Odyssey (Belfast)

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For other uses see Odyssey (disambiguation)

The Odyssey Arena seen from the M2/M3

The Odyssey is a large sports and entertainment centre situated at Queen's Island, Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was jointly funded by the Millennium Commission (49%), the Laganside Corporation (11%), the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (18.5%), the Sheridan Group (18.5%) and the Sports Council (3.3%). The centre was completed in 2001, and in the same year it hosted the 2001 World Amateur Boxing Championships.

The Odyssey was short-listed for 'International Large Venue of the Year' (Outside of North America) in the 2005 Pollstar Concert Industry Awards making it one of the top six major concert venues in the world [1] [2].

It is made up of four main parts:

The Arena – Ireland's biggest indoor stadium. Hosts concerts and sporting events such as Belfast Giants matches. It has been said due to the ice hockey rink purpose, concerts lack not only atmosphere and intimacy, but also sound quality. As of yet, the rink is not open to the general public.
W5 – stands for "Who, What, Where, When, Why". W5 is a much praised science exhibition demonstrating the powers of science.
The Pavilion – contains bars, restaurants, nightclubs and a Storm (formerly Vue) 12–screen multiplex.
The Sheridan IMAX – the first 3D IMAX in Northern Ireland, which has screened among other things Titanic and Ghosts of the Abyss.
The Pavillion also plays host to Cool Fm's "Cool Pod" which broadcasts live on Friday and Saturday nights.