A Giant Night Out: An Account of a first time match going experience at the Belfast Giants

By Ryan Brolly

On Wednesday February 28th 2024 I attended my first ever game at the SSE Arena Belfast to watch the Belfast Giants take to the ice against fellow Elite Ice Hockey League team Dundee Stars. Despite being sport editor here at The Scoop my knowledge of Ice Hockey is minimal so this won't be a play by play analysis of the action from the men in teal but a comment on the action generally and the atmosphere. 

I have only ever experienced the SSE Arena set up for music performances so seeing the rink was fascinating. A crowd of 6,000 strong packed in many wearing club colours, a refreshing site as match going fans in other sports begin to look down on those wearing team colours to games. The Teal Army of the Giants made great noise and created an atmosphere that was helped by the acoustics of the arena helping the Giants go on to win 6-2 against Dundee.

As the action begun there was a spectacle of the teams entering the ice, as the teams got under way the technical nature of the sport was clear to see I was impressed by the physical aspect of the game considering the surface of play and how both sets of players largely stayed on their feet compared to other sports where simulation or diving is prevalent. As Giant’s first goal went in courtesy of #70 Matt McLeod almost nine minutes into the first period the atmosphere was great and I got to experience the goal horn of the Giants; a mashup of two songs starting with ‘I’ll tell my ma’ into Blur’s ‘Song 2’ which added to the experience greatly. 

The entire game was an emulation of American sports with various different songs and sound effects being played throughout the game. It was thoroughly entertaining and not something I have experienced before as a sports fan. Breaks between the periods were also filled with fun with fan engagement being at the fore ensuring there was something for everyone. Overall as a spectacle, entertainment, venue and action on the ice for a fair price point on the tickets I would recommend anyone with a free night who wants an activity to give the Belfast Giants a chance, I certainly will be back more frequently in the 2024/25 campaign.

Ryan Brolly is a History and Internaitonal Relations Student and Sport Editor at The Scoop