Coventry Building Society Arena is celebrating its 20th birthday!
Coventry Building Society Arena is celebrating its 20th birthday!
Our world-famous venue has played host to some iconic moments, unforgettable experiences and incredible events over the years.
From international sport, live entertainment and major concerts to large community events, conferences and exhibitions.
As part of our anniversary celebrations, we’ve spoken to some of the people who have played a key part in the Arena’s journey and asked them about their favourite memories, biggest achievements and what continues to fill them with pride.
Lee Corden, Director, PLMR
“When you get used to having a venue like this you begin to take for granted what it’s done for the city. What other venue could have brought Oasis, Take That, the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Davis Cup, a myriad of business events and awards all in to one place?
“I just don’t think any other venue could have done that. I think that’s the legacy the venue leaves 20 years on and I can only see that being enhanced over the next 20 years.”
Jacky Issac, Non-Executive Director, Coventry Building Society Arena
“I could talk about all of the concerts we’ve had, the Olympics, the football matches and the Commonwealth Games. Also, the growth of the conference and events business which was crucial in the early days.
“But primarily it’s the people. There are people who have worked here since the venue opened. They’re a great team to work with and that’s one of the things I’m immensely proud of.”
Les Ratcliffe MBE, former Head of Community Relations, JLR
“My fondest memory from a Jaguar perspective was holding events here for the company. We brought very high-profile customers, VIPs and even now we’ll bring over 1,000 employees to the stadium to celebrate 25 years’ service.
“The impact goes across the city in terms of regeneration and marketing the city outside of Coventry.
“This facility is known worldwide and that’s one of the most enduring things I’ve seen from the development of this Arena.”
Liz Cooper, former Marketing Director
“My first memory was being giving my own hard hat, steel toe-cap boots, fingerless gloves and hi-vis vests that we had to wear every day because we were effectively working on a building site.
“This is one of the best designed venues in Europe and when it first opened it was groundbreaking.
“We have had people visit from all over the world to see what a truly multi-purpose venue looks like.”
Caroline Lissaman, Head of Event Management, Coventry Building Society Arena
“One of the first large-scale events I was involved with, from both a concert and conference point of view, was when we did three nights of Take That.
“Delivering those three nights and then having a large-scale conference for over 1,000 people come into the building straight after. It demonstrated the whole family of teamwork that goes on here.”
Muff Murfin, BRMB presenter and Coventry & Warwickshire Children’s Charity
“Walking round it for the first time was a wonderful feeling. For the Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity, we run all our events here and there’s nothing more exciting than looking out of the window and seeing the fantastic development out there.
“Coming here for events when it’s full - the atmosphere is wonderful.”
Chris Owen, Head of Operations, Coventry Building Society Arena
“I remember walking into what’s now called the CBS Lounge, thinking ‘wow, this is a big room’. Then I walked through the venue and the rooms got bigger and bigger!
“The Arena has had a massive impact for Coventry. It’s been a catalyst for jobs, regeneration this side of the city and it’s always going to bring international events to this area which, before the Arena was built, never happened.”
Joe Elliott, Former Chairman and Director, Coventry City Football Club
“The first memory I have was a meeting the football club had at Coombe Abbey. This was back in 1996. We were all asked what we would like to see for the football club. My answer was that I’d love to see Coventry City play Manchester United on the Saturday and Madonna in concert on the Sunday.
“A multi-use facility for the city of Coventry. It’s absolutely brilliant. The project started off as Coventry North Regeneration. That’s exactly what it’s done for this area. So much work in this part of Coventry wouldn’t have happened had this development not happened.”
Paul Michael, Managing Director, Coventry Building Society Arena
“I was really proud to see The Killers when they came back here in 2022. Partly because they’re one of my favourite bands, but also coming out of Covid and being able to manage that, just on the back of the Commonwealth Games, was phenomenal. You get that moment when you sit in a seat and think ‘this is really special’.
“The change of ownership, and I was very fortunate to lead the acquisition, has been very beneficial for the venue overall in terms of the investment it’s brought.
“When you look at the impact this venue has had on the region, it’s truly phenomenal. When it was built it was designed to be futuristic, yet no one thought it could ever do what it does.
“Hearing the delightful memories people have and how passionate people still are about this venue is ultra rewarding. That tells me I really want to carry on telling that story and to signify the 20th anniversary. And we’ve still got more to come!”