The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham (originally the National Ice Centre and later known as the Capital FM Arena) is the largest indoor arena in the East Midlands, with a capacity of around 10,000. It sits on the eastern edge of Nottingham city centre, near the Lace Market district, and shares its building with the National Ice Centre. The venue hosts a packed calendar of concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events, including Nottingham Panthers ice hockey games.
Getting to the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
By tram
The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system has a stop at Lace Market, which is the closest tram stop to the arena, roughly a five-minute walk. The tram runs from Nottingham station through the city centre and out to Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane, and Clifton South. From Nottingham station, the tram takes just a few minutes to Lace Market.
By train
Nottingham station is about a 15-minute walk from the arena, or you can take the tram for two stops. Direct trains serve Nottingham from London St Pancras (around 1 hour 40 minutes via East Midlands Railway), Sheffield (around 55 minutes), Birmingham (around 70 minutes), and Derby (around 20 minutes). The station is well connected to the wider East Midlands rail network.
By car
The arena has its own car park accessed from Lower Parliament Street, but it is relatively small and fills quickly. The Victoria Centre car park and Lace Market car parks are within walking distance. Nottingham city centre can be congested, and the one-way system takes some navigating if you are not familiar with it. The arena is accessible from the M1 (junctions 24 or 26) and from the A52 and A453. The Park and Ride services at Phoenix Park and Clifton are connected by tram and can be a good alternative to city-centre parking.
The venue
The Motorpoint Arena has a distinctive layout because it shares its building with the National Ice Centre. The main arena bowl has a floor area surrounded by tiered seating. The lower tier provides the closest views, while the upper tier wraps around above. The building's dual purpose means the floor area can be converted between an ice rink and a flat floor for concerts and other events.
Best seats
For concerts with an end-on stage, the lower tier blocks directly facing the stage are the strongest positions. The arena is compact enough that even upper tier seats provide a reasonable view. The lower tier side blocks offer good angled views and are often slightly cheaper than the head-on blocks. For centre-stage events, such as boxing or in-the-round concerts, lower tier blocks on all sides work well.
Food and drink
Inside the arena, concessions serve the standard arena range. Outside, the arena's location on the edge of the Lace Market district puts you within walking distance of some of Nottingham's best food and drink. The Lace Market itself has several excellent restaurants and bars. Hockley, the independent and creative quarter, is a five-minute walk and has a concentration of cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Cornerhouse complex on the other side of the city centre is another popular option with chain restaurants and a cinema.
The ice hockey connection
The Nottingham Panthers play their EIHL ice hockey home games at the arena (or more precisely, at the National Ice Centre within the same building). Panthers games are lively, affordable events that are well worth attending if you are in Nottingham. The atmosphere on derby nights against the Sheffield Steelers is particularly intense. If you are visiting for a concert and fancy something different, check whether the Panthers are at home during your visit.
Practical tips
- Use the tram -- The Lace Market stop is close and the tram service is reliable. It avoids the hassle of driving and parking in the city centre.
- Explore the Lace Market -- The area around the arena is one of Nottingham's most characterful neighbourhoods. Allow time before or after the show to explore.
- The city centre is close -- Unlike some out-of-town arenas, the Motorpoint Arena is genuinely in the city. You are a short walk from the Old Market Square, the main shops, and the main nightlife areas.
- Park and Ride -- If you are driving from outside Nottingham, the tram Park and Ride sites are a smart alternative to fighting through the city centre.
- Watch for ice hockey fixtures -- The Panthers' schedule means the arena and its car parks can be busy on nights you might not expect. Check the calendar if you are visiting for another event.
For more on choosing your seat, read our guide to the best seats at arena shows. If accessibility is a consideration, our guide to accessibility at UK arenas covers what to expect. Head to Tickts for more venue guides and event resources.
