NIA relaunches as Barclaycard Arena following £26m facelift
BIRMINGHAM’S National Indoor Arena opens its doors for the first time today as the new Barclaycard Arena.
The move follows a £26m facelift to the arena, which has seen major improvements to its hospitality and catering offer.
Multi-platinum Grammy award winner Michael Bublé will launch the new-look facility at the first of two sold-out concerts.
The venue’s substantial redevelopment, as part of a partnership with Barclaycard, has seen all areas upgraded with the intention of creating a world class music and entertainment venue that provides a best-in-class customer experience.
The refurbishment has included more comfortable seating, a much-increased capacity, nearly 6,000m² of new pre/post show space, improved hospitality choices – including The Vista Rooms, an exclusive, free lounge for Barclaycard customers – and brand new retail and merchant outlets.
The most dramatic element of the refurbishment is a brand new glass façade overlooking the Brindleyplace canal side development, which includes an LCD ‘wonder wall’, distinctive copper fins, illuminated ‘Sky Needles’ and a boardwalk that will eventually be home to new retail units.
The intention is to create an improved gateway for visitors and provide a focal point in the centre of Birmingham.
Phil Mead, Managing Director of NEC Group Arenas’ business, said: “The launch of the Barclaycard Arena is a momentous occasion for the arena, the city of Birmingham and the wider area. The redevelopment has ensured that the venue continues to be world class and provide an ultimate live event experience for visitors.
“The arena has a rich heritage of attracting the very best global entertainment and we look forward to continuing to do so in what we see as a venue which has been innovatively designed to deliver an outstanding experience for our visitors, performers and promoters.”
Katherine Whitten, Chief Marketing Officer at Barclaycard, said: “Our sponsorship of the arena continues the strong connection we have as a brand with music and entertainment and has given us the opportunity to create a best-in-class customer experience.
“The arena has been entirely redeveloped with customers at its heart. It offers state of the art facilities including top of the range seating and an unrivalled new food offering, alongside a host of added extras for Barclaycard customers such as access to an exclusive lounge, pre-sale tickets and fast-track entry.
“We’re very proud to put our name to the Barclaycard Arena and we’d like to thank the people of Birmingham for welcoming us to their city.”
