Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is among the most recognised indoor arenas in England and stands as the largest concert venue in the East Midlands area. It features performances by international artists, sporting competitions, ice shows, and family entertainment. The arena is part of the National Ice Centre complex and has been a prominent location for significant concert tours in the country for over twenty years. This article will explore its evolution and highlight the artists and events that have contributed to its status as a landmark venue on England’s concert landscape.
| Name | Motorpoint Arena Nottingham |
| Former names | Nottingham Arena, Trent FM Arena, Capital FM Arena |
| Address | Bolero Square, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1LA |
| Opening date | 1 April 2000 |
| Years of construction | 1998–2000 |
| Owner | Nottingham City Council |
| Capacity | 10,000 seats (up to 15,865 for concerts with standing room) |
| Construction cost | £43 million |
| Purpose | concerts, sporting events, ice shows, comedy performances, exhibitions |
| Home team | Nottingham Panthers |
| Record attendance | 15,685 spectators (Little Mix concert) |
The Evolution of Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
The origins of Motorpoint Arena trace back to the mid-1990s, when the Nottingham City Council made the decision to replace the outdated Nottingham Ice Stadium, which had been inaugurated in 1939. The aim for the new facility was to create not only a contemporary ice rink but also a versatile venue capable of accommodating top-tier concerts, sporting events, and significant city gatherings.
Construction commenced in 1998 and was completed in approximately two years. The architectural firm FaulknerBrowns oversaw the design, with the entire project costing around 43 million pounds. The venue officially opened its doors on 1 April 2000, with Simply Red being the first band to hold a full concert there.
Throughout its existence, the arena has undergone several name changes. It was first called the Nottingham Arena, later renamed the Trent FM Arena, then the Capital FM Arena, and has been known as Motorpoint Arena Nottingham since 2016. Additionally, the venue has seen ongoing enhancements: in 2011, it was refurbished, its capacity was expanded, and it was adapted to better accommodate concerts of varying sizes.
Currently, it stands as the largest concert venue in the East Midlands, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is frequently compared to Utilita Arena Cardiff, which was referred to as Motorpoint Arena Cardiff from 2011 to 2022. Both venues host performances by international artists, sporting competitions, and comedy acts, although the Nottingham arena is considerably larger. It can host up to 15,865 attendees for standing-room-only concerts, while Utilita Arena Cardiff has a maximum capacity of 7,500 people. Moreover, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is part of the National Ice Centre complex and serves as the home ground for the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.
Concerts and Events at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Throughout its history, Nottingham Motorpoint Arena has established itself as a premier destination for some of the largest touring performers globally. It accommodates a variety of events including rock and pop concerts, stand-up comedy, sports competitions, boxing bouts, ice hockey games, and ice shows. The venue claims that since its inception, it has hosted thousands of events, with annual attendance figures reaching into the hundreds of thousands.
British rock bands particularly frequent the arena. For instance, the famous group The Prodigy featured Nottingham Arena in their tours during 2018 and 2026, attracting full audiences with their dynamic live performances. Similarly, Kasabian has a strong connection with this venue, frequently returning to launch new albums and consistently ranking among the most eagerly awaited performers.
Fans of alternative rock are likely familiar with Biffy Clyro’s performances here in 2010 (prior to the venue’s renaming) and in 2026. Their shows at Motorpoint Nottingham are typically marked by impressive light displays and an energetic rapport with the crowd. The arena has also seen performances from the Scottish band Twin Atlantic, who have successfully garnered a fanbase that extends well beyond Scotland.
The arena also regularly features prominent pop artists. Notably, Little Mix set the venue’s attendance record by attracting a crowd of 15,685. The group performed here in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022. Olly Murs has also included Nottingham in his UK tours multiple times, specifically in 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2025.
Among the indie rock and new British music acts that have graced the stage are The Libertines and Don Broco, who performed on 2 November 2016 as special guests at a Bring Me The Horizon concert and headlined their own significant concert on 2 December 2025. Each of these bands visited as part of their national tours, reinforcing the arena’s reputation as one of the leading concert venues in the UK. In 2025, Wolf Alice electrified the arena, while the local audience is keenly anticipating a performance by Pale Waves.
Over the years, the venue has welcomed rapper Slowthai, The X Factor champions Rak-Su, and numerous other British artists for whom a concert in Nottingham was a key part of a major tour across England. Currently, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham stands as one of the most desirable venues in the country. It not only hosts musical performances but also sports events, family shows, and ice shows. Thanks to the versatile layout of the hall, the arena is equally appropriate for both intimate performances and large-scale events with audiences numbering in the thousands.
Location of Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is located in the Lace Market area, almost at the heart of Nottingham. It is part of the National Ice Centre complex, which allows it to accommodate not only concerts and performances but also training activities, competitions, and public ice-skating sessions.
The selection of this location was intentional. The Lace Market area is among Nottingham’s most renowned historic districts. During the 19th century, it hosted warehouses, factories, and trading establishments associated with the lace industry, which earned the city international fame. Currently, the old Victorian structures coexist with contemporary bars, restaurants, hotels, and cultural establishments.
