Odyssey Complex

Overview

The Odyssey Complex dominates the eastern bank of the River Lagan, a striking cylindrical development that anchors Belfast’s revitalised Titanic Quarter. Inside you’ll find the 10,800‑seat SSE Arena, home to the Belfast Giants ice‑hockey team, the hands‑on W5 discovery centre, a 13‑screen Cineworld cinema, a 20‑lane Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, a 36‑hole adventure golf course, an arcade, and a wide selection of restaurants, cafés and bars. Since its 2023 reopening as Odyssey Place, the venue has been refreshed with new attractions such as The Lost City Apocalypse Adventure Golf and Funstation, making it a year‑round magnet for locals and tourists alike.

History

The concept for the complex was born in 1992, funded largely by a £45 million Millennium Commission grant and matched by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, the Sheridan Group and the Sports Council. Construction began in June 1998 and the first phase – the arena – opened in December 2000. The science centre W5 followed on 31 March 2001, and the Pavilion (now Odyssey Place) opened a few months later. The whole project cost about £120 million and was marketed as “Ireland’s number one tourist attraction”.

Over the years the complex has weathered financial challenges, ownership changes and a pandemic‑forced closure, but each setback was met with investment: a £3 million arena refurbishment in 2015, a major redevelopment that saw the cinema and bowling alley relaunch in 2021‑22, and the 2023 reopening of Odyssey Place with fresh leisure concepts. The venue’s resilience mirrors Belfast’s own regeneration story, turning a former dockland site into a cultural and economic engine.

What to See & Do

Beyond the indoor attractions, the complex sits on a scenic riverfront promenade, ideal for a leisurely stroll after a show or a meal. The location also provides easy access to Titanic Belfast, the iconic visitor attraction that tells the story of the RMS Titanic.

Notable Events

Since opening, the arena has welcomed a mix of international music, sport and entertainment:

• Music – Lady Gaga, Metallica, Depeche Mode, The Who, Christina Aguilera and many others have performed on the main stage.
• Sport – Home games of the Belfast Giants, the Boston Bruins (first NHL team to play in Ireland), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE RAW and SmackDown), UFC bouts, arena‑cross, and the Irish Indoor Athletics Championships.
• Awards & Broadcasts – 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards, 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and regular televised darts and boxing events.

These high‑profile events make the arena a key stop on touring calendars and a draw for visitors from across the island.

Future Development & Regeneration

A £100 million masterplan was unveiled in 2009 to expand the site with 800 residential units, two hotels, a new promenade and a two‑storey car‑park offering around 2,700 spaces. Planning permission for the mixed‑use extension was secured in November 2013, and work on the first phase began in 2017, delivering a refreshed entrance, upgraded public realm and re‑configured retail units. Phase two will add further visitor‑focused spaces and a civic plaza, cementing the complex as a 24‑hour city‑centre hub.

Community & Economic Impact

The Odyssey Complex is a major employer in Belfast and generates thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail and events management. Its attractions draw millions of visitors each year, boosting nearby hotels, restaurants and shops. Community programmes, charity fundraisers and educational workshops at W5 help the venue serve as a non‑sectarian gathering place for families and schools.

Practical Information

Getting there – The complex is a 15‑minute walk from Belfast city centre, crossing the Lagan Weir and Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Public transport options include:

• Glider Bus (G2) – rapid‑transit service from the city centre to the Odyssey bus stop right outside the venue.
• Metro Service 94 – runs from Donegall Square North (near the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre) to the complex.
• Titanic Quarter railway station – a 10‑minute walk away, linking Belfast to the wider NI rail network.

For detailed directions, visit the arena’s official “Getting Here” page: https://ssearenabelfast.com/your-visit/getting-here.

Opening hours vary by attraction. The SSE Arena hosts events according to each programme; the cinema, bowling alley and adventure golf operate daily from mid‑morning until late evening. Check individual venue websites for specific times.

Tickets & admission – Prices differ per attraction. The arena’s event tickets are sold per performance. W5 admission is around £12 for adults (discounts for children and families). The cinema and bowling alley have standard pricing tiers listed on their respective sites. No general entry fee exists for the complex itself; you pay for the activities you choose.

Accessibility – The complex is fully wheelchair‑accessible, with lifts, ramps and dedicated seating in the arena and cinema. Accessible restrooms are available throughout.

Parking – A large on‑site car park provides free parking for visitors, with additional spaces for disabled drivers.

Website – For the latest event calendar, ticketing and visitor information, see the official site: https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/.

Contact – General enquiries can be directed to the arena’s customer service line listed on the website.