From Spectators to Contenders: Gladiators Experience Launches
Following the roaring success of the BBC's Gladiators revival and its current nationwide arena tour, fans now have the unprecedented opportunity to transform from viewers into active participants. The Gladiators Experience, a groundbreaking immersive event, will take over 10,000 square metres of Birmingham's NEC Arena in May 2026, offering enthusiasts the chance to test their mettle against the show's most iconic challenges.
What to Expect at The Gladiators Experience
Tickets for this limited-time spectacle go on general sale this Friday, November 28, via www.Gladiators-Experience.com. The experience represents a collaboration between Live Nation and the creative team behind the hit television series, creating the first fully immersive Gladiators day out complete with an authentic recreation of the competition arena.
Participants will face legendary challenges including Hang Tough, Duel, Unleash and The Wall, before culminating their journey with the ultimate test: the Eliminator. The event caters to all ages and abilities with dedicated adult and junior arenas, plus family contender tickets that allow parents and children to participate together in the Junior Arena.
Beyond the physical challenges, the experience offers comprehensive behind-the-scenes attractions, merchandise areas, and food zones, ensuring it becomes a complete family day out whether visitors choose to get active or cheer from the sidelines.
The Gladiators Phenomenon Continues
This new experience launches amid the show's remarkable resurgence. Since returning to BBC screens two years ago after nearly two decades off air, Gladiators has rapidly re-established itself as a winter television staple, becoming as integral to the BBC's schedule as Strictly Come Dancing.
The current national live tour continues across major UK arenas this winter, including London's Wembley Arena (November 29-30), Pulse Live in Birmingham (December 13-14), and Glasgow's OVO Hydro (December 20-21). Each venue hosts two family-friendly shows daily during weekend dates.
The television programme itself features a new generation of Gladiators drawn from Olympic athletes, bodybuilding champions, rugby internationals, and gymnasts, overseen by father-son presenting duo Bradley and Barney Walsh. While the larger-than-life characters provide spectacle, the show has equally celebrated the personal stories of ordinary contenders who have overcome adversity to face the Gladiators.
For those seeking the ultimate fan experience, an exclusive VIP package includes an official contender uniform, medal, and digital photos. Meanwhile, Gladiators enthusiasts can look forward to a Christmas special and a new series starting in January on BBC One.
