Odyssey complex to rebrand as The O2 Belfast in new deal

John CampbellEconomics and business editor, BBC News NI
The Odyssey Trust O2 The image features a conceptual design of some of the locations where O2's logo will be displayed externally across the site, formerly known as the Odyssey complexThe Odyssey Trust O2
The venue will be rebranded as The O2 Belfast from 1 July 2026 under a 10-year deal with Virgin Media O2

The Odyssey entertainment venue is to become The O2 Belfast after the organisation that operates it signed a 10-year deal with Virgin Media O2.

It means the Odyssey joins a network of 21 O2-branded music venues across the UK.

The 11,200-capacity arena at the Odyssey is currently sponsored by the energy company SSE, with that arrangement ending in July, when O2 takes over sponsorship of the whole site.

The deal also includes sponsorship of the Belfast Giants ice hockey team, which is based at the Odyssey.

Getty A Belfast Giants goaltender makes a save with his glove. He is wearing a blue and red uniform and in full hockey mask and gear. The goaltender is on his knees in front of goal on the ice. Getty
The new partnership announced on Tuesday will also see Virgin Media o2 become the main sponsor of the Belfast Giants

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The venue is controlled by a charity, the Odyssey Trust.

Its chief executive, Paul McMahon, said: "We are delighted to welcome O2 as the site's new naming rights partner of The O2 Belfast.

"This partnership marks an exciting chapter and reflects our shared ambition to deliver unforgettable, world-class experiences for the people of Northern Ireland and beyond."

Aside from the arena, the Odyssey complex consists of the W5 science centre and the Odyssey Place entertainment area, which is anchored by a Cineworld cinema.