World-Class Athletics Set for Commonwealth Sports Arena
2nd February 2012
The world's top athletes will get their first taste of competitive action at Glasgow's stunning new Commonwealth Sports Arena in January 2013, as the star-studded Aviva International Match relocates to the £113million venue in Glasgow’s East End.
The move is part of a two year deal between UK Athletics (UKA) and Glasgow Life, continuing the 21 year tradition of opening every athletics year in Scotland.
The Commonwealth Sports Arena, which is adjacent to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, will be one of the biggest facilities of its kind in Europe. Located on a 10.5 hectare site in Dalmarnock, the Arena will mean more than 5000 fans can pack in to see the world’s best athletes.
The new facility is being built by Glasgow City Council and plans are already being put in place for its official opening late this year. A world-class programme of sporting events will be staged at the venue in the lead up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, with the 2013 International Match to be the first major athletics meeting.
The Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council and the Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “The International Match has been at the heart of Glasgow’s sporting calendar for a number of years now and we are delighted that it will be the first major athletics event to be hosted at the new Commonwealth Sports Arena.
“Glasgow is one of the world’s leading sporting cities and the new arena will enable us to continue competing on a global stage when it comes to hosting major events. With that in mind we are currently developing what will be a world-class events programme around its opening later this year and the International Match will be a central part of this."
UKA’s Chief Executive, Niels de Vos said:“We are delighted to have concluded a two year contract with Glasgow Life to stage the famous Aviva International Match at the new Commonwealth Arena. The venue is genuinely world class and the world's best athletes will want to compete there in front of a great crowd.This year demand far outstripped supply for tickets to the event so next year we can ensure more people are able to experience top level competitive sport live on their doorsteps.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland added: “It’s exciting to think that the International Match will be the first major athletics event to take place in the new Commonwealth Sports Arena in just 12 months time. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and I'm sure the venue will welcome the athletics as preparation continues ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games."
Meanwhile Saturday’s farewell Aviva International Match at the Kelvin Hall was a sell out, with history created in the very final event of the day. Mo Farah, who stepped down in distance to take on 1500m specialist Kenyan Augustine Choge, set a new stadium record that will now last forever.
Farah was full of praise for the Glasgow crowd after his victory. He said: “The crowd was amazing – they just really got behind me and it really means a lot. I couldn’t believe how much noise was coming out of the crowd – it was unbelievable. I’ve never experienced that in my life.”
Current world 100m bronze medallist Kim Collins, who finished second in both the 60m and 200m events on Saturday, said: “I feel like the home favourite when I run here in Glasgow. It is great to feel the love and support the crowd show me.”
Home favourite Mark Lewis Francis, who beat Collins to win the 60m event, said: “I love it in Glasgow – it’s my second time winning here and I really enjoyed it. It is always a pleasure to run when it is the last international match at a venue. It was a great honour to come back here and run in front of an amazing crowd.”