The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow is marking its 40th anniversary with a celebration of four decades of cultural, business, and economic impact on Scotland’s largest city.
Since opening in 1985, the SEC has become one of the UK’s most recognisable event destinations, playing host to global artists, major conferences, and world-class sporting occasions, and transforming the city’s riverside in the process.
The milestone is being marked with the release of a new video chronicling the venue’s journey from its origins on the former Clydeside shipyards to its present status as a landmark complex encompassing the SEC Centre, the Armadillo, and the OVO Hydro arena.
“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,” said Dom McKay, chief executive of the Scottish Event Campus.
Over four decades, the campus has evolved alongside the city itself. From its early years attracting major conferences and the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, to the opening of the Clyde Auditorium (quickly dubbed ‘the Armadillo’) and later the OVO Hydro in 2013, the SEC has consistently expanded to meet growing demand.
The 14,000-capacity Hydro has welcomed some of the world’s biggest acts - including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Lewis Capaldi - as well as major televised events such as the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards. The wider campus has also hosted landmark conferences and events including COP26, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and will again play a part in the 2026 Games.
The SEC’s story also reflects Glasgow’s resilience. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the campus was repurposed as NHS Louisa Jordan, providing vital healthcare facilities at the height of the crisis.
McKay added: “Over the decades, we’ve had the privilege of hosting world-famous artists, international conferences and spectacular events that have left a lasting mark on both the city and the people who visit. The OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo have become recognised parts of the Glasgow skyline, and the SEC has played a central role in driving economic growth and revitalising the surrounding area.”
As part of its anniversary year, the SEC is inviting the public to share their own memories through its SEC40&Me campaign, celebrating the community and creativity that have defined the venue since its inception.
McKay concluded: “This 40th anniversary is a celebration of the extraordinary stories that make the SEC unique. The video captures just some of the highlights, but more importantly, it reminds us of the spirit that has always been at the heart of the SEC. We look forward to the next 40 years of creating incredible, here in Glasgow.”
