In the heart of Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena stands as a dynamic symbol of modern entertainment and urban energy. Since opening its doors in 2000, the arena has welcomed millions of guests and transformed itself into one of the UK’s most versatile and beloved live event venues. From major music tours to ice hockey matches, comedy shows to exhibitions, this arena offers something for everyone.
But Motorpoint Arena is more than just a place to watch a performance. It’s a reflection of Nottingham’s identity: diverse, energetic, and full of passion. With its central location, strong community connections, and global events calendar, it continues to be a vital part of the city’s landscape.
From Ice Rink to Global Stage
Motorpoint Arena was born from the redevelopment of the old Nottingham Ice Stadium, a venue steeped in local sporting history https://www.motorpointarena.co.uk/. The decision to build a new arena alongside an Olympic-sized ice rink marked a turning point for Nottingham. It allowed the city to attract larger-scale events and join the ranks of cities like Manchester and Birmingham on the UK touring map.
The National Ice Centre complex, of which Motorpoint Arena is a part, remains a cutting-edge facility for both public skating and professional ice sports. The arena itself was designed to accommodate a wide variety of events with minimal turnaround time between shows, a feature that has made it highly attractive to global event organisers.
The Home of the Nottingham Panthers
Ice hockey is more than just a sport in Nottingham — it’s a tradition. Motorpoint Arena serves as the home of the Nottingham Panthers, one of the UK’s most successful and longest-running ice hockey clubs. Panthers games are a major draw for both locals and travelling fans, bringing together people of all ages for fast-paced, high-energy competition.
The atmosphere during a Panthers game is electric. Supporters fill the stands, waving flags and chanting from start to finish. The game-day experience is complete with music, crowd entertainment, merchandise sales, and food stalls, all helping to create an unforgettable evening for both die-hard fans and first-time visitors.
Beyond the Panthers, the arena has hosted international ice hockey events, figure skating championships, and public skating galas, strengthening Nottingham’s reputation as a hub for ice sports in the UK.
A Must-Visit Destination for Music Lovers
If ice hockey gives Motorpoint Arena its sporting legacy, music gives it global appeal. The arena has hosted many of the biggest names in the music industry. Over the years, its stage has welcomed performances by legends such as Sir Elton John, Cher, The Killers, Iron Maiden, Kylie Minogue, and Billie Eilish.
One of the reasons so many artists choose Nottingham as a tour stop is the arena’s acoustics and size. With a maximum capacity of just over 10,000, it offers an ideal balance between intimacy and scale. Fans get a closer connection to performers compared to larger stadiums, while production crews benefit from excellent facilities, easy load-in access, and smooth technical support.
Live music fans in Nottingham know the feeling of anticipation as the lights dim, the crowd roars, and their favourite act steps onto the stage. For many, their first concert experience happens at Motorpoint Arena — an unforgettable moment that often sparks a lifelong love of live events.
A Venue for All Generations
Motorpoint Arena doesn’t just serve adults or sports fans. It’s also a popular destination for families and younger audiences. Touring productions like Peppa Pig Live, Paw Patrol Live, Disney on Ice, and The Gruffalo regularly fill the arena with the joyful sound of children and parents sharing a special moment together.
Teenagers flock to pop concerts and YouTuber meetups, while older guests enjoy nostalgic performances from classic rock bands or tribute shows. The venue’s varied schedule ensures that almost every age group and interest is represented throughout the year.
Comedy is another major draw. From arena-filling legends like Michael McIntyre and John Bishop to international stars like Trevor Noah and Kevin Hart, the best names in stand-up regularly include Nottingham in their UK tours.
Hospitality, Accessibility, and Guest Experience
Motorpoint Arena places a strong emphasis on guest experience. Visitors are greeted with clean, well-organised facilities, clearly marked entrances, and helpful staff. The venue offers a range of food and drink options on event days, including hot meals, snacks, local beverages, and even dietary-specific menus such as vegan or gluten-free selections.
There are multiple ticket tiers, including general admission and VIP packages. Premium experiences may include fast-track entry, lounge access, or private boxes with views of the stage or rink. These options make the venue popular for birthday celebrations, corporate events, and date nights.
Accessibility is a key priority. Wheelchair spaces, lifts, hearing loops, and dedicated staff assistance are available to ensure that all guests can enjoy the event. Clear signage and digital ticketing also make entry and navigation smoother for everyone.
Motorpoint Arena’s Impact on Nottingham
Beyond the entertainment value, Motorpoint Arena is an engine of economic activity for Nottingham. Each year, thousands of people travel from across the UK to attend events, contributing significantly to the local economy. The nearby hospitality industry — hotels, pubs, restaurants, taxis — all benefit from this steady stream of visitors.
The arena also plays an important role in local employment. From security staff to event planners, hospitality workers to stage crew, it supports hundreds of jobs either directly or through external contracts. Many students and young professionals get their start working part-time roles at the arena, gaining valuable experience in events and customer service.
On a civic level, the venue often partners with community organisations, schools, and charities. It hosts awareness events, educational workshops, and fundraising evenings that support local causes. This helps the arena remain grounded in the community, even as it hosts international acts and large-scale productions.
Looking to the Future
As the live events industry continues to evolve, Motorpoint Arena is looking to innovate. Sustainability is high on the agenda, with plans to reduce single-use plastics, improve recycling, and explore energy-efficient upgrades to lighting and ventilation systems.
Technology is also changing how the venue operates. Enhanced mobile ticketing, real-time event notifications, and digital signage are becoming standard features. In the future, the arena may explore augmented reality and other digital enhancements to further enrich the live event experience.
Looking ahead to upcoming seasons, the calendar includes more global music tours, returning comedy favourites, exciting sporting fixtures, and several new touring shows aimed at families and young audiences. The diversity and energy of the programming promise that Motorpoint Arena will continue to be a major player in the UK’s entertainment scene.
Why Motorpoint Arena Is Worth the Visit
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham stands out for its balance of scale, flexibility, and accessibility. Unlike larger stadiums, it brings audiences closer to the action. Unlike smaller venues, it delivers the spectacle and professionalism expected from world-class acts. And unlike many facilities built for a single purpose, it adapts seamlessly to whatever the day demands — from electrifying rock concerts to glitzy ice galas.
Whether you’re a local, a visitor, a music fan, or a sports enthusiast, the arena offers experiences that resonate and memories that last. For Nottingham, it’s a source of pride. For performers, it’s a must-play stage. For audiences, it’s a place where the lights dim, the crowd cheers, and something unforgettable begins.