Friends, family and contenders, the arena is ready. A first look at the all-new Gladiators Experience has been unveiled today, building anticipation ahead of its highly anticipated opening this Saturday 2nd May at the NEC Birmingham, where fans will step out of the stands and into the arena for the very first time.
Spanning more than 100,000 sq ft, the Gladiators Experience, a full-scale, fully immersive arena, transforms one of Britain’s most iconic television franchises into an unmissable day out, placing visitors of all ages and abilities at the heart of the action. Beyond the arena challenges, the experience also features behind-the-scenes access, photo opportunities, family-friendly spaces and exclusive retail, showcasing the full scale of this landmark attraction.
At the centre of the experience, five of the show’s most iconic events have been brought to life – with adult and family-friendly versions to enjoy. Contenders race side-by-side up The Wall in a test of speed, agility and nerve, before going head-to-head on elevated podiums in Duel, pugil sticks in hand, with balance and bottle on the line. On Hang Tough, they will swing across a suspended grid of rings demanding grip, timing and precision, while Unleash pits four players against each other in a fast-paced obstacle course built for speed. It all culminates in the iconic Eliminator, a relentless run through demanding obstacles, an assault on the legendary Travelator and a final sprint through the doors.
Taking things up a notch, RFID-powered leaderboards track every challenge in real time, turning the experience into a high-energy, competitive day out where friends can go head-to-head, climb the rankings, and prove who’s the ultimate Contender.
Beyond the arena, the experience continues with immersive attractions that bring fans closer to the world of Gladiators. At its heart is The Vault, home to an archive charting the show’s history from its US origins to the iconic UK series in the 1990s, its international versions, and a hall of fame celebrating Contender Champions to the present day. The collection features a wide range of memorabilia, including BBC Gladiators costumes, original 90s outfits, referee uniforms worn by the late John Anderson and Mark Clattenburg, helmets and props from across every era, and trophies from the 90s, 2000s and BBC revival, including Hunter’s Ultimate Gladiator trophy, alongside a nostalgic selection of 90s merchandise.
Alongside the archive, fans can step into the action with unique photo opportunities, taking on the Gauntlet, experiencing life inside an Atlasphere, stepping onto the Powerball pitch, striking a Duel pose with a pugil stick, or bursting through a Destruction barrier. A dedicated warm-up zone and meet-and-greet space bring guests closer to the stars, while a soft play area keeps younger visitors entertained and a huge Gladiators superstore offers exclusive merchandise, with even more surprises throughout the experience.
In addition to the experience opening this week, the Gladiators Live Tour 2026 will be returning this Winter, following huge fan demand and its explosive debut in 2025, bringing the iconic show back to arenas across the UK for an exciting new run. Audiences can once again experience the action-packed spectacle on a grand scale. The tour begins in Aberdeen at the P&J Live Arena on 10 October, then heads to Glasgow OVO Hydro, London OVO Arena Wembley, Manchester AO Arena, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena and Birmingham BP Pulse Live.
The newly released first-look imagery and fly-through video highlight the scale and ambition behind the experience, offering an exclusive glimpse inside the arena and the challenges that await. From the roar of the spectating crowd to the intensity of competition, every detail has been built to place visitors inside the world of Gladiators like never before.
Open for a strictly limited run until 31 August 2026, tickets are already selling fast for what promises to be an unmissable experience for fans of all ages. Contender, ready? On my whistle… 3, 2, 1…
For more information head to www.Gladiators-Experience.com.
