12 Sep 2025
The Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Scotland’s stage for live entertainment, business, and culture, is marking its 40th anniversary with a bold new campaign, SEC40 & Me, and a season of celebratory activity that puts audiences at the heart of the story.
Since opening in September 1985 as the nation’s first purpose-built conference and exhibition venue, the SEC has welcomed millions of visitors from across the globe. It has hosted landmark events including COP26, the MTV Europe Music Awards, and unforgettable performances from artists such as Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift.
Over four decades, the campus has expanded to include two of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks: the SEC Armadillo (1997) and the OVO Hydro (2013). The Hydro is now consistently ranked among the top 10 arenas in the world by ticket sales. Together, these venues have transformed Glasgow’s skyline and positioned the city as a cultural powerhouse on the international stage.
To mark this milestone, SEC40 & Me is inviting fans, delegates, and visitors to share their stories, photos, and videos from events held across the campus. From the very first UB40 concert in 1985, to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, to today’s blockbuster shows, the campaign will create a living archive of extraordinary memories – culminating in the release of a celebratory SEC40 & Me film.
“All of the incredible moments we’ve hosted over the past 40 years are made unforgettable by the people who experienced them,” said Dominic McKay, Chief Executive of the SEC. “SEC40 & Me is our way of celebrating those stories, while also looking to the future. The SEC has always been about more than stages and spaces – it’s about connection, creativity, and community. As we move forward, we are committed to evolving our campus, driving cultural and economic impact, and continuing to inspire generations to come.”
Submissions to SEC40 & Me will be showcased across SEC’s social channels and anniversary programme. All contributors will also be entered into a prize draw, with one winner receiving two VIP tickets to an event of their choice at the SEC (subject to availability).
The SEC40 programme will highlight the venue’s legacy and its pivotal role in Scotland’s economy and cultural life, while also looking ahead with planned improvements across the campus to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the SEC remains at the forefront of global events for decades to come.
SEC40 & Me memories can be shared via a custom landing page and will form part of a tapestry of stories which will be shared across the SEC’s social media channels and platforms over the anniversary season and be included in an SEC & Me film.
One contributor will be specially selected to receive two VIP tickets to an event of their choice at the SEC, subject to availability.
The campaign will support a broader SEC40 programme, celebrating the venue’s history, showcasing its contribution to Scotland’s economy and culture, and looking ahead to a bright future, including improvement works within the campus.
To share your SEC40 & Me memories
Submit a memory at https://www.sec.co.uk/about-the-sec/celebrating-40-years-of-the-sec/sec-me
Find out more about SEC40 & Me and the 40th anniversary milestone https://www.sec.co.uk/about-the-sec/celebrating-40-years-of-the-sec
Contributions may be featured on SEC social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Threads and X
One participant will be selected to receive two VIP tickets to an event of their choice at the SEC, subject to availability.
Full terms and conditions are available here: https://www.sec.co.uk/about-the-sec/sec-me/sec-me-terms-conditions
