Legends Global Pledges Transformational Utilita Arena Investment
This investment is a long-term commitment - for the fans, the artists, the North-East and our beloved arena.
Backing Newcastle's live entertainment scene, Legends Global today announces it plans to invest up to £65m into the city's Utilita Arena. This is part of a long-term strategy to support the music, events and cultural experiences which make Newcastle one of the world's great live cities. This ‘re-imagination’ of Utilita Arena is the latest for Legends Global in a growing list of impressive world class venue renovations across the UK that is expected to see over £200m reinvested back into many of the region’s favourite and most iconic venues. These include OVO Arena Wembley, Sheffield Utilita Arena and AO Arena in Manchester. Celebrating a milestone 30 years since the arena first opened its doors, Legends Global now reaffirms its commitment to fans, artists and the Newcastle community alike.
The planned investment is set to transform the arena; enhancing its facilities, protecting its future and ensuring it remains at the centre of the city's live entertainment offering. Located in the heart of the city, Utilita Arena has established itself as a Newcastle landmark offering world-class live entertainment – a fan favourite destination and a must-play for artists.
Improvements will include a targeted 20% increase in the venue capacity, and major upgrades to every space in the arena, from artist dressing rooms to concourse bars. World leading premium lounges will take advantage of a new mezzanine floor and a dedicated VIP entrance. The latest technology will be deployed throughout to enhance acoustics and improve the speed of service thus giving fans more of a reason to get to the venue earlier and leave later.
Legends Global plan to commence structural improvement works in 2026 with further improvements planned to follow in 2027 and the venue will remain open throughout. The investment is designed to enhance the venue’s premier position for live entertainment experiences, creating an arena fit for the future through state-of-the-art expansion, innovative guest features and increased capacity.
It's been a hugely successful 2025, where Utilita Arena has seen one of its best years ever with over 100 booked dates including stand out shows from Kylie, The MOBO Awards, Stereophonics, The Offspring and the Mercury Prize. It is hoped the redevelopment will build on this success with 2026 already shaping up to be another landmark year for the venue, with WWE Live, Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Florence + The Machine, Peter Kay, Premier League Darts, Yungblud, The Prodigy and more already announced to perform.
For more information please contact: Alex.sutton@legendsglobal.com