OVO Hydro
{{Short description|Multi-purpose indoor arena in Glasgow, Scotland}}
{{Redirect|The Hydro|the Tasmanian electrical power authority known by that name|Hydro Tasmania}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = The OVO Hydro
| nickname = The Hydro
| logo_image = OVO_Hydro_logo.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| image = The SSE Hydro (geograph 5420681).jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = The OVO Hydro, then the SSE Hydro, in 2017
| address = Exhibition Way
Stobcross Road
| location = Glasgow, Scotland
| coordinates = {{coord|55.860297|-4.284926|display=inline,title|type:landmark}}
| former names = Scotland's National Arena {{small|(planning)}}
Scottish Hydro Arena {{small|(construction)}}
The SSE Hydro {{small|(September 30, 2013 – October 2021)}}
| broke_ground = February 2011
| built = 2011–2013
| opened = {{Start date|2013|09|30|df=yes}}
| owner = Scottish Event Campus Limited
| operator = AEG Live / ASM Global
| cost = £125 million
| architect = Foster + Partners
| project_manager = Turner & Townsend
| structural engineer = Arup
| services engineer =
| general_contractor = Lendlease
| capacity = 12,306 (all seated)
14,500 (with standing)
| suites =
| dimensions =
| website = {{URL|https://www.ovohydro.com}}
| publictransit = Exhibition Centre railway station
}}
The OVO Hydro is a multi-purpose indoor arena located within the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, Scotland.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ovohydro.com/about|title=ABOUT OVO HYDRO|date=14 October 2021|author=OVO Hydro|access-date=14 October 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029184050/https://www.ovohydro.com/about}}
The arena was initially named The Scottish Hydro Arena after its main sponsor Scottish Hydro Electric.{{Cite web|url=http://www.clydewaterfront.com/our-journey/news-archive/2011/hydro-is-new-name-for-secc-national-arena|title=Scottish Hydro Arena – new name for SECC National Arena, Glasgow|website=www.clydewaterfront.com|date=14 June 2011|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711161330/http://www.clydewaterfront.com/our-journey/news-archive/2011/hydro-is-new-name-for-secc-national-arena|url-status=live}} During construction, Scottish Hydro Electric was rebranded as SSE and the arena was known as The SSE Hydro when it opened until October 2021, when it was announced that the name was to change to "OVO Hydro", after its new sponsor OVO Energy, with a focus on making the venue more sustainable.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ovohydro.com/blog/detail/the-ovo-hydro-is-the-new-name-for-scotlands-home-of-live-entertainment|title=THE OVO HYDRO IS THE NEW NAME FOR SCOTLAND'S HOME OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT|date=14 October 2021|author=OVO Hydro|access-date=14 October 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029173417/https://www.ovohydro.com/blog/detail/the-ovo-hydro-is-the-new-name-for-scotlands-home-of-live-entertainment}} The arena was officially opened on 30 September 2013, with a concert by Rod Stewart.{{Cite web| title= Timeline| url= http://thessehydro.com/the-sse-hydro/timeline.aspx| website= SSE Hydro Official Website| access-date= 12 September 2009| archive-date= 8 February 2016| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160208125931/http://www.thessehydro.com/the-sse-hydro/timeline.aspx| url-status= live}}
The OVO Hydro arena is located adjacent to the SEC Centre and the SEC Armadillo and hosts international musical stars, global entertainment and sporting events; with a maximum capacity of 14,300 and aims to attract one million visitors each year. The arena was the largest entertainment venue in Scotland, before the opening of Aberdeen's P&J Live in 2019, and the fifth largest in the UK.
