From January of 2024 I’m starting a new series on this blog where it looks at A Cleaner’s Perspective: Working at Leeds Arena over a six month period. In January 2024, as I continued on an extraordinary journey, working as a cleaner at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. This was no ordinary cleaning job. It was an experience that offered me front-row seats to some of the most exciting events in the city, all while fulfilling my duties to ensure the venue was immaculate for each occasion. The month started on a high note with the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Party held on the 13th and 14th. The event was a spectacle of colour, light, and sound, a sight to behold. Children, with their faces lit up in awe, and adults, reliving their childhood love for these gigantic vehicles, filled the arena. As the monster trucks performed stunning stunts, the crowd roared in delight. My work during these two days was challenging yet fulfilling. I had the task of ensuring that the arena was clean and ready for the crowd each day and restoring it to its pristine condition after the festivities ended each night. The next main event I witnessed was the Misfit Boxing event on the 20th. The atmosphere was vastly different from the Monster Trucks Glow Party. It was charged with anticipation and adrenaline, with spectators at the edge of their seats as they watched the boxers in the ring. The intense focus of the fighters and the fervour of the crowd was infectious. In this charged atmosphere, my responsibility was to keep all areas clean and well-maintained, contributing to a seamless experience for the boxers and the audience. The month came to a close with the Netball Nations Cup on the 27th and 28th. This event was a celebration of sportsmanship and teamwork, with netball teams from different nations competing fiercely yet respectfully. The camaraderie and competitive spirit on display were inspiring, and as a cleaner, I had the privilege of ensuring that the venue was in top condition for these world-class athletes. Every event had its unique challenges. For instance, the aftermath of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Party was a sight to behold. The arena, which had been transformed into a vibrant playground of monster trucks, was now strewn with remnants of the spectacle. My cleaning crew and I had to work diligently to restore it to its original state. Nonetheless, the satisfaction of seeing the clean and orderly arena post our work was incomparable. The Misfit Boxing event was a different beast altogether. The energy and intensity of the event were reflected in the state of the premises post-event. Every corner of the arena was pulsating with the remnants of the high-energy boxing matches. Cleaning up after the event was indeed a challenge. However, with a dedicated team and a systematic approach, we were able to complete our tasks efficiently. The Netball Nations Cup brought different challenges. With international teams participating, the arena was buzzing with activity for two straight days. The task of maintaining cleanliness and order during these bustling times was daunting. But, every night, as I looked at the gleaming floors and the well-arranged seating area, I felt a sense of achievement. In conclusion, my time working as a cleaner at the First Direct Arena in Leeds in January 2024 was more than just a job. It was a rich experience that brought me closer to the action and offered me a new perspective on the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making these events successful. I gained a new appreciation for my role as a cleaner, understanding that it’s not just about cleaning but also about ensuring a comfortable and pleasant environment for the attendees. Looking forward to more such experiences in the future!