About this venue
Mattioli Arena is Leicester’s largest indoor event space and a flexible arena designed for sporting competitions, concerts, performances and other major gatherings. The main arena can accommodate up to approximately 3,000 visitors, with an adaptable layout that allows different configurations of seating, playing areas and stages. It is particularly associated with basketball as the home of the Leicester Riders, while the venue can also be transformed for a wide variety of sporting and entertainment formats.
Inside, the arena is designed to keep spectators relatively close to the centre of the action, helping to create a compact atmosphere and an engaging experience during both sporting events and live performances. Facilities include balcony areas, bars, toilets, accessible amenities and food and beverage services, while the flexible main floor can be configured according to the requirements and capacity of each event.
The listed address is 31 Charter St, Leicester, United Kingdom, but visitors should note that the event entrance, reception and box office cannot be accessed from Charter Street. Entry for events is exclusively via Memory Lane, where the main entrance and arena parking are located; the nearest bus stop is only a few minutes away on foot. For wider information about travelling to and around Leicester, the city transport details further down the page provide a useful continuation.
About the city
Leicester, a lively city in the heart of England’s Midlands, is not only a place with a rich industrial and sporting heritage, but also one of the most appealing destinations for top-tier events. The city carries the energy of a student hub, a diverse cultural scene, and an atmosphere you can feel from the very first visit. Whether you’re coming for a major concert or a high-stakes sporting clash, Leicester offers a great balance between urban buzz and a relaxed pace, alongside a practical mix of bars, restaurants, and accommodation options.
A major advantage is how easy it is to get around: the city relies on an efficient local bus network, including operators such as Arriva and First Bus, and it becomes even simpler thanks to Park and Ride services from Birstall (A6), Enderby (B4114) and Meynell’s Gorse (A47). For rail travel, Leicester railway station is the key hub with strong links to major UK cities, making it easy to plan your arrival without stress. If you’re flying in, the most common choice is East Midlands Airport (EMA), while Birmingham Airport is a solid alternative for a wider range of flights—either way, onward travel into the city is straightforward to arrange.
Once you’re in Leicester, use the time before or after the event for a walk through Old Town and the Cathedral Quarter, home to the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral, with the historic Guildhall close by. For a calmer pace, stroll the well-known New Walk promenade, drop by the central Clock Tower, or find a quieter corner along the River Soar and Castle Gardens. That blend of a great event and an easy city walk is exactly what makes Leicester a memorable choice.
