Currently known as the Utilita Arena Birmingham, it has staged several major events since it was opened in 1991 by then Commonwealth Games 100 metres champion Linford Christie.

At the time of its opening, it was the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom.

These include two World Indoor Athletics Championships, in 2003 and 2018, the World Judo Championships in 1999, the Trampoline World Championships in 2011 and the 1995 World Netball Championships.

Non-sporting events have included the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998 and concerts featuring major artists.

Due to sponsorship rules, it will be called Arena Birmingham during the Commonwealth Games and will also be the host venue for gymnastics.

The Arena is located alongside the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line's Old Turn Junction and opposite the National Sea Life Centre in Brindleyplace.

The press centre will officially be called the "Media Hub".

It is due to open on July 18, 10 days before the Opening Ceremony and scheduled to close the day after the Closing Ceremony on August 9.

The Media Hub will open at 7am each morning and close at 2am the following day. 

It will include workspace for 180 journalists with multi-sport television feeds from all the venues.

It will feature a Central Games media conference facility and an "i-zone" on the level below.

The Media Hub will also include a Canon camera services for loan and repair of photographic equipment and be the headquarters for the Birmingham 2022 media operations and the Games News Service.

There will be a complimentary refreshment station, plus small catering unit where snacks can be purchased.

But the Media Hub is located close to bars, restaurants, convenience stores and transport options.

The parent company of Arena Birmingham, the NEC Group, also own and operate the ICC Birmingham and the National Exhibition Centre, which is due to host a number of events during the Commonwealth Games.

These include badminton, boxing, table tennis, netball and weightlifting.