What's on at Leeds Arena?
first direct arena listings for July, August and September 2016.
first direct arena has an action packed few months ahead. From world famous sportsmen to Nobel Prize winning speakers – there’s an excellent variety on offer. So leave the parking to us and enjoy the entertainment.
Europe’s Strongest Man – Saturday 9 July – first direct arena
On Saturday 9 July, Leeds Arena plays host to a spectacle like no other as some of the strongest men in the world perform on stage with unbelievable feats of strength. Are you ready to witness these superhumans run with cars, toss kegs, lift huge logs and tackle the legendary Atlas Stones? This is a flagship event in the Giants Live World Tour and will be filmed as a Christmas special for Channel 5 and worldwide TV.
Josh Warrington – Saturday 30 July – first direct arena
Back in April, Warrington defeated Hisashi Amagasa in what can only be described as a spectacular match. The end of July sees Josh Warrington enter the ring again, defending his WBC International Featherweight title against Patrick Hyland. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and is set to be an exhilarating match.
Warrington headlines a huge hometown bill, which sees Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse defend his British Super-Lightweight title against Hull’s Tommy Coyle in an thrilling Yorkshire derby. Fans viewers will also enjoy Birmingham’s Gamal Yafai defend his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title against Barnsley’s Josh Wale.
Malala Yousafzai – Sunday 7 August – first direct arena
Malala Yousafzai is the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. An advocate for education worldwide, Yousafzai will be making a rare public appearance at the first direct arena in Leeds at the start of August.
In 2012, Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban in her hometown of the Swat Valley in northern Pakistan. She was just 15 years old. Now living in Birmingham, Malala Yousafzai has become a champion for the right of every child to go to school and has been honored around the world for her unwavering dedication to the cause.
Yousafzai will speak on stage about her life and experiences with a Q&A with the audience at the end.
A R Rahman – Thursday 29 September – first direct arena
A R Rahman – internationally renowned composer, musician, singer and producer – brings his sensational live show to first direct arena this September.
The A.R. Rahman UK Intimate Tour is a showcase of Rahman’s inimitable style and mix of eastern classical music with modern electro, world music and traditional orchestral arrangements.
If you’re heading to first direct arena this June, don’t let parking be a problem. We have a number of car parks in Leeds available, the closest of which is our Merrion Centre car park – now with pre-booking. Beat the crowds and enjoy the show!