Last Friday evening myself and a few other curious Architects met up for an eagerly anticipated tour of the new Leeds Arena. Having a keen interest in modern architecture and the changing nature of our local environment as well as live music, a tour of the new Arena ticked all the boxes of a couple of hours well spent.
I have been a bit critical about the Arena, mainly because it is not actually an arena! However, having sat in various positions in the fan shaped amphitheatre-style seating (not quite as catchy a name), I am completely sold on it being a far better viewing experience than any traditional arena for most types of musical and theatrical performances.
We were told by our guide that in a standard arena up to 70% of the audience are facing each other rather than the stage and at the back you could be up to120m from the stage. In this arena, 100% of people are facing the stage with uninterrupted views, and the furthest you will be is 60m from the stage.
The space was practically empty on our tour which probably added to the confusing feeling of it being very large yet intimate! Even right at the back your view is better than many venues I’ve been to, bigger and smaller. I can’t wait to experience it full as I think it will create a fantastic atmosphere.
There have been many things written on the external appearance of the building, one describing it as a “green helmet”! I am sure there are many people who don’t like it, but on the whole it has had a good reception by the public & critics alike. Personally I love it, it is a bold and unique design that Leeds should be proud of.
Other than the main auditorium there is not a vast amount to the building. It is designed for functionality. On entering you are welcomed by a fairly basic foyer (although with some sparkly lights in the walls!). You are then distributed up and around to the relevant seating area with bars and toilets dotted around the concourses. A word of warning, if you are on the very back row, take the lift, my legs are still aching from the climb up all the stairs! If you like a bit of luxury for your live performances there are several hospitality suites that offer great views and your own comfy seats – although not as luxurious as some might expect – with a hint of the office meeting room about them!
Technically, the arena has been designed to accommodate a whole range of performances, with services and rigging etc designed that the conversion from one type of act to another is as easy as possible and they are not limiting the performance by what they can do.
Backstage it is also very functional with nothing glamorous for the celebrity acts. The changing rooms and green room are very basic with minimal furniture, although apparently most big acts bring their own furniture on tour with them!
Previously I wanted to like the arena for what it could possibly be but my heart was not in it. Having experienced the building for myself, I am convinced it will be a great asset to the city and I can’t wait to see the Kaiser Chiefs there in a couple of weeks.