The WEC opened on 5 September 1998 with a concert by Bob Dylan and Patti Smith; 4,935 people attended the event.

As well as hosting Bob Dylan’s concerts the venue has played host to concerts by many nationally and internationally renowned performers including Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Guy Sebastian, Anastacia, John Farnham, Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Pink, Jimmy Barnes, Byran Adams, John Mayer, Delta Goodrem, The Veronicas, The Script, X Ambassadors, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Kelly Clarkson, Jack Johnson, Disney On Ice, and The Wiggles performing in early 2010s with some still performing at this venue present day.

The arena is 3 minutes walk from the city centre and has hosted a variety of events including Federation Cup tennis, world championship boxing and international musical acts.

Every year the WIN Entertainment Centre holds the Wakakirri Story Dance Wollongong heat, Southern Stars and also a variety of concerts and expos.

The record attendance for an event at the WIN Centre is 5,839, set on 18 February 2005, when the Hawks played their regular season finale against the Sydney Kings.