Affectionately named ‘ The Armadillo’ due to its unique architectural design, the SECC is one of the most visited places in Glasgow and is Scotland’s premier location for events, conferences and concerts. Over the years, the venue has expanded across the banks of the River Clyde as the Clyde Auditorium and The SSE Hydro became part of the family. Big conference or event? Have a cosy night’s sleep at our Glasgow City Centre (Argyle Street) hotel nearby.
Back in 1985, UB40 played the first ever concert at the SECC. Later that same year, it saw its first Modern Homes exhibition and then was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen during the Scottish Motor Show in November. It was when Glasgow was made the European City of Culture in 1990 that the venue really came into its own as Pavarotti, The Bolshoi Opera and Ballet and Bryan Adams all graced the stage during this monumental celebration. It then became the place to be for major conferences as The Clyde Auditorium opened and later the SSE Hydro for all of Glasgow’s top entertainment dates.
SECC
SECC
SECC
Essential information
Eating and drinking
In the popular Finnieston area where the SECC resides, there are many places to eat and drink before you make your way to your event. A little closer to home, inside the venue you’ll find a tasty place to eat and drink in the venue’s own bar and restaurant.
Situated on the east side of the venue, The Clydebuilt Bar & Kitchen is a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink before or after your event. From the bar, the menu serves up a mix of sharing platters, stonebaked pizzas and their signature ‘Clydebuilt’ burgers while The Kitchen is a little more intimate with a larger menu of starters and mains. Tipples can be drunk until 12am too.
In the Finnieston area surrounding the SECC, there are a variety of lovely restaurants to eat at. The Finnieston is great for both locally sourced seafood and cocktails and Mother India for one of the most loved Indian restaurants in Glasgow. Check out the Ox & Finch for trendy tapas and few drinks before or after your SECC visit.
Getting to SECC
Making your way to the SECC is simple. Trains and buses run regularly and drivers won’t have to scramble for a parking spot. Those who want to go green have cycle and walking routes all for the taking.
By car
There’s plenty of parking space in the multi-storey car park at the SECC for over 2000 cars. Just punch in G3 8WY to your sat nav. A parking fare applies.
By bus
The 100 Riversider runs from George Square in the city centre to the venue every 30 minutes. Other buses include the X19 and M23 that stop just a 2 minute walk away from the venue.
By train
From Glasgow Central station, trains to the Exhibition Centre stop run every 10 minutes and takes just 3 minutes to get there!
By pedal power
Use your pedalling power along the city’s cycle routes and then park in one of the many covered cycle racks. Alternatively, get your walking shoes on as the SECC is serviced by the footpath and footbridge network.