While the Malmö Arena in Sweden, across from Copenhagen on the eastern side of the Øresund strait (which forms the Denmark–Sweden border), was suitable for regional and international events requiring an indoor arena with a capacity of 10,000–20,000, it could not be expected to serve Danish domestic events.

The arena project, seen as an important addition to the development plan, was presented at a press conference at Bella Sky Hotel on 23 September 2011.

The Weeknd performed at the arena as part of his Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour on 20 February 2017.

[8] The 2017 European Short Course Swimming Championships was the first major sporting event in the arena, with a capacity of circa 12,500.

[10][11] The Royal Arena was one of eight venues in Denmark and Germany to host the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship.

[14] It will be one of eleven venues in Croatia, Denmark and Norway for the 2025 World Men's Handball Championship.