Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff (formerly known as Cardiff International Arena) has provided the residents of Cardiff with an amazing venue to enjoy the best in music since 1993. The arena has a maximum capacity of 7,500 people and has played host to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
The Early Years
Shirley Bassey kicked off the theatre’s grand opening on 10 September 1993. The national icon had fans from all over the country flocking to the arena. Shirley sold out the theatre and filled all 5,500 seats. Born in Cardiff, the native provided her amazing vocals for a bone chilling performance.
Owned and operated by Live Nation UK, the theatre is classified as an exhibition centre and an events theatre. The largest exhibition facility in the city, the theatre has underwent just two name changes.
Initially, the theatre was called the Cardiff International Arena. The name would change in 2011 when Motorpoint bought the naming rights to the arena on a 5 year deal in excess of 7 figures. Now, the official name is listed as Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, but many locals still call the theatre by its original name.
Theatre Design
The theatre’s main arena is where most guests will find themselves. This arena is a huge 4,500 square meters of pure exhibition space. When chairs are in place, the maximum capacity is listed at 4,994 patrons. However, if an exhibition allows guests to stand, the theatre can comfortably hold 7,500 patrons in the main arena alone.
The theatre also features the following:
- Thirty additional areas.
- Conference suite with a full capacity of up to 460.
- There are 4 executive boardrooms available.
The theatre allows groups to book their rooms, such as their conference suite, for any major event. Rooms are also available for catering purposes.
The main arena can also have as little as 500 people inside, but this is normally only seen with smaller productions.
Memorable Shows
There have been hundreds of shows at the main arena, but some are more memorable than others. Some of the biggest shows and names in entertainment that have played to the Cardiff crowd are as follows:
- Celine Dion in 1996 during her world tour.
- P!nk in 2006 during the I’m Not Dead Tour.
- Beyoncé in 2007.
- Iron Maiden in 2011.
- Kylie Minogue in 2014.
Metallica also played in the theatre in 1996. The Premier League Darts took place within Motorpoint Arena in 2007 and has since been seen in the theatre each year. In 2008, the league had their play-offs within the arena.
The X Factor also took place in the arena for Series 6 – 9.
Live Access Scheme
The live access scheme allows customers with disabilities to be able to take advantage of very accommodating offerings. This includes the following:
- Reduced ticket prices.
- A complimentary seat just for their personal assistant.
The best part is that it is easy to join. Customers will need to fill out a short form wherein they will have to provide proof of their disability. After this has taken place, it will be a simple matter of sending the form to the arena.
Anyone that does signup will want to allow 14 days for processing to see if they are eligible.
The venue will always do their best in an attempt to make all guests as comfortable as possible. Call the venue ahead of time if you need any special assistance.
Getting to the Arena
By far the easiest method for locals to get to the arena is to go through minicabit.com. A partner of the arena, the site offers quotes so that visitors can book a taxi prior to the show to ensure that it is possible to arrange transportation at any time.
By Road
Driving to the arena? You can take M4 to J33, A4232 if coming from the west. You will want to take signs for the docks and make your way to the arena from there.
Anyone coming from the east using M4 will be able to exit on Junction 29 and follow the road to the city centre.
There are numerous car parks in the vicinity with a slew of disabled spaces and regular parking spaces available. The venue recommends trying to park within the Rapports NCP or St. David’s 2 car parks. The latter has 140 disabled spaces available.
Bus
Buses that stop at the Cardiff Central Bus Station are the ideal choice. The station is within walking distance of the arena.
Rail
Two rails are available: Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Queen Street Station. The rails can be reached from the South Wales to London line and the Valleys respectively.
The theatre is located on Mary Ann Street in Cardiff.
Arriving at the venue early is highly recommended. This will allow you to grab a drink before the show and will ensure that you are not late.
You can find the address here, get contact details here and take a look at the seating plan here.