Utilita Arena

History

Firstly, the Utilita Arena Newcastle has been a landmark entertainment venue since its official opening on 18 November 1995. The £10.6 million project was partially funded by a £2.5 million grant from the Tyne & Wear Development Corporation. Then it first opened as the Newcastle Arena with a basketball league game between the Newcastle Comets and the Doncaster Panthers.

Ownership later passed to the Ogden Corporation following the sale of stakes in Park Arena Limited. In 1997, the venue was renamed the Telewest Arena under a new sponsorship agreement. Then in 2004, it became the Metro Radio Arena, a title it retained for over a decade. By 2005, it had welcomed more than seven million visitors. Today, following a sponsorship deal with energy company Utilita, it is known as the Utilita Arena Newcastle.  It continues to thrive as the North East’s largest indoor venue.

Purpose

The arena was the vision of Chas Chandler, former member of The Animals, and his partner Nigel Stanger. Their aim was to create a world-class arena for the North East that could host major concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, and family shows. With a capacity of over 11,000 people, the Utilita Arena remains one of the busiest venues in the UK and a cultural hub for Newcastle and the wider region.

Accessibility

Above all, the Utilita Arena is designed with accessibility in mind. Assistance dogs are welcome, and some seats provide additional space so visitors can comfortably sit with their dog during a performance. Accessible parking bays are located on-site and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The venue offers step-free access, wheelchair seating, and accessible toilets. Staff are trained to provide assistance where needed, and first aid services are available in the Arena Foyer near the main entrance.

Getting There

The Arena is well connected by public transport. It is approximately 965m from Newcastle Central Station, which provides access to the Tyne & Wear Metro, rail services, and numerous local bus routes. Buses from Hexham, Stanley, Consett, Gateshead, and across Newcastle serve Central Station, while Eldon Square and Haymarket bus stations are about 1 mile away.

Visitor Information

Address: Utilita Arena Way, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7NA
Telephone: 0191 260 5000
Website: utilitaarena.co.uk

The Utilita Arena continues to deliver world-class entertainment and remains a cornerstone of Newcastle’s cultural and leisure scene.

Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about other venues like this, visit the Eric Knows website.