Announcement | News | Press Release
2 July 2024
AXS to become new Official Ticketing Partner for first direct arena in Leeds

Enhancing ticket-buying experiences, helping to prevent touts and inflated prices.

Exterior night shot of first direct arena, Leeds

LEEDS, UK — Exciting news for music and event lovers in Leeds and beyond, as AXS becomes the new ticketing partner for major local venue, first direct arena. The transition takes place today, 2 July, and marks a significant step towards enhancing ticketing experiences for all customers, whilst alsohelping to prevent touts and inflated ticket prices.

The largest entertainment venue in the area, first direct arena plays host to live music, comedy, entertainment shows and sporting events. Making the switch to AXS will streamline the ticket-buying process for customers, offering a user-friendly platform designed to make purchasing tickets easier and smoother than ever before. With their innovative technology, AXS is committed to ensuring a safer experience for all attendees, employing advanced security measures to protect both the venue and its customers.

This announcement follows ticket partnerships with three other venues in the North East of the UK – York Barbican, Connexin Live Hull and Whitley Bay Playhouse – and is a result of a new partnership between AXS, a leading company in live entertainment and sports ticketing, and ASM Global, the world’s largest and most trusted venue management and services company who operate first direct arena.

AXS has rapidly gained momentum as a preferred ticketing platform, known for its user-friendly interface, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer service. AXS is already the proven ticketing partner for many major UK event venues, including The O2, BST Hyde Park, Dreamland Margate, amongst others. With a track record of success in delivering ticketing solutions for some of the world’s most high-profile shows, including the Taylor Swift Era’s Tour, AXS continues to set new standards for the industry.

In addition to enhancing the ticketing process, AXS is deeply committed to ensuring safe and secure access to events for both customers and venues. Their comprehensive approach includes robust measures to prevent fraud and their AXS Mobile ID digital entry system. Alongside this is AXS Official Resale, which gives fans the best opportunity to access 100% valid tickets safely and simply – all in one place – for a fair price. For an inside look at how AXS ticketing works and how they improve the fan experience before, during, and after events, check out AXS FAQ’s.

General Manager for first direct arena, Martin McInulty says: “We’re very excited to be working with AXS as our new ticketing partner. This collaboration will not only benefit our audience greatly, but also strengthens the cultural landscape of Leeds, ensuring that world-class entertainment continues to thrive in our city. AXS’s easy-to-use platform will make buying tickets a breeze for our fans, so we look forward to partnering with them on the exciting calendar of events we have coming up.”

The transition to AXS at first direct arena, following transitions at York Barbican, Connexin Live Hull and Whitley Bay Playhouse, marks the continuation of an exciting new chapter for live entertainment in this region:

“We are thrilled to continue our work with ASM, and welcome another esteemed venue to AXS,” says Managing Director for AXS UK, Chris Lipscomb. “This announcement not only reflects our long-standing commitment to provide the best consumer ticketing experiences, but also allows us to continue revolutionising the ticketing industry alongside powerhouse ASM Global. With a history of delivering top-level shows and incredible new talent, we’re excited to help bring even more special moments to these venues across the UK.”