Important reopening information
We look forward to welcoming you back to The SSE Arena. With guidance from the NI Executive, we can now release tickets for seated shows at full capacity. In advance of your visit there are a number of things you need to know.
Covid Entry Requirements
To protect our fans and staff, entry requirements are as follows. All ticket holders aged 18 or over should be prepared to show one of the following to demonstrate their Covid status, if requested by our venue team:
Proof of full vaccination – both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event)
OR
Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to the event start time.
OR
Proof of natural Covid-19 antibodies based upon a positive NHS PCR test within 180 days of the event you are attending (including 10 days self-isolation following the result).
Under 18s are not required to show their Covid-19 certification but we would still encourage children aged 11 and over to take a lateral flow test prior to the event, where possible.
A few more measures to keep you and our staff safe:
Face Coverings
Face coverings are mandatory and should be worn on arrival and throughout your visit, unless you are eating/drinking, or exempt.
Be Distance Aware
We ask that you are respectful of others around and keep your distance from other people as you move through the venue. Whilst the requirement for social distancing has been removed in the Arena bowl, distancing is legally required in certain areas around the concourse, including at catering units and toilets. Event stewards and security staff will be to hand to help manage queues and the movement of people through the Arena. Please be respectful and patient with our staff as they enforce the guidelines we must operate under, for your safety.
Testing
In line with Government advice, it is strongly recommended that anyone taking part in, or attending, any events should take a rapid Covid-19 test (LFD) before they attend the event, and on days two and eight after the event.
Sanitisation and Cleaning
We ask that you sanitise your hands on arrival and regularly wash and sanitise your hands throughout your visit. We’ll have enhanced cleaning before and after the visit and additional sanitisation during the event.
Cashless venue
Please note, we are now a cashless venue. Please be prepared to pay by card for food, drink, merchandise and car parking.
Car Park
We have installed a new system in our car park, and you must pay at a pay station before returning to your vehicle.
Please note: We will continue to review our entry requirements, in line with updates to legislation and evolving government and health advice and as such, entry requirements are subject to change. We appreciate your cooperation and adherence to these measures, which will help us to continue to run events and maintain our capacities.
Main symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19)
In addition to the requirement to complete a Covid Status Check to attend events, we ask that customers do not come to the Arena if they are feeling unwell. The main symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are:
a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Ticket holders from Northern Ireland
If you are resident in Northern Ireland, you can demonstrate your Covid Status by doing one of the following:
- Demonstrating proof of full vaccination by showing:
- Your Covid-19 Vaccination Card and photographic ID matching the name on your vaccination card.
- A CovidCert NI passport
- Other government issued proof of full vaccination and photographic ID matching the name on your vaccination card
- Presenting receipt of a negative result issued by SMS or email if presenting a Lateral Flow Test
- Presenting proof of a positive Covid-19 PCR test, within 180 days of the event you are attending, to include the isolation period
Rapid COVID-19 tests can be obtained by anyone who requires them, free of charge. Rapid test packs can be ordered online for free delivery to your home. Order tests on the Gov.uk website - https://bit.ly/3zVm8Aw
Ticket holders from outside Northern Ireland
Ticket holders can demonstrate their Covid Status by doing one of the following:
- Using the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) https://bit.ly/3F51mT2
- Demonstrating proof of full vaccination by showing your HSE Vaccination Card and photographic ID matching the name on your vaccination card
- Demonstrating proof of full vaccination by showing:
- Your Covid-19 Vaccination Card and photographic ID matching the name on your vaccination card
- NHS Covid Pass
- Other government issued proof of full vaccination and photographic ID matching the name on your vaccination card
- Presenting receipt of a negative result issued by SMS or email if presenting a Lateral Flow Test
- Presenting proof of a positive Covid-19 PCR test, within 180 days of the event you are attending, to include the isolation period
Travel Guidance
Anyone travelling into Northern Ireland should follow all relevant travel guidance. The latest travel information for Northern Ireland can be found on the following links:
- Coronavirus (Covid-19): travelling within the Common Travel Area - https://bit.ly/3un4IM8
- Travel advice and guidance – https://bit.ly/covidtraveladvice
Additional FAQs
Why are these measures bringing implemented when there is no legal obligation to do so?
The mitigation measures we are implementing have been strongly recommended by The NI Executive and public health officials. We have always prided ourselves on operating to best practice standards and we are committed to ensuring the safe and sustainable return of events to The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Ensuring we have the confidence of public health authorities, staff, customers and promoters is of paramount importance to ensure we can continue to offer the events and experiences our customers have come to expect.
We will continue to review our entry requirements, in line with updates to legislation and evolving government and health advice. We appreciate your cooperation and adherence to these measures, which will help us to continue to run events and maintain our capacities.
Do I have to wear a mask at all times?
Face coverings are mandatory and should be worn when moving through the Arena, and whilst seated, unless you are eating and drinking, or you are exempt.
Will food and drink be available?
Yes. Food and drink concessions will be available. We ask that you are respectful of others when queuing. You must return to your seat to consume food and beverages.
What is the situation with standing events?
The removal of social distancing only applies to seated events at present. It is hoped that standing events will be discussed at the next Executive meeting on 7th October.
How do I buy tickets for events?
Tickets for Arena shows and events are available from SSEArenaBelfast.com and Ticketmaster.ie
Tickets for Belfast Giants home games are available from BelfastGiants.com and Ticketmaster.ie
All tickets for events at The SSE Arena, Belfast are now issued digitally.
Please note: There will be no box office for walk up ticket sales on the day of events. All events must be purchased in advance, online.
Standard terms and conditions apply.
Further Information:
Coronavirus (Covid-19) FAQs: https://bit.ly/3AZcFtj