First Direct Arena, Leeds – The Ultimate Darts Event Venue Guide
Welcome to the magnificent First Direct Arena, the premier spot for dart enthusiasts in Leeds. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information about the venue, from travel options, local amenities, to the venue’s rich history and significance in the dart world.
1. Venue Overview
Located in the heart of Leeds City Centre, the First Direct Arena is a world-class entertainment venue known for its distinctive ‘honeycomb’ facade. The Arena, with a capacity of 13,500, boasts excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art facilities, providing an unparalleled viewing experience for dart fans from all over the world.
2. Public Travel Options
The First Direct Arena is well connected via public transport. Leeds Station is the nearest train station, only a 15-minute walk away. Several bus routes such as 1, 6, and 28 also serve the venue, with stops on Clay Pit Lane and Woodhouse Lane. For Metro users, the nearest stop is just a short walk away at Merrion Centre. Remember to plan your journey in advance to avoid any delays.
3. Taxi Services
If you prefer a more convenient travel option, consider hiring a local taxi or using ride-sharing services like Uber. A taxi ride from Leeds Station to the venue should cost around £5-£7. We recommend booking your ride in advance to ensure a hassle-free journey.
4. Nearby Hotels
The Leeds Marriott Hotel (0.4 miles away) is a luxury choice featuring stylish rooms and a full-service spa. For budget travellers, the Ibis Leeds Centre Marlborough Street (0.6 miles away) offers comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi. Radisson Blu Hotel (0.7 miles away) is another great option with elegant rooms and a fitness centre.
5. Bars and Restaurants
Fans looking for pre or post-event refreshments can visit popular spots like The Dry Dock, a boat-shaped pub, or Nation of Shopkeepers, known for its eclectic food menu. For fine dining, Bibis Italianissimo offers classic Italian fare in an opulent setting. All these eateries are within a 10-minute walk from the venue.
6. Essential Services
For any essential needs, the Merrion Centre houses a large Morrisons supermarket and a Boots chemist. Several ATMs are also available within the centre. If you need medical assistance, Leeds General Infirmary is just a short walk away.
7. Venue History and Significance
Opened in 2013, the First Direct Arena has become a focal point for major darts tournaments in the UK. It’s known for hosting the renowned Premier League Darts and has a reputation for a unique fan-friendly circular layout, ensuring a fantastic view from every angle.
8. Past Winners and Runners-Up
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | TBD | TBD |
| 2020 | Glen Durrant | Nathan Aspinall |
| 2019 | Michael van Gerwen | Rob Cross |
| 2018 | Michael van Gerwen | Michael Smith |
| 2017 | Michael van Gerwen | Peter Wright |
9. Seating and Viewing Experience
The Arena’s unique super-theatre style seating provides an excellent view from every seat. The ‘Black Box’ design ensures that every attendee is no further than 68 metres from the stage. VIP areas offer exclusive facilities and packages, enhancing your darts experience.
10. Accessibility Information
The First Direct Arena is fully accessible with wheelchair-accessible seating areas, lifts to all levels, and accessible toilets. There are also parking spaces reserved for disabled visitors in the nearby Woodhouse Lane Car Park.
11. Parking and Driving Directions
There are several car parks nearby, including Woodhouse Lane and Merrion Centre. If you’re driving, use the postcode LS2 8BY for sat-nav directions. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot as car parks can become busy on event days.
12. Family-Friendly Features
The First Direct Arena is a family-friendly venue with a range of facilities including baby changing stations and children-friendly food options. Please note that some darts events will have age restrictions, so do check in advance.
13. Fan Zones and Pre-Event Activities
The venue often hosts pre-event activities in the main foyer, including photo opportunities and meet-and-greet sessions with players. Check the venue’s official website to stay updated on any special activities planned for the day of the event.
14. Merchandise Availability
Official darts merchandise will be available to purchase within the venue, and online via the official Premier League Darts website. From event t-shirts, dart boards to player-autographed items, there’s something for every dart fan.
15. Final Tips
Arrive early to enjoy the pre-event activities and secure good seats. Remember to check the venue’s bag policy and prohibited items list before you leave. Enjoy the thrilling atmosphere, engage with fellow fans, and most importantly, have a fantastic time at the First Direct Arena, Leeds!
