The Chief Executive of Leeds-based bank First Direct has welcomed his firm's sponsorship of the new multi-million pound Leeds Arena.
"This is a really exciting move for First Direct, said' Mark Mullen.
"Leeds is the city that made us who we are and we are thrilled to be able to support such an important development for all the people who live and visit here."
John Sutherland of SMG Europe, who will run the Arena, which opens in September, said:" We are committed to operating world-class arenas.
"We are delighted that such an iconic and customer-focussed business is in partnership with us to deliver the outstanding customer experience that will be offered at the First Direct Arena."
Leeds Council said the biggest benefit of the new arena is the employment boost brought to Leeds- through construction jobs, event staffing and the new investment that could be attracted to the city.
On the construction front, at least 200 jobs have been created or safeguarded for Leeds residents and 90 apprentices have worked on building the arena.
Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr Keith Wakefield at the new Leeds Arena
The £60m arena is bringing with it jobs, international events and an expected big boost to the Leeds economy, according to the council leader.
Leeds City Council leader Cllr Keith Wakefield said: “We want Leeds to be the best city in the UK and delivering this hugely-imaginative and highly-ambitious project on time and on budget in an incredibly-challenging economy demonstrates without doubt that we mean business."
Leeds Arena is due to open in September. Credit: ITV Calendar
Leeds Arena's reaching another milestone today. The building is officially handed over by the developers to the company which will run it. The Arena is due to open on the 4th September with a concert by Elton John.
Depeche Mode have confirmed today they will play Leeds Arena later this year as one of several new dates added to their 2013 tour schedule, which originally only featured two UK performances in London.
The British three-piece band - first established in 1980 with a line up of four - has included the venue as an addition to the European winter leg of The Delta Machine tour.
The gig will take place on Wednesday November 13, and is in line to be the 13,000-seat venue’s first ever electronic music event.
Tickets are going on sale this morning for Elton John's performance at the Leeds Arena when it opens next year. He is the first international act to be announced to play at the venue.
Sir Elton John is to perform at the Leeds Arena. He has confirmed that he will be performing there on September 4th next year. He could be the first singer to perform at the venue.
