Landmark Scottish venue delivers £557 million economic boost ahead of Commonwealth Games and Paul Simon

Results for 2024/25 show that the campus - home to the SEC Centre, the OVO Hydro and the SEC Armadillo venues - had two million visits and delivered some £557 million in economic value for Glasgow and the wider Scottish economy. Bosses said the three venues had made a significant economic contribution to employment, tourism and inward investment and provided a “robust platform for sustained, long-term growth”.

The latest report outlined financial results for the campus in 2024/25, with turnover topping £54.4m, operating profits of £4.1m and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of £7m.

The results have been published at the start of a calendar year where the venue will again stand as one of the key locations for the Commonwealth Games and host touring performances from the likes of Gorillaz, Tame Impala and Olivia Dean.

The venues also saw significant investment in infrastructure in 2025, with further developments due to take place in the year ahead. The OVO Hydro has delivered a range of upgrades designed to enhance the overall guest experience, including the permanently installed Evolv security screening system outside the arena. This is said to be improving entry speed and efficiency, with ticket scanning set to relocate to the same area in the next phase.

Meanwhile, 11 retail outlets have been refurbished to improve service speed and flow, while accessible seating has been enhanced with improved sightlines, charging points, and upcoming in-seat food and beverage service.

Since opening in 1985, the SEC - formerly the SECC - has hosted a diverse range of events, from major industrial and political conferences to cultural festivals, sporting events and world-renowned concerts.

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The annual results were announced by campus chief executive Dominic McKay, who was appointed in January last year and officially began work in May.

“It was a privilege to be appointed CEO of SEC in early 2025, joining a business I have spent many years visiting and that I have grown up alongside, living in Glasgow and the west of Scotland,” he said. “I am particularly proud to join at a time where there are clear ambitions for the future, and undeniable scope for further growth.

“The 2024/25 financial year was a strong period for SEC with over two million visitors to our campus. The whole team, led by a committed executive, deserves great credit for an excellent set of results, both in terms of finance and number of visitors.

“Our turnover for the year to the end of March 2025 grew 30 per cent year on year to £54.4m. Meanwhile, operating profits rose to £4.1m. This growth was driven by a higher volume of events across all sectors and by attracting more than two million visitors to the campus.”

Highlights during the year under review included the SEC’s conference business delivering a record £11m in turnover and 62 per cent year-on-year growth, reflecting “strong market confidence and sustained demand for complex, high-profile conferences”.

The SEC’s exhibitions programme delivered £3.5m in turnover and 60 per cent year-on-year growth, underpinned by strong repeat business and the success of large-scale immersive and experience-led exhibitions, including the Van Gogh Immersive Experience and the Titanic Exhibition.

Live entertainment at the SEC delivered £15.6m in turnover and 30 per cent year-on-year growth, while the commercial business accounted for £7.4m in turnover and 16 per cent growth, driven by strategic partnerships and “strong demand for premium, experience-led hospitality”.

McKay said: “Most pleasing of all, is that as we continue to scale our business, we’re generating fantastic economic value for Scotland and the people that live here.

“The SEC is in great shape - 2025 was a brilliant year for the campus, with a strong financial performance and continued growth across live entertainment, conferences and events. Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be our most successful year yet, as we prepare to welcome world-class events including the Commonwealth Games and major artists such as Richard Ashcroft.

“We’re also ensuring the campus continues to evolve and develop to deliver even greater value and enhance our position as a world-class, innovative international suite of venues,” he added.

Meanwhile, business leaders have hailed Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games as a “golden opportunity” for the local economy.

At the city’s iconic Barras Market and Barrowland Ballroom, representatives from across Glasgow’s hospitality, tourism, transport and retail sectors came together to back the nationwide All In movement, which focuses on rallying the nation behind the biggest sporting event in the UK this year.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “Glasgow 2026 is not just a sporting event, it is a powerful platform to showcase the city’s ambition, hospitality and economic strength. The ‘All In’ initiative gives businesses a clear and collective way to play their part.

“With an anticipated £150m boost in local spend, the Games will deliver a significant uplift to the visitor economy and wider supply chain. I would strongly encourage firms of all sizes to get involved and help make Glasgow 2026 a lasting success for the city and its economy.”

Businesses joining the initiative will receive free official Glasgow 2026 All In branding to show their support, ready-to-use digital toolkits and opportunities for nationwide exposure via Glasgow 2026 channels.

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