The spacious stage allows for more complex set design and lighting, but the reasonable size makes it easier to sell out than the Tokyo Dome.

Ikimono-gakari, L'Arc-en-Ciel, LiSA,[citation needed] Luna Sea, Misia, Nana Mizuki, NICO Touches the Walls, Momoiro Clover Z, Chisato Moritaka, Morning Musume, Mr. Children, Nogizaka46, One Ok Rock, Ai Otsuka, Yutaka Ozaki, Scandal, Silent Siren, Southern All Stars, Hikaru Utada, X Japan, as well humanoid projection Hatsune Miku.

International artists also performed there, like Guns N' Roses, JKT48, Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Steve Winwood, Frank Sinatra, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, Shinee, Big Bang, Beast/Highlight Kara, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, TVXQ, F.T.

The Yokohama Arena has hosted martial arts competitions, including numerous Pride Fighting Championships events, and the K-1 World Grand Prix Final in 2008.

On October 7, 2018, Yokohama arena hosted World Boxing Super Series quarter finals between Naoya Inoue and Juan Carlos Payano.