History
=Development and planning=
File:Translucent cushions being installed, July 2013..JPG
Planning for The Hydro began some time in 2001 as the second redevelopment of the Queens Dock in Glasgow. In May 2003, a plan had been unveiled for an entertainment arena,{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11985058.plan-for-pounds-50m-arena-in-secc-car-park-banqueting-centre-could-attract-events-such-as-baftas/|title=Plan for (pounds) 50m arena in SECC car park Banqueting centre could attract events such as Baftas|website=HeraldScotland|date=26 May 2003|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407214800/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11985058.plan-for-pounds-50m-arena-in-secc-car-park-banqueting-centre-could-attract-events-such-as-baftas/|url-status=live}} holding 12,300 seated audience members and an extra 2,000 standing.
London-based architects Foster + Partners were appointed as the design team for the Hydro in May 2004,{{Cite web|url=https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/archive/2004/05/foster-and-partners-appointed-to-design-scotlands-national-arena/|title=Foster and Partners appointed to design Scotlands National Arena | Foster + Partners|website=www.fosterandpartners.com|date=5 May 2004|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=2 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102141234/https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/archive/2004/05/foster-and-partners-appointed-to-design-scotlands-national-arena/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12509724.armadillo-creators-to-design-riverside-arena-pounds-50m-plan-for-12500-seat-centre/|title=Armadillo creators to design riverside arena (pounds) 50m plan for 12,500-seat centre|website=HeraldScotland|date=29 April 2004|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531053434/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12509724.armadillo-creators-to-design-riverside-arena-pounds-50m-plan-for-12500-seat-centre/|url-status=live}} with Glasgow-based Elphinstone additionally appointed as the preferred developer for the site.{{Cite web|url=https://www.glasgowarchitecture.co.uk/secc-urban-village|title=SECC Urban Village - QD2 Housing, Elphinstone -|date=25 September 2010|website=www.glasgowarchitecture.co.uk|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923153659/https://www.glasgowarchitecture.co.uk/secc-urban-village|url-status=live}} The design of the arena was finally released to the press in October 2005,{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4382642.stm|title=SECC unveils new £62m arena plan|date=27 October 2005|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407193413/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4382642.stm|url-status=live}} and the SECC gained full planning consent for the arena by 2006.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5169128.stm|title=Arena approval helps games lobby|date=11 July 2006|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=18 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418032655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5169128.stm|url-status=live}}
=Construction=
Construction for the arena began in February 2011 by construction company Lend Lease. By November 2011, building work for the roof of the arena had begun, which was completed by April 2013. The arena's signature translucent outer cushions were installed in May 2013, along with the seating inside of the arena, marking construction of the arena completed, taking two years to complete.{{Cite web|title=Timeline|url=http://thessehydro.com/the-sse-hydro/timeline.aspx|website=thessehydro.com|access-date=2016-02-10|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208125931/http://www.thessehydro.com/the-sse-hydro/timeline.aspx|url-status=live}}
==2013 roof fire==
At approximately 15:20 on Sunday 8 June 2013,{{cite web
|url = http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-news/scottish-news/2013/06/08/fire-hits-city-s-125m-hydro-venue-87085-33447262/
|title = Fire hits city's £125m Hydro venue
|publisher = Paisley Daily Express
|work = paisleydailyexpress.co.uk
|date = 8 June 2013
|access-date = 8 June 2013
|archive-date = 28 September 2013
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130928010602/http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-news/scottish-news/2013/06/08/fire-hits-city-s-125m-hydro-venue-87085-33447262/
|url-status = live
}} flames were reported to be coming from the domed roof of the partially completed building.{{cite web
|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22828292
|title = Glasgow Hydro fire: Crews tackle blaze in domed roof
|publisher = BBC News
|work = bbc.co.uk
|date = 8 June 2013
|access-date = 8 June 2013
|archive-date = 9 June 2013
