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Coventry Building Society Arena – Seating Plan, Events and Tickets

Oliver Freddie Clarke Murray • 2026-05-06 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

The Coventry Building Society Arena, opened in 2005 as the Ricoh Arena, is a multi-purpose venue in Coventry that combines a 32,609-seat stadium with a 6,000-capacity indoor arena. It serves as the home of Coventry City Football Club and hosts concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and live entertainment throughout the year.

Located in the West Midlands, the venue replaced Highfield Road as the city’s primary football ground and has since evolved into one of the UK’s most versatile event spaces. Its central position and strong transport links make it a popular destination for both sports fans and concertgoers.

The naming rights deal with Coventry Building Society in 2021 marked a new chapter for the arena, which continues to attract major sporting fixtures and international music acts. Understanding its layout, capacity, and facilities helps visitors plan their experience effectively.

What are the seating plan and capacity of Coventry Building Society Arena?

Total capacity: 32,609 (stadium) + 6,000 (indoor arena)
Location: Coventry, UK (near M6/J3)
Home teams: Coventry City FC (football), formerly Wasps RFC
Year opened: 2005 (as Ricoh Arena)

Key insights about the venue

  • The seating plan and capacity are among the most frequently asked questions, as visitors want a clear picture of the layout before attending an event.
  • Many visitors look for ticket information at the same time as event discovery, so combining both in one place helps with planning.
  • The venue’s dual nature as both a stadium and an indoor arena can cause some confusion; clarifying both capacities and their uses is helpful.
  • Nearby hotels and shopping options are common queries for those travelling to the venue from outside Coventry.
  • Photos and visual guides help visitors familiarise themselves with the arena before they arrive.

Quick-reference facts

Field Detail
Full name Coventry Building Society Arena
Former names Ricoh Arena (2005–2021)
Address Judds Lane, Longford, Coventry CV6 6AQ
Capacity (stadium) 32,609
Capacity (indoor arena) 6,000
Opened 2005
Ownership Arena Coventry Ltd; naming rights held by Coventry Building Society
Home teams Coventry City FC (since 2021), previously Wasps RFC (2014–2022)

The stadium is a modern enclosed bowl with four clearly defined sides. The West Stand is the only two-tier section, holding 9,800 spectators and housing the main premium and hospitality areas. The East Stand (8,700) offers the most vibrant atmosphere, with chants frequently starting in corner blocks 14 and 15. The North Stand (7,500) includes the Family Zone in blocks 31–34, while the South Stand (6,600) typically accommodates away supporters in blocks 6–9. Safe standing spaces are available, totalling approximately 2,628.

The indoor arena, separate from the main bowl, seats up to 6,000 and is used for concerts, exhibitions, and trade shows. It is not an indoor stadium in the traditional sense but rather a flexible hall within the wider venue complex.

What events are happening at Coventry Building Society Arena and how to get tickets?

Upcoming football fixtures

Coventry City FC plays its home matches at the arena. As of May 2026, the following fixtures are scheduled:

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026: Coventry City vs Stoke City (15:00) – From $34+
  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026: Coventry City vs Preston North End (20:00) – From $67+
  • Saturday, March 14, 2026: Coventry City vs Southampton (12:30) – From $67+
  • Friday, April 3, 2026: Coventry City vs Derby County (15:00) – From $132+
  • Saturday, April 11, 2026: Coventry City vs Sheffield Wednesday (15:00) – From $132+
  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026: Coventry City vs Portsmouth FC (19:45) – From $132+
  • Saturday, April 25, 2026: Coventry City vs Wrexham FC (15:00) – From $132+

Concerts and entertainment

The arena also hosts major music and comedy events. Take That will perform with Belinda Carlisle from June 4–6, 2026, with tickets starting from $108+. Comedian Bill Bailey appears on November 13, 2026 (20:00), with tickets from $59+.

Ticket buying advice

Ticket prices vary significantly by event type and demand, ranging from $34 to $132+ for football matches and higher for premium concerts. Multiple platforms – including SeatPick, TickPick, Gigtix, and Ticket-Compare – offer interactive seating charts. Specific seats are often allocated once orders are confirmed, so checking official sources early is recommended.

How to secure tickets

Tickets can be purchased through the official Coventry Building Society Arena website, which provides direct event listings and box office access. Secondary platforms offer resale options, but prices fluctuate with demand. For football matches, the Coventry City FC official site is the primary source for season tickets and individual match sales.

Where is Coventry Building Society Arena located and what amenities are nearby?

Location and transport

The arena is situated at Judds Lane, Longford, Coventry CV6 6AQ, in the heart of the UK. It benefits from excellent rail connectivity and is easily accessible via the M6 motorway (junction 3). On-site parking is available with 2,200 spaces, though availability may vary on major event days.

On-site hotel

A 121-room on-site hotel is directly connected to the venue. The DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena offers guests the convenience of staying within the complex, with direct access to the stadium and indoor arena.

Other amenities

The venue includes a sports bar, a coffee shop, and on-site catering services. With 20,000 square metres of flexible event space, it accommodates conferences, exhibitions, and corporate meetings. There is no dedicated shopping park on the premises, but Coventry city centre and retail parks are a short drive away.

Parking and access

Parking is limited to 2,200 spaces, so arriving early is advisable for high-demand events. The venue’s central UK location and strong rail links make public transport a reliable alternative. Accessibility information and dedicated parking for disabled visitors are available through the official website.

