Tourism NI supports “truly unique” Friendship Four

The annual event, founded by the Odyssey Trust, is the first and only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One men’s ice hockey tournament to be held outside North America.

Held annually at The SSE Arena, Belfast, since its inception in 2015 the tournament has become a flagship event in Northern Ireland’s sporting calendar - bringing world-class collegiate hockey to the city, while promoting education, cultural exchange and community engagement.

Skaters are set to take to the ice on November 28 and 29 with visitors given a unique opportunity to see four top American college teams go head-to-head. This year will see the Rochester Institute of Technology, Sacred Heart University, Miami University and Union College compete for the Belpot Trophy at the home of the Belfast Giants.

Last year’s event attracted more than 20,000 visitors with 24% coming from outside Northern Ireland.

Around 400 participants took part in the 2024 event with almost 3,500 commercial bednights (hotel, B&B, guesthouse, self-catering) booked. The event last year generated £768,537 for the north’s economy.   

It is one of 14 events which recently secured funding through Tourism NI’s International Tourism Events Fund. 

The ITEF supports events that attract significantly high levels of visitors to Northern Ireland while also generating international media coverage, which helps to showcase the region as a must-see travel destination.

Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism NI, said: “Tourism NI is delighted to support the Friendship Four ice-hockey tournament especially this year, as the event celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

“The Friendship Four is a thrilling sports event offering entertainment for all the family. Last year’s tournament drew 20,000 visitors, 24% of which came from outside Northern Ireland.

“The event is a fantastic opportunity to attract visitors to Belfast outside the peak season and showcase the city's sports offering. We wish the organisers every success with the 2025 tournament.”

Steve Thornton, Sports Director of The Odyssey Trust, said: “This year’s tournament is especially pertinent as we celebrate a decade of the Friendship Four. Since 2015, this ever-growing transatlantic event has provided North American student-athletes with a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel overseas - for the first time in some cases - and experience all that Northern Ireland has to offer.

“From trips to iconic landmarks to team visits to local primary schools, the Friendship Four offers a truly unique chance for inclusion, collaboration, and shared learning experiences right here in Belfast.

“Working alongside local bodies such as Tourism NI undoubtedly helps to make these overseas visits even more memorable for staff, travelling fans, students, and families. 

"Once again, we’re incredibly appreciative of Tourism NI’s invaluable support in the lead up for the Friendship Four, and we look forward to working with them to make this year’s tournament one of the best yet.”