The Boss had personally asked to “road test” the £60m, 15,000 capacity venue before its official opening and landed in Leeds to a play an incredible set on July 23, 2013.
It was the first time he had played in the city since since performing for an immense crowd of 80,000 in Roundhay Park in 1985 and the atmosphere ahead of the show was electric.
One man who remembers the night fondly is Jack Fawbert, 30, who was working for the stage crew that night. He said: “There was a real feeling of excitement and anticipation. We had a legend playing to open the arena and you could really feel it in the surrounding area.”
He added: “The best thing about it was that even after playing one of the mammoth sets for which he’s known he still came backstage and thanked all the crew. That’s something we took from the night.
"Bruce is known among the entertainment industry for being a really down to earth and humble guy. It goes to show he’s the real deal.”
Check out the pictures below of a special night in Leeds:
7. Badlands
Mr Fawbert said that members of the stage crew commented on how "well set up" and "intimate" the arena felt. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
8. 'Road test'
Bruce had personally requested to 'road test' the new arena, playing ahead of the official opening by Elton John Photo: Mark Bickerdike
9. Bruuuuuce!
The 29-song set also included classics including Thunder Road, Born to Run and Dancing In The Dark Photo: Mark Bickerdike
10. Born To Run
Jack Fawbert, who worked for the stage crew that night, said that Bruce came backstage after the "mammoth" show to thank the crew. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
11. E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are known for their marathon sets, sometimes pushing the four-hour mark Photo: Mark Bickerdike
12. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen fans queued outside to get a look around the brand new arena before the Bruce Springsteen played. Photo: steve riding