Arena was founded in 1995 by Clive Nolan keyboardist of Pendragon and Shadowland, and Mick Pointer, the original drummer of Marillion, whose tenure lasting from 1979 until 1983.

The other founding members of the band were guitarist Keith More, vocalist John Carson, and bassist Cliff Orsi.

Orsi was replaced by John Jowitt (of IQ) in the band's inaugural year, whilst Carson and More left the band in 1996 and 1997, and were replaced by Paul Wrightson and John Mitchell (of Frost*) respectively.

This lineup came to an end with Paul Manzi replacing Sowden in 2010.

Musically the band's style ranges from symphonic to hard rock.