I saw Kendrick & SZA from Hampden’s luxury hospitality suite — here’s what it’s really like
When Kendrick Lamar and SZA came to Glasgow and took to the Hampden Park stage, I wasn’t just there to watch the show — I was there to experience it in full hospitality style, courtesy of Sodexo Live!, the team behind some of the UK’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting events.
If you’re thinking of marking a special occasion, whether that’s a milestone birthday, a hen do for a music-loving friend, an office Christmas night out, or just an excuse to treat yourself, Hampden hospitality might be one of the best ways to do it.
This time, I was invited to try the Skybox Experience — Hampden’s most sought-after VIP hospitality package — and now I’m not entirely sure how I’ll ever go back to plastic cups and queueing for the loo. Here’s what went down in the Skybox…
Arriving in style
One of the biggest perks of Hampden concert hospitality is arriving early and skipping the queues. For the Skybox, you head through an exclusive VIP entrance and are welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a cocktail reception. Sharing boards are already set out, the bar is fully inclusive before 9pm with premium spirits, wine and beer, and — best detail — the bar team will happily shake up any cocktail you like. There’s a dedicated host looking after your group from start to finish, so you’re not hunting down service or losing time in lines.
We arrived before the support act, which meant time to chat, enjoy a first round of drinks, and settle into the space without feeling rushed. As a practical bonus, you’ve got hassle-free bathroom access whenever you need it, so you’re not missing half a song because you’re stuck in a corridor somewhere…
The Skybox: private space, perfect view
The Skybox itself is a sleek private suite for ten, with its own balcony and executive padded seats looking straight onto the stage. Our view was head-on, so we could see everything — the full production, the lights, the crowd moving in waves across the stadium. It’s genuinely magical to take in that scale from above, then step out to sing along with everyone else.
Inside, it feels like your own living room, if your living room had a premium bar and the best gig in Scotland happening outside the door. You can dip between the balcony and the lounge as the mood takes you — out for the big tracks, in for a top-up or a breather — and you never worry about losing your seat.
The food: nothing like “stadium food”
This is restaurant-quality dining served during a show. We started with chicken katsu baos, then moved on to flat iron steak with chimichurri cooked exactly how you like it. There was a fresh, colourful panzanella salad with heirloom tomatoes, fennel, burrata and crispy basil, plus slow-cooked lamb with couscous — and all the dips you could possibly want.
Dessert was just as good: a selection of perfectly portioned sweet things that made it hard to choose a favourite. And halfway through the set, more food appeared — cheesy chicken-loaded nachos, donuts, popcorn and more. Ideal for snacking, the kind that keeps you happily fuelled for singing and dancing all night.
If you’re someone who usually ends up raiding the fridge after a gig, you won’t need to. You’re well fed before, during, and after the performance, with savouries and snacks rolling out across the evening.
Drinks and afters
Pre-9pm, drinks are fully inclusive, which keeps the night simple, especially for groups splitting costs. After 9pm, there’s a contactless pay bar, and once the show wraps, you’ve got access to the DJ afterparty, which extends the night without the faff of leaving the venue and finding somewhere else. It’s a small touch, but it means you can ride the post-concert high a little longer.
You also receive a souvenir concert pass to keep, and there are two car park passes per Skybox included — handy if you’ve got a driver in the group.
The atmosphere: calm first, then full party
Early on, the Skybox has a calm, grown-up feel — time to catch up, enjoy the pre-show build, and take it all in. As soon as the headliner hits, it naturally shifts into party mode. People are on their feet, moving between the balcony and the lounge, and there’s a lovely mix of privacy and shared excitement. You’re part of the Hampden roar, but you’ve also got space for your group to enjoy the night your way.
Why it’s perfect for a special occasion
This is exactly the kind of experience that turns a gig into a celebration. It works for:
- Hen dos for music lovers who want something more memorable than a standard night out.
- Milestone birthdays where you want to bring everyone together without the stress of logistics.
- Office Christmas nights that feel premium but still fun.
- Anniversaries or a “we deserve this” treat with family or friends.
You can toast with Champagne, eat brilliantly, and still enjoy the full energy of a live show — without juggling queues, seats, and cloakrooms all night.
Packages and spaces for different budgets
Not every group needs a private suite, and that’s the strength of Hampden Park hospitality — there are options for different budgets, group sizes and vibes.
- Book a table in the main hospitality lounge if you want a lively setting with a private bar, a live DJ and space for a dance before or after the gig.
- Dine in the onsite upscale restaurant for a more traditional pre-show meal, then head to your seats.
- Reserve a private room with in-room dining if you want your own space without committing to a Skybox.
- Or go all-in with the Skybox for ten if you’re planning a “big one”.
It’s flexible, which means you can match the experience to the occasion and the spend.
Other Hampden Park hospitality options
If you’re comparing, these are the key VIP concert hospitality packages you’ll come across when booking:
- Platinum Box – Among the best seats in the house, paired with a premium culinary experience and attentive hosting.
- Skybox – Private suite for ten with balcony seating, inclusive dining and drinks pre-9pm, and dedicated hosting.
- Royal Experience – A top-tier VIP option with extra exclusivity and service.
- Skylounge Experience – Set in the legendary North Stand; feel the atmosphere with access to a dedicated bar.
- Club Level – Arrive through a VIP entrance and enjoy pre-show access to an exclusive lounge and private bar.
All of these lean into what Hampden does well: professional service, good food, and the scale and theatre of Scotland’s national stadium.
How to book Hampden hospitality (and what to expect)
Booking is straightforward. Head to hampdenpark.co.uk and look for VIP Concert Hospitality. From there, browse the list of upcoming live music events, pick your artist, and scroll the available packages. Each listing explains what’s included, so you can compare at a glance and choose the best fit for your occasion and budget.
A few practical notes that are useful when you’re planning:
- Arrival times: Hospitality opens before the support acts, so factor in time to enjoy your food and first drinks.
- Dress code: It’s mixed. Some groups make it a full outfits-and-heels moment; others keep it smart-casual. Go with what suits your night.
- Age restrictions: These are set per event by the promoter (for example, standing areas often have higher age limits than seating). Check the event page when you book.
- Accessibility and parking: There are options for accessible parking by enquiry; Skyboxes include two parking passes.
- Afterparty: Selected packages include access to a DJ afterparty so you can make a full night of it.
Price and capacity for the Skybox
The Skybox Experience is £6,605 for 10 people, including VAT (and it includes a £5 booking fee within that price). Skyboxes have a fixed capacity of ten and are sold on that basis, so it’s best suited to groups who want a private space and a clear, all-in plan for the night.
If you divide it by ten, it’s a considered spend, but for a once-in-a-while celebration — a big birthday, a hen with your closest friends, a client night, or an office Christmas party — it’s the kind of night people will talk about for years.
The verdict
If you’re curious about Hampden Park hospitality, the Skybox is the premium, all-bases-covered version of it: early entry, a Champagne and cocktail welcome, excellent food that rolls through the night, inclusive premium drinks before 9pm, and a private balcony with a stage-on view. Add the calm-to-party atmosphere and the afterparty access, and it’s a full experience rather than just a seat at a show.
For my night at Kendrick & SZA, it delivered exactly what you want from a big occasion: time together, proper service, standout food, and every moment of the gig from an unforgettable vantage point. If you’re planning something special and want the VIP concert experience in Scotland, Hampden’s Skybox is a brilliant way to do it.
For more on Sodexo Live! hospitality packages at Hampden Park, visit sodexolive.co.uk, and hampdenpark.co.uk/hospitality.