Seating Arrangement at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Various seating configurations are implemented within the arena based on the specific event. Organisers modify the arrangement of the stage, seating, and standing sections to optimise the use of the available space. The official site outlines four primary options, with the first two being the most commonly utilised.
Seated Arena – this arrangement is predominantly used for concerts, providing seating for every attendee. The stage is located at one of the shorter ends of the arena, with additional rows of seats at floor level placed in front of it. Fixed seating surrounds the venue’s edges, maximising capacity while ensuring that all attendees have a good view from every section. This layout is typically employed for performances by pop musicians, orchestras, comedy acts, and various ceremonies.
Standing Arena – for major rock and pop concerts, the seating in the stalls is removed, converting the area into a spacious standing zone in front of the stage. Seats in the stands remain, allowing guests to choose between an active experience close to the stage and a more leisurely viewing option from the upper levels. This setup accommodates a larger crowd and fosters the vibrant atmosphere characteristic of significant live performances, where most of the audience is situated directly in front of the artists.
Visitor Information
Prior to your trip to Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, it is advisable to verify its opening times and gather details about nearby accommodations and dining options. Additionally, it would be wise to think about your transportation choices.
Hours of operation
The arena is accessible solely on days when events are held – the times for entry vary based on the particular concert, match, or performance. Nonetheless, the customer service and telephone support are available from Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00. Tickets can be acquired at any time, 24 hours a day, through the official website. The box office at the venue operates only on event days.
Restaurants in the vicinity
Within a short stroll from the arena, there are several highly-rated dining options:
- Bar Iberico – a well-liked Spanish tapas establishment.
- Mowgli Street Food Nottingham – a venue offering modern Indian dishes.
- Pizza Punks Nottingham – a pizzeria where you can customise your pizza according to your preference.
- Compa Nottingham – a restaurant specialising in Sicilian fare.
- Spotlight Bar & Restaurant – an eatery situated within the arena complex, operational on event days.
Nearby Accommodations
When a concert ends late at night, opting to stay at one of the hotels in close proximity is more practical. The nearest choices include:
- Lace Market Hotel Nottingham – a boutique establishment located in the historic Lace Market area; the average cost for a room here is £80–140 per night.
- Premier Inn Nottingham Arena (London Road) – situated approximately a 5–7-minute stroll away, with prices ranging from £70–120.
- Ibis Nottingham Centre – an economical choice in the city centre, priced at £55–90.
- Leonardo Hotel Nottingham – positioned adjacent to the railway station, with room rates between £80–130.
- Hilton Nottingham – one of the most well-known hotels in Nottingham’s centre, with nightly rates of £90–150.
Directions to reach the venue
Due to its position in the heart of Nottingham, the arena can be easily reached by both public transport and personal vehicles. The trip from most transport terminals takes only a few minutes.
- By train. It’s a 10–15-minute stroll from Nottingham railway station to the arena. Trains arrive at the station from London, Birmingham, Leicester, Sheffield, Derby, Lincoln and other cities, making this one of the most convenient choices for attendees of concerts or sporting events.
- By tram. The closest stop to the arena is Lace Market on the Nottingham Express Transit network. It is merely a few minutes’ walk from there to the entrance.
- By bus. Numerous bus routes traverse the city centre and stop close to the arena. Buses run by Nottingham City Transport (NCT) stop right beside the arena, while Trent Barton services are just a short distance from the entrance. For those coming from other cities, long-distance coaches arrive at Broadmarsh Bus Station and Victoria Bus Station – from either of these, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.
- By car or taxi. The venue is situated at Bolero Square, The Lace Market, and can be accessed via the city’s main thoroughfares. Taxis typically drop off passengers near Bolero Square or on Lower Parliament Street.
Parking Facilities
The arena lacks a large dedicated car park; however, there are multiple municipal multi-storey car parks located in the vicinity. The management advises reserving a parking spot in advance, especially on days when popular concerts are scheduled. For certain events, it is possible to book in advance at Broad Marsh Car Park. Additionally, there are specific parking spaces available nearby for Blue Badge holders.
Contact information and postal code
Location: Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, Bolero Square, The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1LA
Phone: +44 (0)115 853 3000
Postal code: NG1 1LA
Website
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What is the seating capacity of Motorpoint Arena Nottingham?
The arena accommodates 10,000 seats in its typical layout.
What is the price of a box at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham?
The price varies based on the particular event, the dimensions of the box, and the chosen hospitality package. A personalised quote can be obtained through the arena’s official website. For certain events, packages may be offered, starting at £675 for 10 individuals, although this is not a universal rate for all concerts.
Who is the proprietor of Motorpoint Arena Nottingham?
The ownership of the arena lies with Nottingham City Council, while its management is handled by Nottingham Ice Centre Ltd.
What is the capacity of Motorpoint Arena Nottingham?
The venue can accommodate a maximum of 15,865 attendees for concerts featuring a standing section.