Venue Information
The Utilita Arena Birmingham has over the years hosted the worlds best indoor athletics events. In 2018 the arena hosted the IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham and the Müller Indoor Grand Prix returned to Birmingham in 2022.
The arena, which is owned by parent company, the NEC Group, is situated in central Birmingham. It was officially opened on 4 October 1991 by Linford Christie and at the time was the largest indoor arena in the UK; hosting a variety of events including concerts, sports, business conferences and exhibitions.
Here are some venue details for your visit to the arena…
Security
Your safety and security is our number one priority and we have a number of security measures in place to ensure you have the safest and most enjoyable experience.
You may notice an increased security presence at the event as we work closely with our agencies and partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending.
Please minimise the amount of possessions you bring with you to the event. Our security provision for the event will include searching and screening so please allow extra time to get to the venue, as a full bag and body search will be in operation. Please be aware that the arena operate airport style body scanners at all entrances.
If you do need to bring a bag to the event please make sure it is no bigger than A4 in size (21cm x 30cm x 19cm) and has a maximum of 2 compartments. Rucksacks are not permitted.
If you arrive with an over-sized bag/luggage and are unable to leave it anywhere else then you may have the option of leaving it in an external bag store (subject to a full search) for a charge of £15 per item payable by card/phone only. (Please note that the Bag Store may not be available at our event)
We remind you to remain vigilant at all times. Report anything which causes you any concern immediately to the nearest steward or member of staff.
Conditions of entry
Please travel light; no large baggage will be allowed. Only small bags, no bigger than A4 in size (21cm x 30cm x 19cm), are advised. These bags must have a maximum of 2 compartments and be able to be easily stored away under your seat. Rucksacks are not permitted.
Certain items are not allowed into the arena in the interests of Health and Safety including but not limited to:
Hot food, alcohol, glass bottles, cans, flasks, cool boxes, hampers, large flags/banners, weapons, ammunition, explosives, horns, whistles, drums, fireworks, flares, flag poles, helium balloons, selfie sticks, smoke grenades, drones, laser devices or any other item which in our reasonable opinion may cause danger or disruption to the event or to any other person (regardless of whether or not such item is illegal or is carried for specific purposes).
Any person in possession of such items will be refused entry to the arena. Any article that might be used as a weapon is deemed to be offensive or abusive, or compromise public safety, will be confiscated and reported to the Police.
Spectator Etiquette
Please be respectful of those around you by ensuring that you do not obstruct their view or cause any unnecessary inconvenience. Please keep noise to a minimum during track starts and respect the athletes.
Food and Beverages
There will be a selection of food and drink available to purchase at the venue. Please note that the venue is now contactless so please remember to bring your payment cards!
A small amount of cold food for personal consumption can be brought into the venue. Sealed plastic bottles of water or juice under 500ml are permitted but no glass bottles, cans, flasks, hard sided bottles (such as a stainless steel reusable bottles) or picnic hampers are allowed. Strictly no alcohol is permitted to be brought into the venue.
Photography
We understand that amateur photography is part of the enjoyment when attending live athletics. We know we have the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable spectators, and as such we want them to be able to take home as many memories of top class athletics as possible.
Cameras (and accompanying camera bags no bigger than 30cm x 20cm) with a maximum lens length of six inches are permitted – if you have a lens length that extends beyond six inches we politely request that you keep to six inches as a maximum so to not block the view of those next to or behind you in the stadium. Video camcorders and audio equipment are not allowed. Filming with an iPad is not permitted.
Binoculars and accompanying carry cases are permitted.
Disclaimer: We are sometimes subject to venue guidelines and the discretionary judgement of stadium stewards.
Event Presentation
Please be aware that strobe lighting and special effects may be used at this event.
Arena Temperature
Please note due to the sports lighting, the temperature in the arena can get very warm. Given that outside the venue temperatures will be much lower, spectators are advised to dress appropriately with a number of layers that can be taken off once inside.
For further information about the venue visit https://www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk/
