OVO Hydro Parking and Event Guide

The OVO Hydro is one of the largest venues in Scotland, hosting suitably big names.

With a capacity of 14,300 and located close to Glasgow’s city centre, it is no surprise that every year is chock-full with popular events.

But what should be an incredible night for guests can be one full of frustration if you are not properly prepared:

• Where should I park?
• Do I need to pre-book?
• Is there EV charging?
• And if anything were to go wrong, where’s the nearest garage?

Don’t fret as that is exactly why we have made this guide to help eliminate unnecessary stress, meaning you can get the most out of your night.

What is the OVO Hydro?

First things first, we need to cover some essential info about the Glasgow Hydro. Here is what you need to know about the popular venue:

• Where is the OVO Hydro Glasgow: Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
• What is the capacity of the OVO Hydro Glasgow: 14,300
• LEZ / ULEZ Status: Outside a LEZ boundary. Possible to access without passing through, but be aware of routes that take you through the city centre.

Pro Tip: With the stop-start traffic Glasgow is guaranteed to have, having the right tyres for the job is critical for a stress-free journey. Consider getting high-performance tyres that are more durable and often provide the lower rolling resistance you will need for busy drives.

OVO Hydro Glasgow Event Calendar

The OVO Hydro regularly hosts some of the biggest names in music and comedy, and the busier the night, the harder parking gets. Below are the venue’s upcoming events, with a parking demand rating for each so you know when to plan ahead.

Event data is refreshed weekly. A high parking demand rating means the SEC Multi-Storey is likely to fill up — arrive early or pre-book one of the alternatives below. Always confirm event details with the venue before travelling.

Where To Park When Going To OVO Hydro: Recommended Parking

When it comes to OVO Hydro parking, there are several options for you to choose from:

• Primary Parking: The SEC Multi-Storey offers 1,600 spaces, with pre-payment available at the car park pay machines. It cannot be booked in advance, and considering the availability equates to only 11.2% of the OVO Hydro’s capacity, it is recommended that you arrive early to avoid disappointment. The standard OVO Hydro parking cost is £12 for the evening.
  • Pro Tip: Exiting the SEC Multi-Storey is known to take a while after a gig. It is worth arriving earlier to guarantee getting a lower spot and a swifter route out.
• Alternative Parking Options:
• #1: Premier Inn @ Pacific Quay provides various parking options but is first come, first served.
• #2: You can pre-book a nearby residential space via a parking app like JustPark or YourParkingSpace.
• #3: The Exhibition Centre Station is located nearby, allowing visitors to park in Glasgow Central or Partick and connected via the frequent trains.
• #4: The Glasgow Science Centre parking is a great option, allowing for up to 9 hours parking for £8.50 and located a six minute walk away.

Garages Near OVO Hydro

Unfortunately, your car does not care if you are off to see your favourite artist, as a flat tyre or other issue can pop up whenever. Thankfully, there are various Blackcircles-approved garages nearby that can get you back on the road ASAP:

• Cairnlea Garage – 0.9 Miles Away
• Gorbals Tyre Centre – 1.4 Miles Away
• Blackcircles Pitstop Glasgow – 3.3 Miles Away

EV Charging Near OVO Hydro Glasgow

With over four million EV and plug-in hybrids on the road in the UK, it is more important than ever to know if and where there is EV charging available. Here are the locations for EV charging near OVO Hydro:

• SEC Car Park (6x 22kW, 1x 50kW)
• Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow (4x 50kW chargers, 2x 43kW, 2x 7.2kW)

Pro Tip: Before making a potentially lengthy journey, it is important to remember that EVs are heavier and deliver instant torque, leading to uneven tyre wear. Now would be a great time to inspect them and, if they need replacing, invest in EV tyres that can handle the extra weight and provide a quieter ride.

And there is everything you need to know before making your way over to the OVO Hydro.

After getting safely parked, all there is left to do is make your way over to the venue, get signed in and have a night you will never forget!

Glasgow OVO Hydro Parking: Frequently Asked Questions