Vodafone inks deal with The SSE Hydro Arena

Article posted by Coliseum, February 28^th, 2020

Image: SSE Hydro

The multinational telecommunications company Vodafone has announced its new collaboration with the multiuse indoor arena in Glasgow, Scotland – The SSE Hydro Arena – in a further commitment to the region. The SSE Hydro Arena is Scotland’s largest entertainment venue hosting around 150 music, sporting and entertainment events every year and boasts a capacity of 15,000.

The deal contains that Vodafone will enjoy access to a new on site super-suite, which will be available to customers and guests during live performances or events; and will be used for branded experiences and to demonstrate the pioneering technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

A press release sent out by Vodafone UK stated that the largest sports and live music marketing network in the world – AEG Global Partnerships – has been instrumental in brokering the collaboration between Vodafone and The SSE Hydro Arena.

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The telecom giant will also enjoy the opportunity to win tickets to showpiece events at the facility by way of Vodafone’s VeryMe loyalty app.

Stated Anne Sheehan, Director, Vodafone Business, “Scotland is a hugely important region for us and our new partnership with The SSE Hydro Arena reinforces our commitment to the area. I’m delighted we will be able to showcase our new technologies to both Vodafone Business guests and to music and sports fans from across the region. We’re looking forward to working closely with The SSE Hydro Arena to explore how 5G can enable the creation of new and compelling experiences for fans.”

Exulted Ross Easton, Head of Commercial, Scottish Event Campus, “We are delighted to welcome Vodafone as our official technology partner and look forward to working together. We believe Vodafone’s latest technologies have the potential to greatly enhance our visitors’ enjoyment at The SSE Hydro and will help us to continue to deliver a fantastic experience for fans.”

Liana Mellotte, Director, AEG Global Partnerships, stated, “Bringing the Vodafone partnership to The SSE Hydro marks another important milestone in the evolution of the arena, which now ranks highly in the world. Vodafone’s technology capabilities match the ambitions of the Scottish Event Campus and will keep it at the forefront of advances in technology.”

Vodafone already has a substantial presence in Glasgow, and possess 10 retail stores across the city. Glasgow was one of the first cities where Vodafone launched its 5G network in 2019; and collaboration with Glasgow University has made certain that it is the first educational institution in Scotland with a 5G network. 5G will support the adoption of a gamut of cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, robotics, connected cities and self-driving vehicles with many industries – including automotive, financial services, entertainment and healthcare – set to reap rewards.

Vodafone’s partnership with The SSE Hydro Arena will now give even a more exalted experience to fans. IoT will also facilitate providing enriching entertainment to the crowd.

The association will also play a key role in the growth of the arena’s popularity and the futuristic technology will help to enhance the shows.

Built on the site of the former Queen’s Dock, The SSE Hydro is one of a kind venue in UK of its scale built exclusively for live entertainment. It is the largest entertainment venue in Scotland. It has been designed to be flexible, and has the capacity to host a wide range of concerts, conferences and events.

The unique façade of The SSE Hydro, made up of pneumatic translucent cushions, has been made possible by using a special film originally developed for the space industry. This lets natural light to illuminate the foyers during the day and the arena to ‘glow’ at night.

The distinctive elliptical sloping shape of The SSE Hydro was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman amphitheaters. This shape offers the optimum balance of viewing angle and distance from the stage.

London-based design practice Foster + Partners are the architects of the venue.

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