In its 40 years the SEC has been central to the transformation of its home city and an area once renowned for shipbuilding and industry, adding two new landmarks to the Glasgow skyline in the form of the Armadillo and OVO Hydro.
Now, as part of the venue’s 40th birthday celebrations, a new video tells the SEC’s story, from inception and early years through to present day and shows the extent to which the surrounding area of the Clydeside has been transformed.
Dom McKay, Chief Executive of the Scottish Event Campus, said: "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.”
The foundations of the campus, which today extends from the edges of Glasgow’s city centre to the city’s west end, were laid following major works which saw the old yards cleared and the docks filled.
The campus ‘quickly found its rhythm’ and, beyond bringing major conferences and events to Scotland for the first time, world-renowned artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, were soon arriving in the city to make their Scottish bows.
1. SEC at 40
As demand increased the Clyde Auditorium was built and quickly renamed ‘The SEC Armadillo’. | SEC at 40
2. SEC at 40
Then, in September 2013, the 14,000 plus capacity OVO Hydro opened its doors, providing a fitting world class arena for world-renowned artists including Taylor Swift and homegrown superstars including Lewis Capaldi. The venue has also hosted major events including the 2014 MTV European Awards. | SEC at 40
3. SEC at 40
The video shows very varied life of the venue, with the SEC hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and again in 2026, as well as other leading sporting events. | SEC at 40
4. SEC at 40
The film shows a venue embedded in Scottish life, central to the redevelopment of Glasgow and Scotland and helping to drive economic growth and shape the cultural and business landscape. | SEC at 40