It is named in honor of Bill Harris, longtime athletics director for Birmingham City Schools.

In 2022, it served as the venue for the artistic roller skating and inline hockey competitions at the 2022 World Games.

[1] In 1985, the Puerto Rico Coquis of the Continental Basketball Association considered moving to Birmingham, but discussions with the Alabama State Fair Authority did not progress quickly enough to secure a commitment.

The Birmingham Power of the National Women's Basketball League played home games at the arena and at Birmingham–Southern College's Bill Battle Coliseum during the 2001–02 season.

In 2005 the Magic City Court Kings of the World Basketball Association played home games at Bill Harris Arena and Miles College.