Are there photos of Coventry Building Society Arena?

Several dedicated platforms provide photo galleries and interactive seating charts that show views from specific blocks. The Wikipedia entry for the arena includes exterior and interior images, while fan-shot photos on ticketing sites give a ground-level perspective of the stands and pitch. Interactive seating charts are available on most major ticketing platforms, helping visitors choose their preferred view before purchasing.

Views vary by event type

Seating configurations change between football matches and concerts. A block that offers a great view of the pitch may look different during a music performance when the stage is positioned at one end. Always check event-specific seating charts before buying tickets.

How has the Coventry Building Society Arena evolved over time?

  1. 2005: Venue opens as Ricoh Arena, replacing Highfield Road as the home of Coventry City FC.
  2. 2014: Wasps Rugby moves in as a primary tenant, sharing the stadium with the football club.
  3. 2021: Naming rights acquired by Coventry Building Society; venue renamed Coventry Building Society Arena.
  4. 2022: Wasps enters administration and leaves the arena; Coventry City FC becomes the sole main tenant.
  5. 2023–2025: Hosts major concerts including Ed Sheeran, Take That, and other international acts, alongside regular football fixtures.

What facts about the Coventry Building Society Arena are confirmed and what remains unclear?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Current naming rights held by Coventry Building Society (confirmed via official site and Wikipedia) Seating plan may vary by event type (concerts vs football) – no fixed universal layout
Home team: Coventry City FC (as of 2025) Ticket availability and prices change frequently – always check official box office
Wasps RFC no longer plays at the arena (as of 2022) Exact ownership structure of the venue is not fully detailed in public sources
Capacity figures: stadium 32,609; indoor arena 6,000 Future naming rights or tenant changes cannot be predicted

What is the broader role of the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry and the UK?

The Coventry Building Society Arena is the largest entertainment and sports venue in Coventry and Warwickshire. It replaced the older Highfield Road as the home of Coventry City FC and has hosted international rugby, concerts by major artists such as Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé, and large exhibitions. Its indoor arena makes it a versatile venue for conferences and trade shows. The naming rights deal with Coventry Building Society reflects a growing trend of financial institutions sponsoring sports venues in the UK.

Where can I find authoritative information about the Coventry Building Society Arena?

Several authoritative sources provide verified details about the venue. The official venue website is the primary source for event listings, capacity, and contact information. The Wikipedia entry offers comprehensive historical and factual coverage. The Coventry Building Society partnership page confirms the naming rights agreement, and the DoubleTree by Hilton page provides hotel amenities and proximity details.

“The Coventry Building Society Arena is an award-winning venue with a proven track record for supporting event growth.”

— Official venue website

“The venue opened in 2005 as the Ricoh Arena and was built to serve as the new home for Coventry City Football Club following their relocation from Highfield Road.”

— Wikipedia

“Our partnership with the Coventry Building Society Arena reflects our commitment to supporting the communities we serve.”

— Coventry Building Society partnership page

What should I know before visiting the Coventry Building Society Arena?

Whether you’re attending a football match, a concert, or a conference, the Coventry Building Society Arena offers a modern, well-connected venue with clear seating layouts and a range of on-site amenities. Check the official events calendar for the latest fixtures and shows, book parking in advance for busy matchdays, and use interactive seating charts to choose your ideal view. For related coverage, see the Wrexham vs West Brom – 2-2 Draw Report, Stats and Highlights and Liverpool FC vs Newcastle United FC Standings – Sixth vs Tenth Place for broader football context.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Coventry Building Society Arena?

The Coventry Building Society Arena is a multi-purpose venue in Coventry, UK, comprising a 32,609-seat stadium and a 6,000-capacity indoor arena. It hosts football, rugby, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. It opened in 2005 as the Ricoh Arena and was renamed in 2021.

How many parking spaces are available at the arena?

There are 2,200 on-site parking spaces. Availability may be limited on high-demand event days, so arriving early or using public transport is recommended.

Is there a hotel on-site at the arena?

Yes, a 121-room DoubleTree by Hilton is directly connected to the venue, offering guests convenient access to the stadium and indoor arena.

What was the arena called before it was renamed?

It was originally known as the Ricoh Arena from its opening in 2005 until the naming rights were acquired by Coventry Building Society in 2021.

Who plays home matches at the arena?

Coventry City FC is the primary tenant as of 2025. Wasps RFC previously played there from 2014 until 2022.

What is the capacity of the indoor arena?

The indoor arena has a capacity of 6,000 and is used for concerts, exhibitions, and trade shows.

Are there family-friendly seating options?

Yes, the Family Zone is located in the North Stand, blocks 31–34, offering a dedicated area for families attending matches.

Where do away supporters sit?

Away supporters are typically allocated to the South Stand, blocks 6–9, with safe standing in blocks 6–7. Exact allocation varies by fixture.

Does the arena have a shopping park?

There is no dedicated shopping park on the premises. Coventry city centre and nearby retail parks are a short drive away.

Are photos of the arena available online?

Yes, interactive seating charts and photo galleries are available on most major ticketing platforms and on the Wikipedia entry for the venue.


Oliver Freddie Clarke Murray

About the author

Oliver Freddie Clarke Murray

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.