Northern Ireland’s largest and most famous entertainment venue, the Odyssey Arena, will be renamed The SSE Arena Belfast, when it opens following refurbishment this September. The naming rights deal was announced at a special event earlier today.
The world famous venue, first opened in 2000, has hosted local and international stars from the world of music, sport, comedy and even politics. The agreement will see a new name and identity along with a range of other benefits for SSE Airtricity customers including a dedicated customer lounge, reduced rate tickets and priority booking.
The SSE Arena Belfast will join the UK-wide stable of SSE entertainment venues including the SSE Hydro in Glasgow and the SSE Arena, Wembley. The ten year agreement forms part of the upcoming refurbishment of the venue which will see improved facilities throughout.
SSE Airtricity Managing Director, Stephen Wheeler welcomed the announcement which sees SSE partner with one of the UK and Ireland’s best known sports and entertainment venues. He said:
“At SSE we place our customers at the heart of everything we do and this agreement not only signifies our growing commitment to Northern Ireland, but delivers direct benefits to customers by giving them a unique experience when they visit the world class SSE Arena Belfast.
“Already an iconic venue, The SSE Arena Belfast’s upcoming refurbishment will ensure it continues to deliver world class events and entertainment to people across Northern Ireland. The range of sport and entertainment means there will be something for all our customers and we are delighted to be associated with the venue. I look forward to welcoming people from across the UK and Ireland to The SSE Arena Belfast in September.”
Robert Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of the Odyssey Trust said: “Our new branding partnership with SSE heralds the next exciting chapter in the continued development of Northern Ireland’s iconic entertainment destination. The SSE Arena Belfast will benefit from the shared vision SSE has with the Odyssey Trust of delivering world-class live entertainment to the people of Northern Ireland, along with our many international visitors, and it comes at a time when the Odyssey Trust is investing significant resources in further enhancing the arena’s facilities to ensure that The SSE Arena Belfast is recognised as one of the premier live entertainment venues worldwide.”