Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff

The Cardiff International Arena, also known as Utilita Arena Cardiff, is a premier indoor exhibition and events center in Cardiff. Opened on 9 September 1993 by Shirley Bassey, the arena was later officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on 14 October 1993. Initially opened in front of 5,500 fans with Bassey's concert being televised on BBC One in July 1994, the venue has since hosted a myriad of national and international events.

Spanning a versatile 4,500 square meters of exhibition space, the arena can accommodate up to 7,500 people in a standing layout and 5,000 in a fully seated arrangement. It boasts over 30 function areas, including a conference suite for up to 460 people and four executive boardrooms. The main arena serves as the focal point, having welcomed a diverse range of events including concerts, sports, and comedy shows, with notable performances by artists like Westlife, Kylie Minogue, One Direction, and Mariah Carey.

The arena's history includes several name changes due to sponsorship deals. It was renamed Motorpoint Arena Cardiff from 2011 until 2022, following a sponsorship agreement with a car sales company. In August 2023, the arena adopted its current name, Utilita Arena Cardiff, under a new sponsorship with an energy company.

The venue marked its 3000th event in March 2015 with a headline show by Katherine Jenkins, demonstrating its significance as a cultural and entertainment hub in Cardiff. The arena continues to be a key player in the city's social and entertainment scene, drawing thousands of visitors each year to its diverse events.