It serves as Penang's main indoor sports centre as well as the preferred venue within the city-state for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

[3][4] The Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), along with its adjacent aquatics centre, was completed in 2000 in time for the Sukma Games, a biannual national-level multi-sports tournament.

PISA was one of the three SEA Games venues within Penang, while the majority of the other sporting events were held in Kuala Lumpur.

[6][7] SP Setia would bear most of the estimated RM300 million cost for the project, and would be given a 30-year concession to manage and maintain SPICE prior to its eventual handover to the Penang Island City Council.

The SPICE Arena, with an internal space of 33,000 sq ft (3,100 m2), can accommodate 10,000 guests in a terrace-style seating arrangement, or 180 exhibition booths.

[1][12] The building incorporates energy conservation practices as well, with 654 energy-efficient light bulbs illuminating its roof.

[12] Moreover, the building houses the largest urban spice farm in Malaysia, which is sited at its rooftop along with a playground for special needs children.