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130609014539/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22828292
|url-status = live
}} 40 firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended the blaze.{{cite web
|url = http://news.stv.tv/scotland/228630-firefighters-tackle-blaze-at-hydro-concert-venue-on-the-river-clyde/
|title = Firefighters tackle blaze at Hydro concert venue on the River Clyde
|publisher = STV
|work = news.stv.tv
|date = 8 June 2013
|access-date = 8 June 2013
|archive-date = 18 January 2015
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150118085310/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/228630-firefighters-tackle-blaze-at-hydro-concert-venue-on-the-river-clyde/
|url-status = live
}} It was determined that the fire was caused by ongoing welding work on the building's roof.{{cite web
|url = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/welders-torch-blamed-starting-huge-1941218
|title = Welder's torch blamed for starting huge fire at Glasgow's new £125m Hydro arena
|publisher = Daily Record
|work = dailyrecord.co.uk
|date = 9 June 2013
|access-date = 18 June 2013
|archive-date = 18 June 2013
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618051724/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/welders-torch-blamed-starting-huge-1941218
|url-status = live
|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22840462
|title = Glasgow Hydro fire: Blaze caused by welding sparks
|publisher = BBC News
|work = bbc.co.uk
|date = 10 June 2013
|access-date = 18 June 2013
|archive-date = 18 June 2013
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618034649/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22840462
|url-status = live
}} On 18 June, the venue's operator revealed that despite additional challenges, work on the venue was still on track for completion.{{cite web
|url = http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/scotland/glasgow-hydro-venue-construction-remains-on-target-despite-fire-1.103943
|title = Glasgow Hydro venue construction 'remains on target' despite fire
|publisher = The Courier
|work = thecourier.co.uk
|date = 18 June 2013
|access-date = 18 June 2013
|archive-date = 20 June 2013
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130620191848/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/scotland/glasgow-hydro-venue-construction-remains-on-target-despite-fire-1.103943
|url-status = live
}}
Events
=Sports=
On 14 December 2014, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony was held at the venue.{{cite news
|title = BBC Sports Personality 2014: Shortlisted named for award
|work = BBC Sport
|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/sports-personality/30158881
|access-date = 14 December 2014
|archive-date = 7 December 2014
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141207164950/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/sports-personality/30158881
|url-status = live
}} During the 2014 Commonwealth Games the SSE Hydro was home to the netball and gymnastic events.{{Cite web
| title = SSE Hydro confirmed as host venue for Games Netball Final
| url = http://www.glasgow2014.com/media-centre/press-releases/sse-hydro-confirmed-host-venue-games-netball-final
| website = Glasgow 2014
| access-date = 2016-02-10
| archive-date = 19 August 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160819232713/http://www.glasgow2014.com/media-centre/press-releases/sse-hydro-confirmed-host-venue-games-netball-final
| url-status = usurped
}} On 18 July 2015, the UFC held their inaugural Scottish event UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites at the Hydro.{{Cite web
| title = UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites
| url = http://uk.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-glasgow-2015
| website = UFC
| access-date = 2016-02-10
| archive-date = 14 March 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160314054729/http://uk.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-glasgow-2015
| url-status = live
}} From 23 October to 1 November 2015, the SSE Hydro hosted the Artistic gymnastics world championships.{{Cite web
| title = The SSE Hydro – 2015 World Gymnastics Championships
| url = https://www.2015worldgymnastics.com/the-championships/the-sse-hydro-arena.aspx
| website = www.2015worldgymnastics.com
| access-date = 2016-02-10
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129060149/https://www.2015worldgymnastics.com/the-championships/the-sse-hydro-arena.aspx
| archive-date = 29 November 2014
| url-status = dead
}}
In 2016, the venue hosted a heavyweight boxing fight between Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison. Later, it has hosted four boxing fights headlined by Scottish light welterweight boxer Josh Taylor. It also hosted two rounds of the 2018–19 World Boxing Super Series.
