American rapper Coolio, who this week died in the United States aged 59, was the first artist to perform at the Pettigrew Green Arena.
Most-famed for 1995 hit and rap anthem Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio (born Artis Leon Ivey) performed at the Taradale venue in May 2003, just a month after the new sports arena opened.
The stadium is home of Hawke's Bay national basketball league side the Hawks and is also used daily for a range of other indoor court sports.
It was also configured to be adaptable for concerts, conferences, and gala nights as the annual Hawke's Bay Sports Awards.
It was reported in 2003 that at least 2500 were at the concert.