The Odyssey Trust in Belfast has unveiled a commemorative sculpture to celebrate the SSE Arena’s upcoming 25th anniversary year and the Belfast Giants’ 25th season.
Located at the main entrance of The SSE Arena, the steel puck-shaped structure, which stands four metres tall, is prominently positioned to welcome ice hockey fans, concert and event goers to the home of the Belfast Giants.
On one side, surrounding the puck’s perimeter, the motto ‘in the land of Giants, everyone is equal’ features proudly as a nod to the club’s unofficial mantra of uniting the people and communities of Northern Ireland through sport and inclusivity.
On the reverse side of the puck, the words ‘they said it wouldn’t last’, acknowledge the resilience and lasting popularity of the club and ice hockey in Belfast a quarter of a century later.
The structure not only symbolises the Giants’ achievements on and off the ice but also the unwavering support of the club’s passionate fanbase, reinforcing the special bond between the team and the city.
Millions of fans
Over the course of 25 seasons, the Belfast Giants have played more than 1000 home and away games and welcomed millions of ice hockey spectators to The SSE Arena. Since their inception, the Giants have recorded many successes and accolades on the ice, having won a total of 16 Championships since 2000, including becoming treble winners for the first time in the club’s history during the 2022/23 season.
Above and beyond their success on the ice, the Giants have established themselves as more than just an ice hockey team, advocating for many charitable causes, raising support and money through a display of dedication to causes beyond sport and using their platforms for good.
In recent years, the team have also played a key role in raising awareness around Organ Donation and actively supporting the enactment of Dáithí’s Law, the new organ donation legislation in Northern Ireland.
“This installation is not only a celebration of the Giants’ 25th season, but is the perfect way to kickstart The Odyssey Trust’s 25th anniversary year,” said Martin McDowell, Chair of The Odyssey Trust.
“Across the entirety of The Odyssey Trust, making a real, genuine, and long-lasting impact on the lives of people in Northern Ireland remains at the heart of everything we do, and for 25 years, our foundations have been firmly rooted within our local communities.”
“Throughout 2025, we have an exciting series of celebratory events that will take place across Odyssey, honouring The Trust’s significant economic, social and societal impact as we look ahead to the future with a renewed sense of pride and purpose.”
Facilities
Comprised of The SSE Arena, the Stena Line Belfast Giants, W5 Science & Discovery Centre, and W5 LIFE, The Odyssey Trust is the charity that was established to oversee the investment in Northern Ireland’s Millennium project.
The Odyssey Trust is committed to advancing public education and providing state-of-the-art facilities in the interests of social welfare and improved life opportunities for the people of Northern Ireland. Since 2000, The Odyssey Trust has hosted over 3,000 concerts and events, nearly 1000 ice hockey games and issued over 12 million tickets for The SSE Arena.
The Trust has also witnessed over 6 million users of all ages to W5 and opened the state-of-the-art learning facility, W5 LIFE, in 2022, which has already delivered over 1,000 events, with ambitions to revolutionise learning.
“Some said that ice hockey wouldn’t last in Belfast, but now, 25 seasons on, the Giants have had an extraordinary journey, marked by triumphs, challenges, and a permanent connection with our local communities,” said Robert Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust.
“The implementation of this sculpture is a momentous milestone in the history of the Belfast Giants, paying testament to the club’s storied past, The Odyssey Trust’s contributions to Northern Ireland, and its future as a continued vehicle for positive change.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
If you have never been to a Giants game it is something you should put right in 2025. Exciting sport against the best of British and European teams and a fan corner that is as entertaining as any you might have experienced.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Giants have six home games at the SSE Arena in December on Wednesday 11th and 18th at 7 PM, Sunday 15th and 22nd at 4 PM, Saturday 28th and Monday 30th December.
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