Timeline
February
The SSE Hydro retains its position as one of the top arenas globally, ranking third in the Pollstar ‘Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues’ list. The list, compiled quarterly, is based on attendance at concerts and special events.
December
Over the course of 2015, The SSE Hydro hosted 70 unique events, 130 performances and welcomed 1,164,287 visitors. The combined economic benefit to Scotland was £106m.
February
Capital FM becomes first Official Radio Partner. The partnership will provide an extra dimension to The Capital FM Starsuite experience whilst affording Capital – Scotland’s number one commercial radio station – the opportunity to engage with our diverse demographic.
January
The SSE Hydro climbed to second busiest live entertainment arena in the world in the Pollstar ‘Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues’ rankings! A phenomenal achievement for Scotland’s home of live entertainment, which was benchmarked against every other major global venue (and only beaten to the top spot by London’s O2 Arena).
November
Park’s Motor Group, Scotland’s leading independent motor group, is appointed as the venue’s Official Car Partner. The new agreement offers SSE Hydro customers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the range of vehicles Park’s Motor Group retails across Scotland.
July
Just ten months after opening, The SSE Hydro soars into third place in the Pollstar ‘Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues’ rankings. The list is compiled by the leading entertainment industry publication based on attendance at concerts and special events.
June
The SSE Hydro is recognised with a further three prestigious awards – amounting to six since the venue opened in 2013. The venue received the ‘Chairman’s Award for Architecture’ at the Scottish Design Awards. Foster + Partners and Arup picked up two further awards in the ‘Architecture – Lighting’ and ‘Architecture – Leisure/ Culture Building or Project’ categories at the same event.
May
Dralion, Cirque du Soleil on May 10 marks the one hundredth show at The SSE Hydro! Click here to see photos from the first 100 shows.
April
The SSE Hydro is rated as one of the top entertainment arenas globally, climbing to fourth place in the Pollstar ‘Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues’ rankings. The list is based on attendance at concerts and special events.
March
International songwriter and performer, Paolo Nutini joined young people who receive music therapy from Nordoff Robbins Scotland outside The SSE Hydro to launch a new partnership between the charity and Scotland’s leading live entertainment arena. The charity’s music therapists help over 400 children, young people and adults every week using the power of music to improve their health and wellbeing.
February
The SSE Hydro wins the Architectural Excellence Award (Public Building) at The Scottish Property Awards 2014.
November
The SSE Hydro is awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘Most Stylish Entertainment Venue’ at the 2013 Scottish Style Awards, held at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery.
September
- 30th September 2013 – The SSE Hydro officially opens with Rod Stewart, the first of an amazing four night run.
- Raymond Weil is confirmed as the Official Timepiece Partner. Founded in 1976 by Mr. Raymond Weil, the family-owned company is based in Geneva, home of Switzerland’s most prestigious watchmakers and of the industry’s topmost expertise in component and material supply.
August
Sony announced as Official Digital Partner for the venue to supply all digital signage/ screens.
June
At approximately 3:20 pm on 8th June 2013, flames were reported to be coming from the domed roof of the partially completed building. Four appliances and forty fire fighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended the blaze. The fire was caused by welding work taking place in the building’s roof space.
May
- Rod Stewart announced as opening act for Monday, 30th September 2013.
- Installation of seats
- Outer panelling (ETFE cushions) which gives the building its night-time glow, installed.
April
- Clydesdale Bank announced as the Official Banking Partner. The bank, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2013, signed a three-year agreement which will see them work in partnership with the venue.
- Roof covering due for completion
- Catering areas handed over to franchise partners for final fit-out.
January
- Kettle Foods, makers of Kettle® Chips, the UK’s leading premium crisp brand, appointed as the official supplier of savoury snacks to The SSE Hydro. The exclusive three-year agreement will see the company providing the venue with a range of delicious hand cooked Kettle® Chips.
- VIP areas handed over to partners for final fit-out
November
ScotRail is announced as the Official Transport Partner. The train operator is keen to encourage more people to take the train to events and is looking at expanding its offering to assist customers in getting to and from The SSE Hydro.
October
The final roof bolt is placed in The Hydro at the traditional ‘Topping Out’ ceremony by apprentice civil engineer John McLaughlan. He was joined by Glasgow City Council Leader, Gordon Matheson; SECC CEO John Sharkey; Lend Lease Executive General Manager Gordon Anderson and SECC Chairman, Sir Ian Grant.
July
The SECC announces that The SSE Hydro will officially open for business in September 2013.
November
Building work commences on the roof of The SSE Hydro.
September
SECC confirms partnership with Levy Restaurants as part of a ten-year deal, which will include providing catering solutions in The SSE Hydro.
June
Scottish Hydro (SSE) is unveiled as naming rights partner for Scotland’s new entertainment arena – to be known as ‘The SSE Hydro’. The leading UK energy provider commits to investing £1.5m per year over the next ten years.
February
Lend Lease commence building work on new arena.
December
SECC appoints Bovis Lend Lease to build the Scottish National Arena.
September
SECC announces its appointment of AEG Facilities to provide operating and revenue generating sources from AEG Facilities’ European and International Operations.
January
SECC celebrates its 25th anniversary having delivered £34m of economic benefit to Glasgow.
2006
Full planning consent granted for the Scottish National Arena.
2005
Foster + Partners unveil designs for the new arena to the press.
2004
Foster + Partners appointed as design team lead to create the new venue. Glasgow based Elphinstone appointed as preferred developer of the site.
2003
The £125m QD2 master plan is unveiled to include a new 12,000 seater national entertainment arena, which will later become known as The SSE Hydro.
2001
The SECC Board approves the proposal to carry out a complete master plan exercise over the next ten years. The project is named QD2 – the second redevelopment of the Queens Dock.
