In the bustling city of Nottingham, where history, culture, and innovation converge, one landmark consistently stands out for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural relevance — the Motorpoint Arena. More than just a venue, it is a dynamic hub of music, sports, and entertainment that draws visitors from all over the UK and beyond.
The Birth of a Landmark
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham opened its doors in April 2000, forming part of the larger National Ice Centre complex https://www.motorpointarena.co.uk/. Located in the historic Lace Market district, the venue was built to replace the aging Nottingham Ice Stadium, with the goal of revitalizing the city’s entertainment offerings and drawing in major touring acts and sports events.
Built on the foundations of ice sports history, the venue not only serves as an arena but also houses an Olympic-sized ice rink. Nottingham has long been known for its strong connection to figure skating, partly due to homegrown legends like Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. The arena’s opening was even officiated by Torvill herself — a fitting tribute to the city’s deep ties to the sport.
A Venue for All
Motorpoint Arena is designed to be versatile. With a capacity that ranges from 4,000 to over 10,000 depending on the event, it seamlessly adapts to concerts, ice shows, sports fixtures, and corporate functions. This flexibility makes it one of the most active and diverse venues in the UK.
Concerts are perhaps the venue’s biggest draw. Over the years, it has hosted a who’s-who of the music world — from rock legends like Metallica and Iron Maiden to pop icons such as Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa. The acoustics, lighting design, and audience sightlines are all optimized to enhance the live experience. Fans often cite the arena’s intimate atmosphere as a major advantage, especially compared to larger UK venues.
But it’s not just about music. The arena also regularly welcomes comedy acts (including household names like Peter Kay and Kevin Bridges), children’s shows like Disney On Ice, and even large-scale theatrical productions. The ice rink transforms into a competitive arena for international ice hockey matches, curling tournaments, and figure skating exhibitions. Nottingham Panthers, one of the UK’s top ice hockey teams, calls the arena home.
A Boost for Nottingham’s Economy
Motorpoint Arena has had a transformative impact on Nottingham’s economy. According to data from local authorities, the venue generates over £40 million in annual revenue for the city through direct spending on tickets, hospitality, and transportation, as well as indirect spending at nearby hotels, restaurants, and bars. Its location in the city centre ensures that visitors can enjoy the full range of Nottingham’s amenities, creating a symbiotic relationship between the arena and the local business community.
Moreover, the arena is one of the largest employers in the East Midlands’ events sector. From security personnel and hospitality workers to sound engineers and marketing teams, thousands of people have built careers or gained invaluable experience through the venue.
Sustainability and Innovation
In recent years, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham has invested heavily in becoming more sustainable and tech-friendly. Initiatives include waste reduction programs, partnerships with local recycling services, energy-efficient lighting systems, and improvements to public transport access. Digital ticketing has been rolled out across all events to minimize paper waste and improve convenience for guests.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the arena adapted quickly by implementing safety measures, contactless services, and virtual ticket scanning systems. These innovations helped the venue remain functional when restrictions allowed, and they laid the groundwork for a more modern and efficient customer experience in the long term.
A Centre for Community and Culture
The arena doesn’t just host chart-topping acts or sports stars; it also plays an essential role in community engagement. It frequently partners with schools, charities, and local arts groups to host events that highlight diversity, education, and inclusion. For example, it has hosted cultural expos, graduation ceremonies, and events aimed at raising awareness for mental health and social equality.
In 2008, the arena notably hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a five-day seminar on compassion and peace, attended by thousands of people from across the world. This event demonstrated the arena’s capacity to transcend traditional entertainment and become a space for meaningful dialogue and reflection.
Planning a Visit
For those planning to attend an event at Motorpoint Arena, the experience is designed to be welcoming and convenient. The arena is well-served by Nottingham’s public transport system, including tram lines and regional train services. Parking is available nearby, and numerous hotels cater to every budget within walking distance of the venue.
Inside the arena, visitors will find multiple bars, food stands, and merchandise stalls. There are also VIP options, including executive suites and the Spotlight Bar, which provide enhanced comfort and hospitality for special occasions or business events.
Accessibility is another priority. The arena features wheelchair-accessible seating, hearing loops, and assistance for visually impaired guests. Dedicated staff members are trained to provide support for those with additional needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their visit.
What’s Next for Motorpoint Arena?
Looking ahead, the arena is showing no signs of slowing down. With a packed schedule for 2025, upcoming acts include The Wombats, Tom Segura, and major sporting events like UK Strongest Man. In addition, the arena is exploring the use of augmented reality for live shows, offering fans new and immersive ways to experience concerts and events.
There is also increasing interest in using the arena for esports tournaments and gaming expos — a rapidly growing segment of the entertainment industry. With the infrastructure already in place, Motorpoint Arena is well-positioned to become a leading venue for these tech-forward events.
Final Thoughts
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham has evolved far beyond its origins as a skating venue. It is now a multifaceted destination that reflects the cultural richness and creativity of Nottingham itself. Whether it’s the electric buzz of a sold-out concert, the graceful spins of a figure skater, or the cheers of a local sports match, the arena offers moments that stay with visitors long after the lights go down.