Opened by the Queen in 1991, the 13,600-capacity arena was built for the World Student Games at a cost of £34 million.
As sponsors have come and gone it has had different names – Hallam FM Arena, Motorpoint Arena Sheffield – while 15 million people have visited over the decades.
Home to the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team, the venue is used for spectacles like Disney On Ice as well as major concerts. Paul Simon played on the opening night, Oasis performed their first arena gig there in 1994 and Tina Turner sang her hits for the very last time to a packed house in 2009.
These photos show how the arena took shape.
1. The masterplan
A model of the intended plan for the Sheffield Events Centre - later to be named Sheffield Arena. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield
2. Taking shape
The seats are in and the floor is being worked on in 1990. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield
3. Exterior touches
Scaffolding can be seen outside the venue in 1990. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield
4. A major project
A contractor heads back into the site as work continues in 1990. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield