The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) today unveils leading energy supplier Scottish Hydro as the naming rights partner of its new, iconic world-class purpose built entertainment arena.
The Scottish Hydro Arena - already being referred to as “The Hydro” - is due to open in Spring 2013 and will play host to national and international music mega stars as well as global entertainment and sporting events.
Scottish Hydro is committing to investing £1.5 million per year over the next 10 years in this ground breaking venue for Scotland. The Scottish company, which has been supplying energy to the nation’s homes and businesses since 1947, is proud to be investing in Scotland’s cultural heritage, and will in turn, provide a high profile association with live music, bringing real benefits for customers.
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 global significance of this iconic building, designed by Foster & Partners, cannot be overestimated. Aspiring to attract an audience of 1 million visitors each year will position The Hydro in the top 5 busiest indoor music arenas in the world alongside such iconic venues as Madison Square Gardens and The O2 arena, The Hydro has the potential to inject an additional £131 million annually into the local economy*.
Scotland has a real passion for music, with 59% of the population attending live music events each year, ranking higher than any other part of the UK. Glasgow in particular has a rich musical heritage and was awarded UNESCO City of Music status in 2008 due to the city’s vibrancy and legendary music scene that stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary and classical, to Celtic and Country. On an average week Glasgow sees 130 music events taking place, more than any other Scottish city, making it the perfect location for this venue of global significance.
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.
“We look forward to working closely with Scottish Hydro to deliver an unrivalled programme of world class events over the coming years, providing Scottish audiences with access to iconic, global artists and acts.”
The SECC was assisted in securing this significant sponsorship deal by AEG Worldwide, who own, operate and consult with more than 100 of the world's leading venues. Paul Samuels, Senior Vice President Europe, AEG Global Partnerships, added: “AEG is proud to have supported the SECC in delivering a great naming rights partner in Scottish Hydro.
“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.
“As world leaders in sports and entertainment, naming rights is just one of the services that has created additional value for the SECC and its partners.”
AEG Worldwide will continue to assist in securing commercial sponsorship for the new arena.
To keep track of The Scottish Hydro Arena’s progress and sign up for news alerts, go to www.thehydro.com.
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