IT was touted as the place to be for fans without a ticket for Hampden. But it's now emerged Glasgow's Euro 2020 fan zone only operated at a third of its capacity during the tournament.

Organisers have confirmed fewer than 40,000 people turned up for 114,000 seats at the space with "no-shows" and Covid restrictions being blamed for the low levels of attendance. 

READ MORE: Glasgow Green fan zone begins to take shape ahead of Euro 2020

However, despite 74,000 seats being unused at the Glasgow Green venue, Glasgow Life chiefs hailed the success of the free event, which ran for the duration of the continental competition.

A UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Host City spokeswoman said: "All tickets for the 38 football match sessions were fully booked shortly after being made available.

Glasgow Times: Two thirds of seats went unused at the fan zone Two thirds of seats went unused at the fan zone

"These tickets were free of charge in line with UEFA requirements, enabling the event to be accessible to everyone.

"There was an average of four people at a table (to comply with Scottish Government requirements on household bubbles), and it was a full house at the Fan Zone for the three Scotland matches with a peak attendance of 2214 for the England vs Scotland match. 

"However, we know from previous experience that free tickets lead to a higher than usual level of 'no shows' and at the Glasgow Green Fan Zone, out with Scotland match days, this was in the region of a third at each session." 

As well as Covid restrictions, organisers blamed poor weather - with Glasgow hit by spells of heavy rain in the last month - for the turnout. 

Scotland's group matches attracted the biggest crowds at the fan zone, but Hampden defeats to the Czech Republic and Croatia dashed the country's hopes of making the knock-out stages of the tournament.

The space was also criticised when supporters weren't allowed to stay and watch Italy lift the trophy after Sunday's final due to the venue's licensing conditions. 

READ MORE: Euro 2020 final: Glasgow fanzone curfew blasted 'embarrassing'

The spokeswoman added: "We consistently encouraged ticket holders who no longer wished to use tickets to return them to the ticketing agency so they could be rebooked by other members of the public. We are disappointed that the response to this ongoing request was minimal."

"Unfortunately, given the necessary requirement for information on attendees for Test & Protect purposes to be captured through the ticket booking system, we were unable to change the admissions policy to allow 'walk ups'."

Glasgow Times: Attendances dwindled following Scotland's early exit from the tournament Attendances dwindled following Scotland's early exit from the tournament

Before the tournament the hospitality sector and opposition politicians criticised the fan zone plans given the tight rules in other industries. But after talks between Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, clinical advisers and Glasgow City Council it opened as planned.

As well as the live football more than 10,000 people attended 23 cultural sessions at the fan zone, with live music, comedy and family entertainment. Free sporting activity was also offered to families. 

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Writing in today's Glasgow Times, Glasgow Life chair David McDonald said: "I have been lucky enough to have been among nearly 40,000 people who attended the fan zone over 31 days and as well as great entertainment, I was impressed how safe and Covid-secure the site at Glasgow Green felt.

"You couldn’t escape the sense of celebration in the air as people enjoyed some carefully planned freedom."