= Professional wrestling =
On 20 November 2016, Scottish wrestling promotion Insane Championship Wrestling ran ICW Fear & Loathing IX at the Hydro in front of 6,193 fans{{cite news |last=Orr |first=James |date=30 March 2016 |title=ICW: Drew Galloway takes title as Glasgow-based wrestling company bowl over London crowd before biggest show |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/icw-drew-galloway-takes-title-as-glasgowbased-wrestling-company-bowl-over-london-crowd-before-biggest-show-a6959686.html |work= |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwpnation.com/everything-we-know-for-icw-fear-loathing-ix/|title=Everything We Know for ICW: Fear & Loathing IX|first=Derek|last=Gifford|date=November 3, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://wrestlingsc.com/2016/11/22/icw-fear-loathing-ix-review-were-just-getting-started/|title=ICW Fear & Loathing IX Review: "We're just getting started"|date=November 22, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/5-reasons-you-should-buy-12169552|title=5 reasons why you should buy a ticket for ICW's Fear & Loathing IX in Glasgow|first=Glasgow|last=Live|date=November 13, 2016|website=GlasgowLive}} and was described as the most attended independent UK and European wrestling event in 35 years.{{Cite web|url=http://massmovement.co.uk/insane-championship-wrestling-to-host-uks-biggest-wrestling-show-in-35-years/|title=INSANE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING TO HOST UK\’S BIGGEST WRESTLING SHOW IN 35 YEARS!|first=Tim|last=Cundle|date=March 18, 2016|website=Bringing Madness to the Masses since 1998}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.twm.news/icw-fear-loathing-ix-review/|title=ICW Fear and Loathing IX Review|date=February 17, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/10-wrestlers-fans-most-want-to-see-in-wwes-uk-tournament|title=10 Wrestlers Fans Most Want To See In WWE's UK Tournament|first=Andy H.|last=Murray|date=December 21, 2016|website=WhatCulture.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-rope-break-podcast-43091628/episode/throwback-thoughts-icw-fear-loathing-49160180/|title=Throwback Thoughts: ICW Fear & Loathing IX - Rope Break Podcast|website=iHeart}}{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/11/08/how-the-scottish-wrestling-company-that-started-in-front-of-30-people-is-now-putting-on-the-european-wrestlemania-6242986/|title=The wrestling company that went from 30 people to the ‘European Wrestlemania'|first=Martin|last=Hines|date=November 8, 2016}} They returned the next year for ICW Fear & Loathing X.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=20 November 2017 |title=ICW Fear & Loathing X results: ICW’s biggest show of the year |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/indies/icw-fear-loathing-x-results-icws-biggest-show-year-246676/ |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |location= |publisher= |access-date=17 April 2025}}
On 15 June 2024, WWE hosted its premium live event Clash at the Castle: Scotland at OVO Hydro, marking the company's first event in the country since 2002{{cite web |title=WWF Glasgow Scotland 2002?|url=https://ukff.com/topic/139593-wwf-glasgow-scotland-2002/|website=UKFF|access-date=3 April 2025|date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127151515/https://ukff.com/topic/139593-wwf-glasgow-scotland-2002/|archive-date=27 January 2022|url-status=live}} and its first ever major, televised PPV event held in Scotland. As a prelude, WWE broadcast an episode of SmackDown from the arena on 14 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-scotland-ple-set-for-june-in-glasgow|title=WWE Clash at the Castle: Scotland PLE set for June in Glasgow|date=2 April 2024|last=Rose|first=Bryan|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=2 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402081755/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-scotland-ple-set-for-june-in-glasgow|archive-date=2 April 2024|url-status=live}}
In April 2025, All Elite Wrestling announced that they will record episdoes AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision from the Hydro on 20 August 2025.{{cite news |last=Jack |first=Lauren |date=15 April 2025 |title=All Elite Wrestling to make Scottish debut - here's how to get tickets for AEW Dynamite & Collision in Glasgow |url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/aew-glasgow-dynamite-collision-presale-tickets-prices-5084179 |work=The Scotsman |location= |publisher= |access-date=17 April 2025}}
=Filming location=
The OVO Hydro was used for exterior shots of the venue for the fictional 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.{{Cite news |date=17 June 2022|title=Eurovision Song Contest: Which UK cities could host 2023 show? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61844328 |access-date=19 June 2022|archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619013019/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61844328 |url-status=live }}
=Politics=
The OVO Hydro was host to the largest televised debate seen in Scotland's history, Scotland Decides: The Big, Big Debate, held on the evening of Thursday 11 September 2014; towards the end of the Scottish independence referendum campaign. The Mentorn/BBC Scotland organised debate, in which every secondary school in Scotland was invited to take part, involved around 7,500 first time voters and was broadcast on BBC One during the evening of 11 September 2014{{cite news
|first1 = Marianne
|last1 = Taylor
|first2 = Graham
|last2 = Fraser
|first3 = Louise
|last3 = Sayers
|first4 = Martin
|last4 = Currie
|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-29153784
|title = Referendum Live – as it happened
|work = BBC News (Scotland), n.d.
