CONCERT REPORT: LG Arena, Birmingham UK - Sunday 8 September
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 6:10 pm
Joy of joys - a local show at last! Sunday will see Leonard back at the LG Arena, just 15 minutes’ drive from my home. Leonard last played here on 22 November 2008 so his return is long overdue.
The LG Arena, known until 2008 as the NEC Arena, forms part of the massive exhibition complex that is the National Exhibition Centre to the south of Birmingham. It must be one of the easiest venues to get to in the world – entered directly from the motorway junction, walking distance to Birmingham International station with regular direct connections to Birmingham and London etc and just a short walk and monorail ride away from Birmingham International Airport.
The LG Arena is a purpose built concert venue and should not be confused with the mixed use sports and concert venue in the city centre known as the National Indoor Arena. The LG Arena is much larger and a better venue IMHO. The sound is consistently good and it is much more spacious and comfortable following its refurbishment in 2008-9. Those who haven’t been to the Arena since Leonard last played here in 2008 should be pleasantly surprised. Gone are the long queues to get in – entrance is quick and efficient through the turnstiles to the left as you look at the picture. There are spacious bar and entertainment areas just the other side of the turnstiles and around the auditorium - plus plenty of ladies’ toilets! The venue itself has also been upgraded and now has a capacity of almost 16,000 with new seating and extra entrances at the side to make it easier to get in and out. I haven’t been able to check this out personally but I read that the backstage areas have also been refurbished so Leonard and UHTC should also see many improvements since their last visit.
As arenas go, this has to be one of the best. I like it – can you tell?
Wendy
The LG Arena, known until 2008 as the NEC Arena, forms part of the massive exhibition complex that is the National Exhibition Centre to the south of Birmingham. It must be one of the easiest venues to get to in the world – entered directly from the motorway junction, walking distance to Birmingham International station with regular direct connections to Birmingham and London etc and just a short walk and monorail ride away from Birmingham International Airport.
The LG Arena is a purpose built concert venue and should not be confused with the mixed use sports and concert venue in the city centre known as the National Indoor Arena. The LG Arena is much larger and a better venue IMHO. The sound is consistently good and it is much more spacious and comfortable following its refurbishment in 2008-9. Those who haven’t been to the Arena since Leonard last played here in 2008 should be pleasantly surprised. Gone are the long queues to get in – entrance is quick and efficient through the turnstiles to the left as you look at the picture. There are spacious bar and entertainment areas just the other side of the turnstiles and around the auditorium - plus plenty of ladies’ toilets! The venue itself has also been upgraded and now has a capacity of almost 16,000 with new seating and extra entrances at the side to make it easier to get in and out. I haven’t been able to check this out personally but I read that the backstage areas have also been refurbished so Leonard and UHTC should also see many improvements since their last visit.
As arenas go, this has to be one of the best. I like it – can you tell?
Wendy