The arena while it was called Hallam FM Arena.
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Former names | Sheffield Arena (1991–2002; 2007-10, 2015–) Hallam FM Arena (2002–07) Motorpoint Arena (2010–15) |
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Location | Sheffield Arena Sheffield Broughton Lane Sheffield S9 2DF England |
Coordinates | 53°23′59.54″N 1°25′7.54″W / 53.3998722°N 1.4187611°WCoordinates: 53°23′59.54″N 1°25′7.54″W / 53.3998722°N 1.4187611°W |
Owner | Sheffield City Trust |
Operator | Sheffield International Venues |
Type | Sport and Music Venue |
Capacity | Ice Hockey: 9,500 Seated Central Area: 12,500 Standing Central Area: 13,500 |
Construction | |
Opened | 30 May 1991 |
Construction cost | £34 million |
Website | |
sheffieldarena |
Sheffield Arena (formerly Hallam FM Arena and Motorpoint Arena Sheffield) is an arena located in Sheffield, England. It is situated near Rotherham, Sheffield City Centre, Meadowhall and the Centertainment.
The arena opened as Sheffield Arena and was renamed Hallam FM Arena, but returned to its original name as of 1 November 2007. On 9 August 2010, Sheffield Arena was officially renamed Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, after the Derby based car sales company invested £1 million to rename the venue. It is used for big name concerts and sporting events. It is home to the Sheffield Steelers Ice Hockey Club. In August 2015 the arena was once again rebranded as Sheffield Arena.
Constructed at a cost of £34 million, it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 30 May 1991.
The first concert took place that evening, Paul Simon playing as part of his "Born at the Right Time" tour. The Arena then took on the role of Gymnastics Hall for the 1991 World Student Games which were held in the city and which prompted the investment in, and development of, both the arena and nearby Don Valley Stadium.
The arena was the location for the Labour Party's 1992 Sheffield Rally. Attended by over 10,000 party members and the entire shadow cabinet. Held just before that year's general election, which Labour was widely expected to win, the event is often seen as a factor in the party's defeat. While the event was seen as a success to those within the hall, many commentators, and Labour politicians, viewing it as triumphalist in nature. However, it has also been asserted that the event had negligible impact on the outcome, with a fall in the party's support having already occurred.
Attendance for all events at the venue has totalled around 7 million since its opening. It has a maximum capacity of 13,500.