Access All AreasThe Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow has marked the 40th anniversary of the three-venue event destination with the release of a short film charting its evolution.
Across its SEC Centre, SEC Armadillo and OVO Hydro venues, the Scottish Event Campus has hosted a remarkably diverse range of events since it opened in 1985. The 14,300 capacity OVO Hydro alone has regularly welcomed major international stars, such as Taylor Swift, and homegrown talent including Lewis Capaldi. The arena was the first live entertainment venue in the world to gain A Greener Arena certification from A Greener Future.
The video highlights the SEC’s development, its social and economic impact, and its varied use over the years; including it hosting major sports events such as the Commonwealth Games in 2014, which is set to return in 2026. During the pandemic, the SEC served the local community as temporary hospital NHS Louisa Jordan.
SEC CEO Dom McKay said, “Reaching 40 years is an incredible milestone for the SEC, and it’s a moment to reflect on everything that has shaped this campus and allowed it to sit at the beating heart of not only Glasgow’s but Scotland’s cultural life.
“Over the decades, we’ve had the privilege of hosting world-famous artists from Bono to Beyonce, international conferences like COP26, and spectacular events like the MTV Europe Music Awards and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, that have left a lasting mark on both the city and the people who visit. The OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo have become not just venues, but recognised parts of the Glasgow skyline, and the SEC has played a central role in driving economic growth and revitalising the surrounding area. The campus has grown and evolved alongside the city itself.
“This 40th anniversary is also a celebration of the extraordinary stories that make the SEC unique, from unforgettable personal memories to more poignant moments, such as when we became NHS Louisa Jordan during the pandemic. We are asking the public to share those memories throughout our birthday year in the SEC40&Me campaign.
“The video we’ve released captures just some of the highlights, but more importantly, it reminds us of the community, creativity, and spirit that have always been at the heart of the SEC.”