ARENA was originally titled AVALON, but changed titles due to another domestic act using the same name, not to mention the one or two North American acts who had already recorded using the same handle. Drummer Mick Pointer had been a founding member of MARILLION, and had actually left the music business entirely following his departure in 1983 from his former act. This sabbatical supposedly had Pointer earning a living by fitting kitchens prior to founding ARENA in 1993. Joining Pointer in the new venture would be the PENDRAGON and SHADOWLAND credited keyboard player Clive Nolan. The band initially had guitarist Jeff Ward in the ranks, but he was replaced by ex-ASIA guitarist Keith More prior to the album.

The material for the debut ARENA album, 'Songs From The Lion's Cage', was ready to record in January 1994 and the duo of Pointer and Nolan formed Verglas Music and advertised for a vocalist in the 'Melody Maker' music paper. 18 budding singers replied. John Carson, of Liverpool band IO, got the job, with the aforementioned More, who had also worked with Michael Schenker, DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS, TINA TURNER and FIVE STAR, being added soon afterwards.

Released in February 1995, 'Songs From The Lion's Cage', found Pointer clearly using his MARILLION connections to fine effect by tapping former colleague Steve Rothery to contribute guitar to the track 'Crying For Help IV'. The album was produced by Mike Stobbie.

By the time second album 'The 'Pride' had been released in 1996 ARENA had engaged former CIRCUS vocalist Paul Wrightson and the IQ, ARK and WHITE TRASH credited bassist John Jowitt. The 'Welcome To The Stage -Live' album was recorded on tour in Canada during May 1997.

The late 90's found ARENA adding guitarist John Mitchell to their line-up. Mitchell himself had a side project band THE URBANE which released the 'Neon' album in 1999. ARENA added vocalist Rob Sowden and bassist Ian Salmon in 2000 for a new album 'Immortal'. ARENA solidified their reputation in 2001 with the release of a mammoth double live album 'Breakfast In Biarritz'. Touring to promote the album saw ARENA as guests to SAGA in Germany during March. Mitchell would guest on JOHN WETTON's 'Sinister' opus in 2001.

ARENA personnel John Mitchell and John Jowitt would back Canadian Melodic Rocker ROBIN BROCK as part of her live band for live shows in the UK during April 2002. Mitchell would also convene a side venture entitled THE URBANE for live work. Meantime Clive Nolan engaged in outside activities too, contributing lyrical input on the 'Crimson II' album issued by the highly influential Swedish Metal band EDGE OF SANITY.

ARENA's headline April 2003 tour of Europe saw acoustic support from the PENDRAGON pairing of Nick Barrett and Pete Gee. During 2003 Rob Sowden launched his melancholy Pop Rock outfit SOLAR, issuing the album 'Dark Places'.

In 2004 ARENA issued the limited edition 'Live And Life' box set. Mitchell also made time to assemble KINO, a 2004 formation comprising fellow ProgRock heavyweights keyboard player John Beck of IT BITES, drummer Chris Maitland of PORCUPINE TREE repute and bassist Pete Trewavas of MARILLION. The 'Picture' album from KINO emerged in February 2005 through Inside Out Music.

A new studio album, entitled 'Pepper's Ghost', would be debuted at the US 'ROSfest' in April 2005. With regular bassist Ian Salmon unable to attend this concert, former member John Jowitt stepped into the breach. Both Mitchell and Jowitt featured on the debut FROST album, 'Milliontown', in 2006. Throughout the year Clive Nolan worked up his Rock Opera CAAMORA project with singer Agneiszka Swita. To coincide with CAAMORA live dates Nolan issued an EP, credited to CLIVE NOLAN & AGNEISZKA SWITA, entitled 'Closer'.

ARENA commenced fresh album sessions in September. A 10th anniversary compilation included a rare Rob Sowden vocal version of 'Empire Of A Thousand Days'.