Construction of the arena began in August 2011 and finished in April 2012—in time for it to host its first major event, the Eurovision Song Contest 2012.

[10][11] Baku Crystal Hall was opened on 7 May 2012 by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

[16] On 28 May 2018, a gala concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was held in Crystal Hall.

[18] Baku Crystal Hall hosted boxing, karate, taekwondo, fencing and volleyball (indoor) events during the inaugural 2015 European Games.

[19] Other sporting events include boxing and volleyball at the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games and the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships.