Has anyone been to Resorts World (NEC) Birmingham recently?

[StripeyStars6]

I'm going for the first time on Saturday, to see a show starting at 7:30pm. I'm a bit of a country bumpkin and I'm quite nervous about going! I've reserved parking for the event, but it doesn't say anywhere how early I can arrive. I'm worried about traffic etc so was thinking of getting there around 5pm and having something to eat beforehand. Before I ring them tomorrow, does anyone know if that's ok? Is there anything else worth knowing before I go?
Thanks!!

I was there in Feb - there is a small shopping mall just opposite with restaurants, shops & a cinema so if you go early you will be able to go there if the arena hasn’t opened yet. It’s a 2 minute walk from one to the other

That sounds fine. Doors usually open at 5pm and you can grab something to eat in the arena or go over the road to Resorts World where there are loads of restaurants.

Yes and it was a shit show. It was a weekend event though so may be better organised if it's just an evening. There was a cattle crush to get into the arena for an evening session, took kids out in the break and all the food places had run out of food at 8pm.

Make sure you book food. We didn't and there were horrific queues and we didn't end up getting anything

If you have plenty of time to kill you could jump on the train from International to new street. Only 10 minutes. You wldnt have to wonder around brum plenty of places to eat in grand Central. Park up and then chill if it's a bit mad to eat at resorts world. Its not that big.

Yes you can get there whatever time you like, big outlet mall with restaurants right outside. I wouldn’t have reserved parking though it can be quite far away and a bit difficult getting out afterwards - they put buses on but will be a big queue then cars queueing to get out. If you haven’t paid, it’s much easier to park at Birmingham international train station and walk through the NEC. Most of the food outlets don’t accept bookings on event nights in my experience, you just have to wait but if you’re leaving 2.5 hours it’ll be absolutely fine.

Sorry I meant to say too park at the station

Thank you all so much - this is really useful to know! Glad I posted

I was there on Tuesday. We’ve never reserved parking and just turn up everytime it’s been fine. We tend to just grab some chips before we go as we drive up from Wales and don’t get there’s much before 6.30pm, but I’d imagine if you were there earlier you’d find a better choice of food. It’s a great venue though. Loads of toilets so minimal queues too!