The Finnieston venue beat competitors including the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin to win the award.

The news follows last week’s announcement that the Hydro has contributed at least half a billion pounds to Glasgow’s economy and played host to over 5.2 million visitors events since it opened in 2013, making it the second-busiest venue in the world last year behind London’s O2 Arena.

Last year the venue broke its own record when Celine Dion’s sell-out show had a single-night gross of £1.3 million.

Debbie Williams, head of live entertainment at the venue, told the magazine: ”Consumer expectation is all about the experience. We need to ensure we are keeping ahead of the game.”

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: ”The Hydro effect is a real success story for Glasgow, completely transforming an area while also emphasizing the importance of a city’s capacity for hosting large events.

“A lot of different sectors benefit from the regular influx of visitors, filling up hotels, bars, restaurants and taxi queues for conferences, exhibitions, concerts and shows. A world-class venue which is a true asset to Glasgow and the wider economy.”

 

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