The Nottingham City Council-owned National Ice Centre and Motorpoint Arena is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary today, 1 April 2025.
To mark this significant milestone, the venue – which is largest entertainment venue in the East Midlands –has unveiled an exciting lineup of celebratory events and initiatives that reflect its rich history and enduring legacy.
Since opening on 1st April 2000, the venue has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, attracting millions of visitors from across the UK and beyond. Known for its world-class performances, sporting events, concerts, and more, the venue has established itself as a premier destination for entertainment in the heart of Nottingham.
Throughout its 25-year history, the venue has welcomed some of the world’s biggest musical acts, including Lady Gaga, Elton John, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Justin Bieber, while also serving as the stage for high-profile sporting events such as Premier League Darts, World Championship Boxing, UFC, WWE, and the annual Elite Ice Hockey League Play-Off Finals. As a cultural hub for the region, it has become synonymous with unforgettable experiences that continue to resonate with fans and visitors.
Beyond entertainment, the venue has played a significant role in driving economic growth in Nottingham. A recent study by business students at Nottingham Trent University revealed that the National Ice Centre and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham has contributed more than £1 billion to the city’s economy over the past 25 years. From supporting local businesses, including hotels, bars, and restaurants, to creating hundreds of jobs, the venue’s impact extends far beyond its walls, making it a vital asset to the region.
Councillor Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture said:
“It’s wonderful to celebrate this significant milestone for the National Ice Centre. The Council-owned facility has done so much for the city over its first quarter century, offering local residents great entertainment and opportunities, attracting visitors from further afield, and creating high quality jobs.
“Our initial £16m investment now generates over £40m per year for the local and regional economy; benefiting hotels, bars, restaurants, local transport and retail businesses. Let’s see what the next 25 years has to offer!”
One of the key highlights of the anniversary celebrations is the People’s Picture Project, a stunning photo mosaic created from thousands of fan photos, capturing the essence of the venue’s impact over the years. Whether it’s seeing live music, taking in a sports event, or simply enjoying cherished times with friends, people are invited to submit their images and stories here.
This summer, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham will host Torvill & Dean’s Last Dance – a farewell performance by the legendary ice dancing duo, marking their final appearance together before retiring. This emotional event will be a fitting tribute to the venue’s rich history in the world of ice skating. Get your tickets here.
You can also listen to a special anniversary podcast series with Jayne Torvill & Chris Dean here.
The National Ice Centre is also launching a major community initiative to celebrate its anniversary by offering every child in Nottingham the chance to experience ice skating for free throughout June and July. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of skaters and share the joy of the sport with local families. More information can be found here.
Martin Ingham, CEO of the National Ice Centre and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham said:
“We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with the people who have made our success possible – our loyal visitors, dedicated staff, and the talented performers who have made our venue their home.
“For 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of bringing joy, excitement, and inspiration to the East Midlands. This venue is truly incredible. When a show is taking place, and 10,000 people are here creating unforgettable moments, I’m so proud to be part of making memories that last a lifetime. We’re looking forward to continuing this legacy and welcoming many more generations to come.”
The construction of the Nottingham Arena began in 1998, with the vision of creating a state-of-the-art venue that could accommodate a wide range of events, from sporting events to music concerts, theatrical performances, and more. The arena was designed by internationally acclaimed architects FaulknerBrowns who drew inspiration from the rich industrial heritage of the city to create a striking, contemporary building that would serve as a focal point for the city’s cultural scene.
The build was a massive undertaking, creating thousands of jobs with a team of over 3,000 workers involved in the construction process across two years.
When workmen began digging foundations, a rare 1,100-year-old Saxon jug was found and later put on display at the Nottingham Castle Museum. A 19th-century graveyard was also found under the car park, from which bodies were then exhumed and sensitively moved elsewhere.
The arena was completed on schedule, and opened its doors to the public in April 2000.