Children of the 90s, you may recall how the original UK Gladiators TV show was filmed in Birmingham at the then-National Indoor Arena (now the Utilita Arena). Now, 30 years later, Brummies can finally step into the Gladiators Arena themselves—with the arrival of the Gladiators Experience.
For the first time, fans of the smash-hit BBC television show can become Gladiators contenders, tackling the series’ most recognisable challenges. Testing speed, strength, and skill on iconic challenges, it launches at the NEC Birmingham from May 2 to August 31, 2026.
What is the Gladiators Experience like?
Spanning more than 100,000 sq ft, the Gladiators Experience is not just a full-scale, fully immersive arena, but also features behind-the-scenes access, photo opportunities, family-friendly spaces and exclusive retail, showcasing the full scale of this landmark attraction.
Contenders will race side-by-side up The Wall in a test of speed, before going head-to-head on elevated podiums in Duel, pugil sticks in hand. On Hang Tough, swing across a suspended grid of rings that demands grip, timing, and precision, while Unleash pits four players against each other in a fast-paced obstacle course.
This all culminates in the iconic Eliminator, a relentless run through demanding obstacles. 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 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, 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.
“Now, fans young and old will get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes, as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience,” said Dom Bird, Senior Vice President at MGM Alternative Television. “Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games – from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and of course the legendary Travelator.”
To get tickets to the Gladiators Experience, head here.
