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Guide to Concert & Gig Venues

3Arena, Dublin

The 3Arena is Ireland's largest indoor arena with its 14,500 capacity. It is also one of the busiest arenas in the world in terms of ticket sales. The arena was built on the site of The Point Theatre which closed in 2007 to make way for the new building. The venue has hosted many or the world's biggest live acts – including Kings of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N' Roses, Rihanna, Robbie Williams, Beyonce, plus many others.

Birmingham Arena

Owned by the NEC Group, the National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Birmingham was opened in 1991. At the time, it was the largest UK indoor arena of its type. Its current capacity is up to 15,800 with standing area.

Bournemouth International Centre

The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is a multi-purpose venue that hosts conferences, exhibitions, leisure and entertainment events. Following a series of large redevelopment programmes the BIC now boasts a total of 4 auditoria, with the largest (Windsor Hall) having a capacity of 6,500. The Bournemouth International Centre is the largest venue of its kind on the South Coast.

Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is a multi-purpose venue with the flexibility to accommodate conferences, exhibitions, grand banquets and music concerts. The main hall at the Brighton Centre has a capacity of 5,100 for standing concerts. The Brighton Centre promotes itself as the south coasts premier venue.

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, formerly known as the Cardiff International Arena or CIA, has been welcoming the world's biggest acts from far and wide since it first opened in 1993. With a capacity of 7,500 the venue is quite compact, but it remains a popular fixture with artists and fans alike. As well as being a successful music concert venue, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena has also played host to comedy acts, ice skating exhibitions, wrestling bouts and business events.

First Direct Arena, Leeds

The First Direct Arena in Leeds is one of the UK's newest entertainment venues. Sir Elton John officially opened the venue in September 2013 with his sell-out concert. The First Direct Arena has a 13,500 capacity and is the first entertainment venue in the UK to have a fan-shaped orientation.

FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield

The Sheffield Arena was opened by the Queen in 1991 and was initially used to host the World Student Games. Since then it has gone on to host many of the world's biggest music acts including U2, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Williams and Beyonce among others. This versatile arena offers a capacity ranging from 3,500 (for theatre-style shows) to 13,500 (for larger productions).

M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

The M&S Bank Arena is located on Liverpool's famous waterfront, just a stone's throw from the Albert Dock complex. The 11,000 capacity M&S Arena is connected to the Exhibition Centre Liverpool and together they are known as the ACC Liverpool (Arena & Convention Centre Liverpool).

Manchester Arena

Manchester Arena – formerly known as the Nynex, MEN Arena, and most recently the Phones 4u Arena – is one of the largest indoor concert venues in Europe, with a maximum capacity of 21,000. Manchester Arena features full 360 degree (bowl) seating, with an upper tier and a lower tier separated by hospitality boxes.

Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

Situated in the heart of Nottingham city centre and with a capacity of 10,000, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham hosts the biggest names in live music, comedy and sports.

The O2 Arena, London

London's O2 is the building formerly known as the Millennium Dome and is situated on the Greenwich peninsula. It is also known as the O2 Arena, the O2 Dome and the O2 Centre. It has a 20,000 capacity and has been, and continues to be, host to some of the biggest live acts in the world today.

P&J Live, Aberdeen

The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) is a brand new £333 million conference, exhibition and entertainment venue, which is due to open in 2019. The arena at TECA will have a maximum capacity of 15,000.

Resorts World Arena, Birmingham

Birmingham's Resorts World Arena has a capacity of 16,000 and remains a favourite venue for many of the world's big live acts. Originally named the NEC Arena after it opened in 1980, the arena underwent a £29 million renovation in 2008/09 and was then renamed the LG Arena.

The SSE Arena, Belfast

Belfast's SSE Arena (formerly Odyssey Arena) was opened in 2000 and forms part of a large sports and entertainment complex on Queens Island. With a capacity of 11,000 the SSE Arena is the largest indoor arena in Northern Ireland.

The SSE Arena, Wembley

Wembley's SSE Arena was opened in 1934 as a swimming pool to host the Empire Games. From its initial usage as a sporting arena it is now widely recognised as one of the premier music venues in the UK. The SSE Arena has a capacity of 12,500, which makes it London's second largest indoor arena.

The SSE Hydro, Glasgow

The SSE Hydro in Glasgow is one of the UK's newest entertainment venues. Rod Stewart officially opened the venue in September 2013 with his sell-out concert. The SSE Hydro has a 13,000 capacity and stands on the site of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC).

Utilita Arena, Newcastle

The Utilita Arena is a sporting and entertainment arena holding up to 11,400 spectators. Previously the Telewest Arena and Metro Radio Arena, it is now sponsored by energy supplier Utilita Energy. The arena has hosted many big live acts during UK and World concert tours.

Hampden Park, Glasgow

Hampden Park is Scotland's national stadium and is located in Glasgow. It is primarily known as being the home to Queen's Park Football Club although it is used to host other sporting events and concerts. Hampden Park was used as the main athletics stadium for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

The Principality Stadium is located in the heart of Cardiff city centre and is widely regarded as being the greatest rugby stadium in the world. The Wales rugby team play all their home matches at the stadium, including Six Nations and Autumn International matches.

Wembley Stadium, London

Completed in 2007, following disputes between the client and constructor, Wembley Stadium cost a whopping £798 million to build. Wembley is home to the England National Football Team, but has also played host to some amazing concerts in recent years.