Arenacross launches all-new Fan Zone for Birmingham opener
By Team TMX on 16th Jan 26
Arenacross is set to elevate the spectator experience for the opening round of its 2026 Tour with the introduction of an all-new Fan Zone at bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham, on Saturday, January 31.
Opening from 4pm on show day, the Fan Zone will offer ticket-holders an open paddock-style experience at no extra cost, giving fans unprecedented access to the riders, teams and machinery before the racing gets underway. Located in the Forum Live area at the centre of the arena, the initiative is designed to bring fans closer to the sport than ever before.
Rather than being kept behind barriers, riders and teams will be fully accessible, with opportunities to meet stars such as Dean Wilson and his Armor Vision St Blazey team, get up close to the race bikes, and see the behind-the-scenes set-up that goes into a professional Arenacross event. Riders will be on hand to chat with fans, share insights, pose for selfies and sign autographs, offering a far more immersive experience than a traditional signing session.
From 4pm, fans will be welcomed into the dedicated open paddock area, providing a rare chance to step directly into the teams’ working environment and experience the sport at close quarters. The Fan Zone is aimed at showcasing the professionalism of modern Arenacross, with team staff and mechanics available to discuss bike preparation, presentation and the demands of race-day operations.
Arenacross owner and promoter Matt Bates is confident the concept will be a major hit with UK fans.
“I’m excited to introduce the Fan Zone to the bp pulse LIVE Arena,” said Bates. “It was a big hit in the past and more recently in Abu Dhabi last year, and the knowledge of the fanbase here is far higher so it will have a lot of fans extremely excited to meet their heroes. I have to give massive thanks to all the teams and riders for agreeing to give up their free time and participate in this brilliant concept that will certainly win many of them a stack of new fans.”
With the Fan Zone included with every ticket, fans are encouraged to arrive early and take full advantage of the added access before the gate drops for the opening round of the 2026 Arenacross Tour.
