The OVO Hydro is a modern and visually striking multi-purpose indoor arena located on the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow, Scotland. Its history began with the redevelopment of the city’s former Queen’s Dock. Designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners, the venue’s distinctive elliptical, amphitheater-like shape and translucent exterior cladding have made it a prominent and iconic part of the Glasgow skyline since its opening in 2013. Its name has changed over time, starting as the Scottish Hydro Arena during construction, then becoming the SSE Hydro, and more recently, the OVO Hydro, reflecting new sponsorship. As the largest entertainment venue in Scotland, with a capacity of up to 14,300, the OVO Hydro hosts a wide array of world-class events.
It is a premier destination for concerts by international music megastars across all genres, from rock and pop to country and R&B. Beyond music, it also stages major comedy shows, large-scale sporting events, and corporate functions, including being a venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The OVO Hydro’s consistent ranking as one of the busiest venues in the world, attracting over a million visitors annually, underscores its success and importance as a hub for live entertainment in Scotland.
