Introducing the NIA
Britain’s first purpose built indoor sports arena, The NIA is a World Class venue.
Since opening in 1991, The NIA has staged events in more than 20 different sports at international, national and regional levels.
The NIA is Britain’s first purpose built designed sports arena and was specifically designed for athletics. A world-class venue for world-class sporting events, with a seating capacity of up to 8,000 seats for international athletics.
Located in the heart of Birmingham city centre, The NIA is part of a major sports and conference complex which includes the International Convention Centre (ICC).
Practice Hall
Built as an integral part of the arena is a facility measuring 72.5m x 20.4m, which offers extensive facilities for warming up/down.
Support facilities
- The NIA provides a comprehensive range of support facilities.
- Superb catering services for competitors, sponsors, officials and spectators.
- Excellent hospitality suites provide every opportunity for high quality entertaining.
- 5,000 car park spaces in close proximity
The National Indoor Arena is one of the most sought after, and therefore busiest, large scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in Europe. Since opening in 1991, over 4 million visitors have enjoyed over 30 different sports and an extensive variety of entertainment and music.
Located in Birmingham City centre, close to The International Convention Centre, The NIA brings world class sport to the heart of the nation. From club and regional, to national and international, it provides a perfect home for indoor sport at every level. With a passion for performance, and a will to succeed matching the world-class competitors it regularly welcomes.
There are few people whose lives will not have been enriched by the feats of international sportsmen. And the chances are, these heroes will have plied their trade at The NIA. Think of the sweat-soaked palms and brows at Davis Cup Tennis; the strength and power on display at The IAAF Grand Prix; world-class events in sports such as badminton, table tennis and judo as well as powerlifting, basketball and wrestling.
Stamina, exertion and toil successfully brought to the big stage – the result of calm, detailed planning and thought. The events are supported by media and medical facilities, physiotherapy areas, TV lighting and even an integral underground warm up area.
The NIA and its team have forged a reputation for embracing sport at grassroot level, building a relationship and rapport with Governing Bodies which has helped bring World and European Championships under our roof in Birmingham.
And it’s not just about sport. Concerts, entertainment and business conferences and exhibitions are also staged at The NIA. Take the glamour of The Eurovision Song Contest, the spectacular Disney on Ice, the childrens’ favourite Tweenies Live! and the operatic passion of Carmen and Madam Butterfly as examples of the arena’s versatility. Not to mention concerts by Paul McCartney, Oasis, Coldplay, Russell Watson and Destiny’s Child.
The NIA Academy makes use of the arena’s built-in flexibility, creating a more intimate theatre-style auditorium for up to 4,500. It was the setting for the world premiere of Sir Cliff Richard's production of Heathcliff and has also staged numerous concerts and comedy shows. The flexible format of The NIA Academy allows the audience seating area to be adapted to accommodate concerts, intimate ballet as well as comedy and theatre spectacle.
For more information about the NIA or NEC Group please log onto www.necgroup.co.uk.
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