The Gladiators Experience opens at Birmingham's NEC on Saturday, May 2, offering an immersive day out spanning more than 100,000 square feet. This new attraction transforms the iconic television franchise into a live, interactive experience for all ages.
Arena Challenges and Competitions
At the heart of the experience, five of the show's most famous events have been brought to life. Contenders can race side-by-side up The Wall, go head-to-head on elevated podiums in Duel with pugil sticks, swing across a suspended grid of rings in Hang Tough, and compete in Unleash, a fast-paced obstacle course for four players. The climax is the Eliminator, a relentless run through demanding obstacles, an assault on the legendary Travelator, and a final sprint through the doors.
RFID-powered leaderboards track every challenge in real time, turning the experience into a high-energy, competitive day out where you can go head-to-head with friends and family, climb the rankings, and prove who is the ultimate Contender.
Behind the Scenes and Memorabilia
Beyond the arena, the experience includes The Vault, an archive charting the show's history from its US origins to the UK series in the 1990s, its international versions, and a hall of fame celebrating Contender Champions. 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 every era, and trophies from the 90s, 2000s, and BBC revival, including Hunter's Ultimate Gladiator trophy, alongside a nostalgic selection of 90s merchandise.
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. A huge Gladiators superstore offers exclusive merchandise.
Visitor Information
The Gladiators Experience opens at Birmingham's NEC on Saturday, May 2, through to Monday, August 31. Tickets are available on the Gladiators Experience website.
