A MAJOR upgrade and refurbishment project has been announced by the Odyssey Trust which is pumping 3 million into enhancing "customer experience" at the Odyssey Arena.
The project comprising facilities upgrade and seat refurbishment will begin in July and involve the replacement of 9,000 seats inside the auditorium of the north's premier entertainment complex.
Decking and flooring is also in line for a new look, while a new 'club seat' section will be introduced, alongside investment in wi-fi technology, digital screens and chip-and-pin payment services for customers.
Operations director at the Odyssey Trust, Adrian Doyle, said the project was particularly important as the venue approached its 15th birthday.
"It is a very exciting year for the Odyssey Arena and we are looking forward to the facilities upgrade and seat refurbishment project taking place during the summer," he said.
"It is important for us to re-invest in our facilities and continue to enhance our service offering to customers."
Welcoming the investment, enterprise minister Jonathan Bell said the Odyssey Arena made a "significant contribution" to the local economy and continued to play an important role in the tourism, hospitality and events sector.
"Northern Ireland has increasingly become known as the home of major events and our tourism industry has never been in a stronger position," he said.
"This investment by the Odyssey Trust will not only maximise the facilities offered here but will ensure the Titanic Quarter remains a key Belfast destination for both local people and tourists alike.
Following the work, the arena will re-open for the Belfast Tattoo on September 4, followed the next weekend by the first home league game of the season for the Belfast Giants.
