Odyssey Skates Past Five Million Mark

Belfast's Odyssey Arena welcomed its five millionth visitor at the weekend as LBM Belfast Giants took on their Elite League rivals Nottingham Panthers.

Aaron Brotherston (pictured) from Bangor was plucked from the crowd and identified as the lucky ticket holder.

Invited onto the ice, Aaron was met by Giant's player Mark Morrison and Lorraine McGoran from Odyssey Arena who congratulated him with a celebratory gift of tickets to an Odyssey Arena event and a meet and greet with the Belfast Giants players.

The Giants featured in the very first event at Odyssey Arena on 2nd December 2000 and since opening night they have gone on to attract audiences from across Northern Ireland and beyond - contributing well over a fifth of the venue’s five million visitors.

In the past nine years the Arena has illustrated just how versatile it is.

The venue has hosted a variety of international sporting events including tennis, supercross, horse shows, boxing and indoor athletics.

Other shows that have entertained the millions include a remarkable list of superstar performers including Elton John, Kylie, Coldplay and Andrea Bocelli, not to mention an incredible 50 concerts from Westlife. Popular family events such as MAMMA MIA!, Riverdance, and Disney on Ice have also ensured that the venue caters to a wide range of audiences.

Commenting on the five million high point, Odyssey Arena’s Chief Executive Nicky Dunn, said: "We're delighted by the success of the Arena. To have reached the 5 million mark in our ninth year is just fantastic and is underpinned by our position as the fourth busiest Arena in Europe, as identified by industry magazine Pollstar.

"The Arena's achievement is testament to the consistent line up of star entertainers and sporting events appearing at the venue. We have already hosted 1,100 events including sports, concerts, conference and family shows. All this would not be possible of course without the people of Northern Ireland who we must thank for their incredible reaction to the venue and its events."

Todd Kelman, General Manager for the Giants, added: "The Giants are really excited to have welcomed the Arena’s five millionth visitor to our game against the Panthers and really appreciate how our fans like Aaron turn out to support us again and again. We're so proud to call Odyssey Arena our home and we hope to be able to share some championship success with the venue and our fans this season."

The Arena's diary is jam packed in the run up to Halloween and Christmas with a variety of events that offer something for everyone. Not to miss concerts include, Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, and AIDA.

Comedy lovers are also in for a treat with shows including Michael McIntyre, Eddie Izzard and Russell Brand, while sports fans can enjoy further ice hockey and Championship Boxing with the Rogan and Sexton re-match next month.

(GK/BMcC)