About the Venue
Utilita Arena Sheffield is the city’s largest multi-purpose indoor arena, hosting world-class concerts, comedy, sport and live entertainment throughout the year. Opened in 1991 and located near Meadowhall between Sheffield city centre and Rotherham, the arena has welcomed around 14 million visitors and remains one of the UK’s busiest touring venues. With a maximum concert capacity of up to 13,600, it regularly attracts international artists, major TV productions and headline sporting events.
The arena is the long-standing home of the Sheffield Steelers, one of the UK’s most successful ice hockey teams, and has also hosted Premier League Darts, Disney On Ice, boxing world title fights, professional wrestling, varsity sports and major broadcasts including Strictly Come Dancing and the BBC’s Gladiators. Originally opened by Queen Elizabeth II, the venue has undergone significant refurbishment, most notably in 2013, to modernise seating, lighting, catering and facilities. Since January 2025, it has been operated by ASM Global, marking a new era for the arena as a top-tier touring destination.
Key details
Opened: 1991
Capacity: Up to 13,600 (concerts); ~9,300 (ice hockey)
Type: Multi-purpose arena
Primary tenant: Sheffield Steelers (EIHL)
Operator: ASM Global
Location: Near Meadowhall, Sheffield–Rotherham corridor
Getting there
Tram: Arena / Olympic Legacy Park stop (Yellow Route & Tram-Train)
Road: Close to M1 Junctions 33 & 34; on-site parking available
Public transport: Excellent bus and tram links from Sheffield, Meadowhall and Rotherham
From global music tours and comedy superstars to elite sport and family spectaculars, Utilita Arena Sheffield is a flagship venue at the heart of the city’s live events scene.
Upcoming Events
Taking place from 13–18 January 2026, this landmark event brings Europe’s elite figure skaters to the ice for six days of world-class competition, artistry, and athletic excellence. It marks the first time in more than a decade that the UK has hosted the European Championships.
Organised under the auspices of the International Skating Union, the Championships feature around 160 of Europe’s top competitors across:
Men’s Singles
Women’s Singles
Pairs
Ice Dance
As one of the final major championships before the 2026 Milan–Cortina Olympic Winter Games, the event offers a rare opportunity to see Olympic-level performances in Sheffield.
Competition Schedule (Subject to Change)
Wednesday 14 January 2026
13:00–16:00: Pairs Short Program
16:15–16:45: Opening Ceremony
17:00–22:00: Women’s Short Program
Thursday 15 January 2026
13:00–18:00: Men’s Short Program
19:00–22:00: Pairs Free Skating & Victory Ceremony
Friday 16 January 2026
12:00–17:00: Ice Dance Rhythm Dance
18:00–22:00: Women’s Free Skating & Victory Ceremony
Saturday 17 January 2026
13:00–17:00: Men’s Free Skating & Victory Ceremony
18:30–22:00: Ice Dance Free Dance & Victory Ceremony
Sunday 18 January 2026
15:00–17:00: Exhibition of Champions Gala
Exact timings will be confirmed closer to the event.
A City-Wide Celebration
Beyond the arena, Sheffield will host a wide-ranging programme of community, school, and cultural activities in the lead-up to and during the Championships, delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Council, British Ice Skating, Everyone Active, and local schools and organisations.
Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:
ISU European Championships Ambassador Mark Hanretty added:
Tickets, Volunteering & Legacy
Tickets will be released in phases, including practice access, single-day tickets, and the Exhibition of Champions Gala. A comprehensive volunteer programme will also offer opportunities to support the Championships and be part of this historic event.
The Championships aim to leave a lasting legacy in Sheffield by encouraging greater participation in ice sports, expanding access for young people and SEND communities, and strengthening the city’s sporting profile long after the final skater leaves the ice.
Further information is available at: https://www.europeans2026.com