With the rise in popularity of books and tv shows based in the competitive world of ice hockey, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in the sport. Luckily, studying in Belfast means that you can experience it right at your doorstep.

The Belfast Giants are a competitive ice hockey team based in the SSE Arena, situated close to the Titanic Quarter. The team plays regular home games during the ice hockey season (September to April), so you have plenty of opportunities to take a trip during your time at Queen’s. 

Inside the SSE Arena

We’ve mapped out a full day of activities below to ensure you make the most of a Giants game day!

Pre-game

Shake off assignment stress by going for a scenic morning walk or run – Canadian blogger Brandon has some recommendations for the best jogging spots here. Conveniently placed close to each of these routes is the popular Juice Jar – treat yourself to a post-run acai bowl, health shot or delicious smoothie!

Want to experience some action on the ice yourself? Take an afternoon trip to Dundonald Ice Bowl, NI’s only public Olympic size ice rink. Easily accessible by car or public transport, the ice bowl offers sessions for skaters of all abilities (pre-booking is essential on a Saturday). If you would really like to immerse yourself in the competitive world of ice hockey, reach out to the ice bowl’s resident clubs, the Belfast Foxes, to learn more.

Following your own stint on the ice, make sure to fuel yourself before the game by heading to Odyssey Place (via the Glider) for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants available on the ground floor, from Nando’s to Five Guys, or Little Wing for a pizza slice and one of their giant mozzarella sticks. Or if you’d really like to get into the Canadian spirit before watching some ice hockey, enjoy some fry poutine from MB Chicken (or nearby food truck Oui Poutine!).

Little Wing Sliced

The heat is on

Doors usually open an hour before the game in the SSE Arena, so you will have plenty of time to order any drinks or snacks and watch the team warm up. Game-worn jerseys and lottery prizes are normally up for grabs – keep an eye out for staff selling raffle tickets before the game and between each period (ice hockey games consist of three periods of twenty minutes). The Giants also have their own dedicated merch store on the ground floor of Odyssey Place if you’d like to grab a jersey or scarf to fully embrace the Giants spirit.

Face-off is at 7pm sharp; enjoy the electric atmosphere as the Giants enter the ice surrounded by flames and pumping music!

For the latest information on stats, standings and game rules, check out the official website of the Elite Ice Hockey League. Or if you are just there for the vibes, sit back and enjoy the action! Games sell out quickly so keep an eye out on the team’s Game Centre for upcoming fixtures and ticket links.

A fiery entrance

Post-game

Don’t want the night to end after the game? Head down to OFF ICE, the arena’s ground floor sports bar, for a pint and some live music. Close by is Char + Mash, the latest bar to open in Odyssey Place – the perfect spot for a game debrief over a cocktail or two!

Elsewhere, McHugh’s is a popular pub (and the oldest surviving building in Belfast) for post-game drinks for both home and away fans. If you’d like to celebrate the Giants’ win into the wee hours, head down to Union Street and dance the night away at Kremlin’s Revolution Saturdays club night (9pm – 3am).

Hungry for more ice hockey-related experiences this year? Make sure to visit the Oh Yeah Music Centre in March and the Belfast Empire this April for themed club nights…

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Student life in Belfast

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Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I’m Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen’s Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen’s website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog.  I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen’s and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen’s Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!