Fans of the iconic TV show will soon be able to step into the arena themselves. From May 2026, visitors to Birmingham’s NEC will be able to experience a gigantic, immersive attraction that recreates the legendary set of the show. There, they will have the chance to test their strength and endurance against the same challenges that thrilled millions of viewers.
The original Gladiators first aired on ITV in 1992 and became an instant Saturday night hit. Its premiere episode drew more than six million viewers, and the first series recorded nearly nine million. The format involved competing against a team of professional athletes, known as Gladiators, in a series of physical challenges. It was set to pounding music and roaring crowds, emulating the gladiator games of ancient Rome.
The show ran until 2000. It was first revived in 2008, airing on Sky One until 2009. The famous “Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready!” call by referee John Anderson became part of the British vocabulary.
After twenty years off air, the BBC revived the Gladiators in 2024, introducing a new line-up of super-fit athletes to compete against contestants and drawing a new generation of fans to the show.
The Gladiators Experience in Birmingham will be the first of its kind. It will give the public the chance to test themselves and experience the challenges they have seen on screen for themselves at the 10,000-square-metre centre.
Visitors will be able to tackle some of the best-known challenges, such as Hang Tough, where contenders swing on a trapeze while gladiators try to pull them down, Duel, which has contenders and gladiators face off on raised platforms while trying to knock each other off with padded pugil sticks, and The Wall, where two contenders race to climb a large wall while being chased by two gladiators.
@gladiatorstv Gladiators at 7pm tonight on BBC One and iPlayer. There’s a new event crashing onto our screens! 💥🌐💨 #Gladiators #GladiatorsReady #GladiatorsTV ♬ original sound – Gladiators
They will also be able to test their limits with the Eliminator, the show’s legendary obstacle course combining balance beams, monkey bars, cargo nets, and the ultimate test: the 12-metre Travelator sprint to the finish line.
Those less interested in demonstrating their physical prowess and more interested in a backstage journey into the show’s history and secrets, such as never-before-seen footage or costumes, will find their curiosity satisfied in ‘The Vault’.
No centre nowadays is complete without a ‘merch’ section, and the Gladiator Centre in Birmingham has its own ‘merchandise superstore’, where visitors and wannabe gladiators can purchase souvenirs and exclusive memorabilia, from limited-edition T-shirts to collectibles celebrating their favourite gladiator.
While they wait for the attraction to open in 2026, fans can catch the Gladiator Live Tour, which will stop in Liverpool, London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham.
Dom Bird, senior vice president at production company MGM Alternative Television, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of how the new show had captured the public’s imagination.
@gladiatorstv The toughest game show on earth is back! Are YOU Ready? Coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer in 2024. For all the latest follow @bbcgladiators on Instagram #Gladiators #BBCGladiators ♬ original sound – Gladiators
With the forthcoming opening, he added that “fans, young and old, will now get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience”.
“Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games – from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and, of course, the legendary Travelator. Come and see if you’ve got what it takes!” he added cheerfully.
Ticket prices have yet to be announced, but fans can register for early access on the attraction’s official website.
There is no age restriction, and all are welcome, but only a few will have what it takes to become true Gladiators.
