The Barclaycard Arena

This arena has had a very swish makeover since I last saw Madonna here, breeze blocks and cheap booze are gone, with smooth walls, standard high prices, VIP rooms, and vending machines. Security was much more rigorous too, I had a small bottle of aftershave with me and had to leave my bag in the cloakroom (No charge, which was an unexpected bonus!)
As for the concert and seats, a-​may-​zing!
Seats had unrestricted views to the stage, and Madonna was back on form after the Manchester debacle, putting on a full show with no cuts. Arena security were a lot more relaxed too, no fans being manhandled, just asked politely not to block the aisles during the show. Staff efficiently helped the crowds leave, with people cajoled into using appropriate nearby exits, and firmly told that friends could be met outside. As I had a bag to collect I was allowed down a closed stairway, with a ‘trespasser’ being shouted back to the correct exit. My friend needed to use the loo, but the ladies queue was huge so decided to wait, but as I was in the cloakroom queue she went to the main toilets and told me there wasn’t a soul inside!
The area around is full of restaurants and bars for your dinner/​drinks before the show, and the place itself is only a 15 minute walk or so from the city centre, so handy for hotels/​shops/​pubs/​bars if you plan a trip around your show.