The venue has been designed to be accessible to everyone. It has received recognition of its design, commitment and support for deaf and disabled music fans, having been awarded the Silver level of the Charter of Best Practice by leading charity Attitude is Everything.

Car Parking

On-street disabled persons parking spaces are available in the following locations:

• Adjacent to the arena (9 spaces)
• Elmwood Close (with a 6hour maximum stay)
• Tower House Street (6 spaces)
• Jacob Street (2 spaces)
• An accessible minibus parking space (subject to availability) on Brunswick Terrace, with a 4hour maximum stay

Please check local signs for time limit information.

A car parking map – including disabled parking – can be viewed downloads.firstdirectarena.com/7/feature/car-park-disabled-parking-map.pdf"" target=""_blank"">here.

Public Transport

Leeds City Station is managed by Network Rail and provides accessible ticket machines, an accessible ticket office counter, an induction loop, ramp for train access (plus assistance to and from platforms), disabled persons toilets and lifts / level access to all platforms.

National Express operates four Leeds bus and coach stations with the Dyer Street Coach Station, owned and managed by Metro. They have introduced a dedicated team to help disabled customers – who can be reached on 08717 818179 (option 4). Please call before booking – and at least 36 hours in advance of when you want to travel.

Entrance

All front entrance points are accessible and are staffed throughout the event by venue safety stewards. Please speak to any member of staff if you have any questions. On entering the venue through the accessible entrance, you will receive a leaflet explaining venue emergency procedures.
The following provisions have been made in terms of entrance arrangements:

• Lifts are available to take you down to floor seating Blocks A onwards, up to level 2 Blocks 101 – 109, 210 - 220 and up to level 4 Blocks 321 – 333.
• Escalators are also available up to levels 2 – 4, Blocks 101 – 109, 210 – 220 and 321 – 333.
• Wheelchairs are available to borrow on entry for short distances to your seat – subject to availability.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at first direct arena and will be looked after in a secure environment during the event (if required). A number of seats in the arena do incorporate extra space to the front, should you want your assistance dog with you in the arena. An extra area will be allocated for your assistance dog toilet – please ask a member of staff for information.

Visual Impairment

Seats are reserved close to the stage / performance area for visually impaired customers, for all events at the Arena. These seats are strictly limited (subject to availability) and booking in advance is essential.

Special Medical Needs or Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or need specialist medical care, you are advised to get advice from your GP or consultant before attending an event.

Toilets

Disabled person toilets are available on all levels of the arena. Ambulant disabled person toilets – which are slightly larger than standard toilet cubicles – have an outward opening door and slightly more space. Grab rails are available within the main male and female toilet provision on all seating levels. For directions or assistance, please ask a member of the stewarding team.

Changing Places Toilet

A Changing Places Toilet is provided just off the ground floor concourse. This is a facility for people with profound and multiple disabilities, who need extra facilities to allow them to use the toilet comfortably. The Changing Places Toilet at the first direct arena incorporates a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, a height adjustable basin, a centrally placed toilet, adequate space for a disabled person and up to two companions and a large waste bin. The Changing Places Toilet is locked using a RADAR lock.

Please note that the sling for the hoist system is not provided. Further information on this facility can be provided if required.

Baby Changing Facilities

Baby changing areas are available on the main concourses, on all seating levels.

Concourse Concession Stands (Bars & Merchandise)

All venue facilities are fully accessible.

Facilities for those who are deaf and/or hard of hearing

An RF induction loop is installed which gives coverage throughout the arena. Please go to the customer service / information point (in the centre of the main doors on arrival) for a receiver.

Seating

first direct arena has been designed to be accessible for everyone. Access to the upper tier of seating (Block 321 and above) may require the negotiation of steep steps and so may not be suitable for some people with mobility problems. The front of Block 321 is 19m from ground level and rises to 29m at the rear.

When booking, please make staff aware of any access requirements to ensure they secure the most suitable seats / location for you.

Booking Tickets

Booking in person: Visit the first direct arena on-site ticket office. This is located to the left hand side of the main entrance doors at the venue, past the first direct bar. It is open one hour before the doors open time on event days only, until approx. 15 minutes after the main act goes on stage. It will not open on non-event days.

Additional Information

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