Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow, Scotland

Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow

Jake Davies

Bell's Bridge connects the Scottish Event Campus with the Glasgow Science Centre on the opposite bank. — Bell's Bridge connects the Scottish Event Campus with the Glasgow Science Centre on the opposite bank

The Scottish Event Campus, formerly known as the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre (SECC), is located on the north bank of the Clyde River in Glasgow, on the former site of the Queens Dock in Finnieston.

It is the largest exhibition centre in Scotland and hosts a wide variety of conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events etc.

Two expansions in 1997 and 2013 created two structures that have become icons of Glasgow, the SEC Armadillo and the SSE Hydro.

The SSE Hydro, now an icon of Glasgow and one of the most popular venues in the world. — The SSE Hydro, now an icon of Glasgow and one of the most popular venues in the world

Armadillo

Formerly the Clyde Auditorium, it is now known as the Armadillo because of the structures similarity to the form of the New World creature, though the architects have stated that it was not an influence of their design.

Other observers have compared the SEC Armadillo with the Sydney Opera House, but again the architects deny it.

Built in 1997 and designed by architects Foster & Partners, their design for this 3,000 seat auditorium was based on a series of interlocking ships hulls, a reference to the shipbuilding heritage of the area.

The Armadillo hosts performances, sports, conferences, and other types of events. Incidentally this is where Susan Boyle was discovered during auditions for the TV show Britain's Got Talent.

SSE Hydro

In 2015 the SEC expanded dramatically with the completion of the SSE Hydro, a circular indoor arena.

Once again Foster & Partners were chosen to design the structure.

With 25,000 square feet of space the arena seats 12,500 and has space for a further 1,300 standing spectators.

The seating in the arena is hi-tech and comfortable, but the seating arrangement is very much old-school, being based on that of Roman coliseums.

The skin of the building is translucent which means some natural light enters the interior. It also means that the lights and illuminations inside the building can be seen outside at night, The translucent skin also can function as a screen.

The SSE Hydro hosts a variety of kinds of events, including sports, but primarily musical performances
of many genres.

It opened in 2013 with a concert by Rod Stewart and has since seen concerts by most major artists. It has become one of the most popular arenas in the world. In 2018 they sold more than a million tickets making it the 4th busiest arena on the planet.

Initially name the Clyde Auditorium, the local nickname ofArmadillo has become official. — Initially name the Clyde Auditorium, the local nickname of "Armadillo" has become official

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

A covered walkway extends from the Exhibition Centre railway station to the SEC. — A covered walkway extends from the Exhibition Centre railway station to the SEC

Access & Hours

Exhibition Way
Glasgow G3 8YW
Tel: 0141 248 3000

The SEC is served by its own train station, Exhibition Centre, From the station to the SEC there is a covered walkway.

If you wish to stay in Glasgow try the Millennium Hotel Glasgow, with four stars and a fine restaurant. Nearby SEC are the Village Hotel Glasgow and Radisson Red Glasgow.