Utilita Arena Newcastle is aiming to transform itself into one of the North East’s top destinations for conferences and events, backed by input from Legends Global.
Long known as the region’s go-to venue for headline gigs and arena-scale entertainment, the venue says it is now gaining ground in the corporate event market, driven by a focused investment in refreshed spaces, premium hospitality, and a team determined to unlock the site’s full potential.
A growing roster of high-profile events and a pipeline of strong enquiries from sectors including healthcare, legal, veterinary, sport, and technology. Recent highlights include:
- Cancer Research UK Dinner: A transformational 700-person black-tie dinner hosted directly on the arena floor, with full production and theming – a powerful showcase of what’s now possible.
- NHS Conference: Around 600 delegates attended this large-scale conference, again utilising the arena floor to deliver a seamless, large-format experience.
- Hybrid Games (16–17 August 2025): The first fitness competition of its kind in the North East, drawing huge crowds and prompting further interest from national sporting event organisers. Also hosted at Olympia London, the Hybrid Games demonstrates Legends Global’s ability to host events across multiple locations, enabling clients to benefit from the portfolio as a whole and a centralised team.
- Solicitors’ Gala Dinner (November 2025): This major legal event cements the Arena’s credentials in the national legal calendar.
Alongside large-scale activations, the team is actively promoting the Arena’s refurbished smaller spaces, including the exclusive artist Green Room, now repositioned for boardroom-style meetings, VIP events and networking receptions. The Utilita Lounge and backstage dressing rooms have also been upgraded and adapted to suit smaller, premium events, providing a new level of flexibility.
“This is about evolving the Arena beyond its traditional role,” said Zoe Ward, sales director – C&E at Legends Global. “With the backing of Legends Global, the team are reimagining what this venue can offer, from arena-scale banquets to intimate boardroom briefings. It’s a venue for all types of events, and people are starting to see that.”
Located minutes from Newcastle Central Station, the Arena offers access, 500+ parking spaces, and over 6,000 hotel bedrooms within walking distance.
The venue says interest from corporate planners has surged in recent months, particularly from those seeking flexibility, high capacity, and a central city location with a twist. Following the success of the Hybrid Games, enquiries have also grown for wellness, sporting, and tech-led events.
Ward concluded: “As we look ahead, Legends Global portfolio is focused on helping organisers achieve their ambitions with confidence, delivering consistent quality, sustainable operations and best-in-class guest experience. With the Hybrid Games also taking place at Olympia London, this project is a live demonstration of Legends Global’s ability to execute seamlessly across multiple locations, giving clients the advantage of a single, centralised team, shared standards and the reach of our full portfolio. This joined-up approach means brands and rights-holders can tap into the venue that best fits each event, while benefiting from one partner from planning through delivery.”
