In the 1990s Lambton Harbour Management, a company controlled by Wellington City Council, was involved in developing Queens Wharf as an entertainment area.

[3] Lobby group Waterfront Watch described the events centre as "a monstrous eyesore resembling a Soviet ablution block".

It was also the home arena for the Richter City Roller Derby, which started to play here in the middle of their 2009 season.

In 2005, the annual World of Wearable Art Awards (WOW) show moved from Nelson to Wellington, to the TSB Arena.

[16][17] Liam Gallagher of the band Oasis complained bitterly about the sound quality while performing at the venue in 1998.