Scottish Hydro Gets Naming Rights For Scotland’s New Entertainment Venue

The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) has unveiled energy supplier Scottish Hydro as the naming rights partner of its new purpose-built entertainment arena. The Scottish Hydro Arena is due to open in Spring 2013 and will play host to national and international music stars as well as global entertainment and sporting events.

Scottish Hydro has committed to invest £1.5 million per year over the next ten years.  With a seating capacity of 12,000 The Hydro will augment the SECC’s existing facilities, and will play host to around 140 events per annum.  The building, designed by Foster & Partners, aims to attract an audience of one million visitors per year which will position it in the top five busiest indoor music arenas in the world alongside venues as Madison Square Gardens and The O2 arena.

Fifty-nine percent of Scotland’s population attends live music events each year, a higher percentage than any other part of the UK. On an average week Glasgow sees 130 music events taking place, more than any other Scottish city.

Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) said: “The Scottish Hydro Arena is a significant investment for us and shows the strength of our commitment to Scotland. This exciting partnership will enable us to provide an array of attractive benefits to our customers and staff right across the country, bringing an entertainment experience to Glasgow we are all very proud of.  We’ve supported music events that people have enjoyed for some time and, now we’re involved on a larger stage, it means we can bring the experience to many more people.”

John Sharkey, Chief Executive of the SECC, adds: “To be partnering with a successful and established FTSE top 30 UK brand with Scottish roots is part of our commitment to working with the best in the business.  Scottish Hydro shares our vision for the new arena that will position Glasgow and Scotland at the forefront of the global events and entertainment industry.”

The SECC was assisted in securing the sponsorship deal by AEG Worldwide.  Paul Samuels, Senior Vice President Europe, AEG Global Partnerships, said: “This is the perfect fit for Glasgow’s new and innovative entertainment venue and working in partnership with the SECC we were able to create a unique proposition with Scottish Hydro.”

AEG Worldwide will continue to assist in securing commercial sponsorship for the new arena.