However, arguably two of the biggest venues for live music in the Toon are the Utilia Arena (fondly known as the Metro Arena to anyone who grew up here) and the O2 City Hall. While at first glance it may seem like the Utilia Arena is ‘the’ place to go for concerts due to its stature, the O2 can easily give it a run for its money. But which venue really gives students the best concert experience?
Lovingly nicknamed ‘the tin can,’ the Utilia Arena has about as much atmosphere as its namesake. With a capacity of 11,000, the Utilia Arena comfortably succeeds the O2’s nominal 2600 capacity but bigger isn’t always better. Built in the late 90s, the Utilia Arena is a 40,000 square foot metal monstrosity. The half-hearted paint job on the entrance was a dire attempt to hide its unattractiveness, but the exterior of the arena already sets up a bad atmosphere. The interior is even worse with a stage set so far back that it’s almost impossible to see unless you’re standing or have seats close to the front. While this is the case for most larger venues, the Utilia Arena is one of the worst venues I have attended for it. The acoustics in the arena are often inferior too with muffled sound being quite common.
And no matter what time of the year you visit the Utilia, it will always be absolutely freezing. Finding yourself shivering in a plastic seat with bad acoustics is never going to be a good atmosphere for a gig.
...one of the most beautiful venues in Newcastle.
On the other hand, the O2 is almost otherworldly. Located in a Grade II listed building, the O2 City Hall is one of the most beautiful venues in Newcastle. With plush red velvet seats and a beautifully ornate interior, it’s reminiscent of a theatre rather than any arena or concert hall. The acoustics are often excellent thanks to recent renovation which makes for a great atmosphere overall.
Both venues do house a variety of bands and artists. In the next few months, the Utilia Arena are hosting Niall Horan, The Strokes and they are the home to this year’s Mercury Prize ceremony. The O2 City Hall are welcoming Skye Newman, The Snuts and Andrew Cushin. While the Utilia Arena does attract the bigger names, for any smaller, up and coming artists, the O2 is the perfect place to see them. You get a more personal concertg and better views for often for a fraction of the price than the arena.
If you’re looking for a cosy night out with good music and decent prices, the O2 is the place to be. In my opinion, it’s the better place to go as a student. However, if you’re wanting to see any bigger artist right on your doorstep, then braving the arena can be worth it…