiences
The details of each package can vary depending on the event and the hospitality option you choose.
Private Suites give guests an exclusive hospitality experience, ideal for corporate events, networking, or special occasions.
Suites provide private entertaining space, great views of the arena, and dedicated hospitality service for a more personalised event. Private Suites can be booked for a single event or for longer periods, depending on availability.
How many people does Utilita Arena Birmingham hold?
Utilita Arena Birmingham has a flexible capacity of up to approximately 16,000 spectators, depending on event configuration. The venue is designed to accommodate everything from intimate performances to major concerts and sporting occasions.
What food and drink is available at Utilita Arena Birmingham?
Guests attending events at Utilita Arena Birmingham can enjoy a range of food and drink options throughout the venue.
Depending on the event and your hospitality package, options may include premium dining, hospitality lounges, bars, refreshments, and vegetarian or vegan choices.
Is parking available at Utilita Arena Birmingham?
Yes, parking is available at Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Guests can use the on-site North, South, and West car parks. The West Car Park is usually for pre-booked and hospitality guests. Blue Badge parking is also available, and it’s best to pre-book your parking before attending an event.
Why choose Utilita Arena Birmingham hospitality with Eventmasters?
Eventmasters gives you access to official hospitality experiences at Utilita Arena Birmingham, so you can enjoy premium seating, exclusive facilities, and memorable live entertainment.
Whether entertaining clients, rewarding employees or celebrating a special occasion, hospitality packages offer an enhanced way to experience some of Birmingham’s biggest events.
Interested in our Utilita Arena Birmingham hospitality packages for 2026?
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If you are interested in any of our hospitality packages, our event specialists are ready to help you make your day memorable. Complete this contact form and we will be in contact shortly.
