The rebranded SSE Arena, Belfast is a venue that can rival the best in Europe, if not the world.

That was the bold claim made by the team at The SSE Arena, Belfast, which lifted the curtain at the venue after a major revamp and refurbishment that means attendees will get a truly first-class experience at every event staged there.

Whether visiting the Arena for the biggest concert gigs such as One Direction and Florence & The Machine, comedy shows with Kevin Bridges and Michael McIntyre, or the raucous roar of a Belfast Giants ice hockey game, visitors are set to be wowed by the modernised, digitally enhanced version of Northern Ireland’s largest and most famous entertainment venue.

Formerly known as The Odyssey Arena, the venue has been rebranded as The SSE Arena, Belfast in a 10 year naming rights deal with energy provider SSE Airtricity. The arena first opened its doors in 2000 and has welcomed over 8 million visitors across a wide range of events ranging from concerts and comedy to theatre, family shows and a multitude of sports. The SSE Arena, Belfast has joined the UK-wide stable of SSE entertainment venues including The SSE Hydro in Glasgow and The SSE Arena, Wembley.

The SSE Arena, Belfast is now on course for its busiest year ever, with more than 150 live entertainment events scheduled to be staged at the Arena in the year ahead.

When the doors of the venue re-open this weekend, guests will see more than 180 Digital Screens in and around the Arena; they will have access to high-speed wireless broadband; 9000 new seats in the Arena; and a brand new SSE Reward Lounge for SSE Airtricity customers.

Neil Walker, General Manager of The SSE Arena, Belfast, said: “This investment in transforming Northern Ireland’s most iconic venue is all about making sure our customers have a first class experience at The SSE Arena, Belfast. The Arena has been improved to the highest specifications to ensure we deliver world class live entertainment, with digital and Wi-Fi capacity to help enhance our customers’ enjoyment, providing greater access to an expanding range of products and services.”

Under the new naming rights partnership SSE Airtricity customers will be able to avail of a range of benefits*, including the all-new and exclusive SSE Reward Lounge, special offers on tickets and 48 hour advance tickets to the hottest events.

Jillian Saunders, Brand Manager at SSE Airtricity, said: “At SSE we place our customers at the heart of everything we do. As partner to The SSE Arena, Belfast we’re proud to give our customers access to the widest range of exclusive rewards, including 48 hour advance tickets and access to our new SSE Reward Lounge designed especially for SSE Airtricity customers. Along with the Arena management team we are looking forward to unveiling the new-look SSE Arena, Belfast and to welcoming entertainment fans from across the UK and Ireland to this world-class venue.”