What a top family night out! We went to our first Belfast Giants Game a couple of weeks ago at the Odyssey and really loved it. For anyone who has been trapped in a cupboard for the last 10 years, the Giants are Belfast's home ice hockey team. I'm not a great sports fan and none of us had a particular interest in ice hockey, but that didn't matter. There was such a good atmosphere and the game was so fun to watch that everyone, from age 5 up, had a blast. During the game, there is a troop of cheer leaders who do all the whooping and jumping you see on TV and during intervals various furry mascots skate about to entertain the crowd. My favourite bit was when they fired Subway subs out of a mini canon into the crowd. Didn't manage to catch one though. The game itself was really entertaining. I think some of the fights between players were stage managed but no less exciting for it. We really got into the spirit of the event and bought those giant foam hand you see on TV. Adult tickets were £15 and the kids cost £9 each so it's not a cheap night out but absolutely worth it for a birthday treat. read more

Belfast Giants - Sports Clubs Near Me

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I and a crew of people (3 Irish & 4 American /Canadian) decided to do a little road trip up to Belfast to see a Belfast Giants ice hockey game. They play their home games in the Odyssey Arena in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, and I have to say we had a great experience. The great thing about it is how well it's organised. Tip-top professional. It's a real "event", a spectacle only North American sports teams can pull off. There is a great atmosphere entering the stadium with many fans having drinks in the sports bar Rockies which is part of the Odyssey Arena complex. Then comes everything from the mascot "Finn McCool" getting the crowd going to a very patriotic entrance video for the team to the game itself. The game is fast-paced and action packed. In between stoppages there is everything from pizza-eating competitions to free t-shirt and subway sandwich give-aways. The event is very family orientated and a lot of fun. If you have anyone who is American/Canadian or who has lived there that misses a slice of Americana this will be right up your street. There is also a wonderful feeling of the team giving something to the community. There are a lot of charities associated with the team and the players are only happy to sign autographs and meet the fans afterwards. A real treat!! read more

I've been to see the Giants a number of times since they started out, and I find it a brilliant night out for people of all ages. The Giants are the one sporting team in this country that everyone, no matter what 'side of the community' they are from, can support without bickering! Obviously Ice-Hockey is not a particularly popular sport in Northern Ireland. In fact, it probably doesn't enjoy big popularity on this side of the Atlantic, so most of us have limited knowledge of how the game works, but that doesn't matter, it is so fast paced, there is no chance of anyone getting bored! As mentioned above, the players do fight, but it is part of the game and staged, more than acts of mindless violence!! Throughout the game, there are breaks for promotions from the sponsors of the team, such as throwing packs of cookies into the crowd, and giving away everything from free pizzas, free Subway sandwiches, and free flights! If you haven't been to see the Giant's yet, you should. read more

As part of the choir at school (stop sniggering) we were treated to tickets to see the world famous Belfast Giants. It was the first time that I had ever been to the Odyssey and a little country bumkin like me being brought to the bright lights of Belfast to see their giant people! Firstly it scared me, because not only was the place huge, but they also told us to watch out incase the hockey puck was to fly out and hit you in the face. But once the match began, whilst keeping an eye on not getting hit in the eye, it was a proper event. The crowd (and this was towards the start of the Belfast Giants career) were seriously up for it. There is a really good atmosphere, and as Lyra M stated, it has absolutely no effect on religious or cultural persuasion. Everyone has the same goal, and the same reason for being there. This shows, as it does with rugby, that religion does not have to come into sport. It's a great, fun, safe night out (As long as you don't get hit in the face witha puck) read more

Most sports in Northern Ireland come with a label, You play rugby? I know what you are. Hurling? I've got you tagged. It's a sad state of affairs, and one that doesn't look likely to change. Ice hockey, on the other hand, came to this country post-Good Friday Agreement. It doesn't belong to one community or tribe, and that in itself is worth applauding. I don't think the Belfast Giants have managed to maintain the same level of support that they had when the team was first set up, but it's still a great night out, and is definitely fun for all the family. I still haven't gotten over my fear of being hit by a puck though, so I'll be sitting at the back. Waaaaay at the back! read more

If you are looking for a wholesome, fun, family event to take your little ones too, look no further. Ticket prices are very reasonable and the game is soooo much more than a game. It really is an event and spectacle. Lots of giveaways, raffles and great prizes to win, great mascots, plenty of parking and lots to watch on the ice, you won't be disappointed by taking in a hockey game! read more

The establishment of the Belfast Giants marked a turning point in many ways for Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole. It was the first sport that we had that wasn't tainted by sectarian politics or used to fuel further divisions, which is why I think so much money was pumped into getting it set up. The success of the Giants is testament to how sport can unite people across the most bitter of divides and makes a great night out for the entire family. read more

My brother and sister love Belfast Giants, I'm not too keen but the atmosphere is good and we won a free pizza so that brightened up our night!! read more