Bruce Springsteen to play Leeds Arena 'road test' gig

Bruce Springsteen specially requested to play a gig at the new Leeds venue, the city council said

Rock star Bruce Springsteen is to "road test" the new Leeds Arena in July ahead of its official opening in September, Leeds City Council has revealed.

Springsteen made a "special request" to try out the 13,500-seat arena in a one-off show as part of his Wrecking Ball world tour, the council said.

The gig will take place at the new £60m city centre venue on Wednesday 24 July.

Springsteen's request to play the Arena was "unexpected but very welcome", said council leader Keith Wakefield.

'Sheer calibre'

Springsteen, famous for hits such as Born To Run and Born in the USA, will be joined by his E Street band for the Leeds gig, the council confirmed.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale at 09:00 GMT on Friday.

Venue director Tony Watson said: "The team is ecstatic that an artist of this sheer calibre will be providing all of us with what is effectively a big dress rehearsal for the arena for its opening season."

Elton John will officially open Leeds Arena with a show on 4 September, followed by acts including comedian Micky Flanagan and Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs.