World Athletics Indoor Championships coming to Glasgow next year

The Emirates Arena, based in the city's East End, is set to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships a year from today.

From triple jump to relay racing, the event will see three action-packed days of intense competition, from March 1 to March 3.

Athletes, political figures and members of Glasgow Life met at the arena to kick off the countdown clock.

Eilidh Doyle, Olympic champion and one of Scotland’s most successful track and field athletes, has been announced as the Championships' ambassador.

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She told the Glasgow Times: "Just being here and envisioning what it's going to be like a year from now is really exciting.

"I am thrilled to be announced as ambassador for the Championships, it is a real honour, and I was really excited when I found out that Glasgow won the bid to host the competition.

"Glasgow is known for putting on these excellent sporting events and we're renowned for filling the stadium and having a really knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd.

"I think athletes thrive off of that.

"These events are amazing for inspiring but it's all about the follow-up after, and though legacy is a word that's used a lot, I think it's important that young people come to this event and feel inspired.

"It should be great."

The event, which is held every two years, is being hosted by Glasgow Life, who feel "thrilled" with the role at hand.

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of the Glasgow Life board, said: "We're very excited about the event.

"Glasgow is one of the world's biggest event destinations.

"We hold major sporting events just about every year, and this year, we are the European capital of sport.

"Having the event here shows faith in our city to be able to pull off these major world events.

"This is just another recognition of what Glasgow can do and what Glaswegians can do."

Youngsters from Shettleston Athletics Club were also in attendance today and got the chance to meet Neil Gray, MSP and Scottish Government minister for culture Europe and international development.

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Mr Gray said: "As a former athlete myself, I am hugely excited that Glasgow is going to be hosting one of the premiere athletic events on the world calendar.

"Having the event here is great from an economic perspective and it will really put Scotland on the map.

"Also, seeing the kids here from the Shettleston Athletics Club, reminds us that this event is a huge inspiration for young inspiring athletes, who can see their stars here in Glasgow.

"This event will be another feather in the cap to say that Glasgow is a major venue on the world stage.

"Glasgow is incredibly good at showcasing our culture and talents and people will be able to come here and enjoy Glasgow's renowned hospitality as well as the event itself."

Ian Beattie, chair of UK athletics and co-chair of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, added: "We're incredibly proud to be awarded the opportunity to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming spectators to the fantastic Emirates Arena where we know they will experience a brilliant World Athletics Indoor Championships.”

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Five thousand fans will be able to fit into the arena for each of the six sessions.

Ticket pre-registration is now open online and can be found HERE