|publisher = BBC
|date = 11 September 2014
|access-date = 14 September 2014
|archive-date = 14 September 2014
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140914023442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-29153784
|url-status = live
}} and was presented by James Cook.{{cite news
| title = Scottish independence: Plans announced for Scotland's 'biggest ever debate'
| work = BBC News
| date = 22 June 2014
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27966132
| access-date = 23 June 2014
| archive-date = 23 June 2014
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140623134929/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27966132
| url-status = live
}}
Ticket sales records
In 2016, the arena handled 751,487 ticket sales, making it the eighth-busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales. It also hosted the UFC's first event in Scotland.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2016/2016YearEndWorldwideTicketSalesTop200ArenaVenues.pdf|title=Pollstar 2016 top 200 arena ticket sales|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303080211/http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2016/2016YearEndWorldwideTicketSalesTop200ArenaVenues.pdf|url-status=live}}
In 2019, the Hydro was the second busiest venue in the world behind Madison Square Garden in New York City.{{Cite web|url = https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgows-sse-hydro-named-worlds-17445199|title = Glasgow's SSE Hydro named world's second busiest arena venue|date = 19 December 2019|access-date = 14 October 2021|archive-date = 22 January 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210122225149/https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgows-sse-hydro-named-worlds-17445199|url-status = live}} The venue attracts over 1 million visitors per year, making it a regular feature in the top ten arenas globally.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ovohydro.com/about|title=About | OVO Hydro|first=O. V. O.|last=Hydro|website=www.ovohydro.com|access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029184050/https://www.ovohydro.com/about|url-status=live}}
| class="wikitable collapsible" style="text-align:center" |
| scope="col" colspan="3"|World's Busiest Arenas – 2023{{Cite news |date=12 December 2023 |title=TOP 200 ARENA VENUES 2023, pollstar twitter account |url=https://x.com/Pollstar/status/1734335239227404509/photo/1}} |
|---|
| Venue
!Ticket sales |
| Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA
|1,985,832 |
| Movistar Arena, Santiago, Chile
|1,451,098 |
| The O2 Arena, London, UK
|1,264,882 |
| WiZink Center, Madrid, Spain
|1,191,860 |
| Accor Arena, Paris, France
|1,134,237 |
| Kia Forum, Inglewood, USA
|1,100,855 |
| Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, USA
|1,015,253 |
| OVO Hydro, Glasgow, UK
|1,012,333 |
| Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Germany
|1,004,777 |
| 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland
|975,640 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category inline|The SSE Hydro}}
- {{Official website|https://www.ovohydro.com}}
{{Indoor arenas UK}}
{{EAA members}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2013 establishments in Scotland
Category:2014 Commonwealth Games venues
Category:2018 European Championships venues
Category:Boxing venues in Scotland
Category:Exhibition and conference centres in Scotland
Category:Foster and Partners buildings
Category:Indoor arenas in Scotland
Category:Music venues completed in 2013
Category:Music venues in Glasgow
Category:Netball venues in Scotland
Category:Sports venues completed in 2013