The first ever Gladiators Experience opens in the UK this weekend.
Fans can step out of the stands and into the arena at NEC Birmingham from Saturday 2 May.
Spanning more than 100,000 sq ft, the Gladiators Experience, a full-scale, fully immersive arena, transforms one of the UK's most iconic television franchises into an unmissable day out, placing visitors of all ages and abilities at the heart of the action.
Five of the show's most iconic events have been brought to life - with adult and family-friendly versions to play. 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, contenders 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 or family members can go head-to-head, climb the rankings, and prove who’s the ultimate Contender.
Beyond the arena, the experience continues with immersive attractions. The Vault is 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.
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.
In addition to the experience opening this week, the Gladiators Live Tour 2026 will be returning this Winter, following huge fan demand after 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.
Find out more here