Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Links
This page contains answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
If your query is not answered here, please visit the contact us page.
1. How do I register/ enter a note of interest to tender for supplies and services for the 2014 Commonwealth Games?
A: Within 100 days of the selection of Glasgow to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games an Organising Committee will be put in place to deliver the Games.
There will be many opportunities in the next seven years for people and companies to reap the benefit of Glasgow winning the Games. The Organising Committee will be working with the business community among others to identify the processes for the procurement of services and this process will be published in due course.
Please return to this website www.glasgow2014.com early in 2008 where you will find regular updates.
2. How do I get a ticket for the Opening Ceremony?
A: The Opening Ceremony will take place on 23 July 2014 at Celtic Park, Glasgow, it is anticipated that this will take place from 19:00 to 22:00. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and is noted for a spectator arrangement that brings the audience close to where the action happens.
The overall ticketing strategy has been designed to ensure that the Games are inclusive and that spectators are not deterred by excessive ticket prices. We aim to encourage all members of the community in Scotland and overseas visitors to attend one of the biggest extravaganzas in Scottish sporting history.
At 2007 levels, ticket prices are expected to range from £5 for a discounted ticket with 4 further price bands of £50, £75, £150 and £175.
At this time it is not possible to buy a ticket for the Opening Ceremony. We are in the process of formally establishing the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and setting out its roles and responsibilities. One key responsibility will be to move forward with the strategy for allocating tickets to all competitions and ceremonies.
Please return to www.glasgow2014.com in the future where updates will be posted on how you can apply for tickets. However, we are sure you will appreciate that ticket sales will be much closer to the Games in 2014 so it will be several years before further information is available.
3. Can you send me/ can I use the Glasgow 2014 logo?
A: The Glasgow 2014 logo is the property of the Commonwealth Games Federation. As such the logo can only be used to promote projects related to the Glasgow 2014 Games.
At this time it is not possible to forward the Glasgow 2014 logo to any commercial organisation or sports governing body for use.
For companies wishing to use the Glasgow 2014 logo under license for merchandise or promotional products, please continue to check this website in the future for news on this topic. Similarly, the delivery of this function will be the responsibility of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee.
The process of appointing official sponsors will be a key responsibility of the Organising Committee, which is currently being established.
Prior to 2011 when Glasgow 2014 sponsorship rights will become active, companies can get involved with the Games through support of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland teams in the lead up to the 2008 Pune Commonwealth Youth Games and 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
4. I would like to work for Glasgow 2014, how do I apply?
A: At this time Glasgow 2014 is putting in place the structures that will formally establish the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and to set out its roles and responsibilities. We are currently in the process of appointing a Chief Executive and Chair. Once they are in place they will start to build a team who can deliver the best ever Commonwealth Games.
Please revisit www.glasgow2014.com/vacancies on a regular basis to view all available positions. All positions will also be advertised in the press.
5. Is the schedule of sports likely to change?
A: All the sports within the membership of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland were asked to indicate interest in being considered for selection in 2006. Submissions were then assessed by the CGCS using a set of criteria given to all sports. Among the criteria were a) the strength and appeal of the sport across the Commonwealth b) the likely spread of medal success and c) the potential legacy from inclusion of the sport.
In November 2006 the CGF agreed major changes to the sports allowed in the Games. They decided there should be
Category 1; 10 core sports
Category 2; a list of eligible sports for inclusion from which bidding cities could choose up to 7
Category 3; sorts recognised by the CGF for development, but not yet for inclusion in the Games.
In January 2007 Glasgow 2014 announced details of the 17 sports that make up our programme, these are Athletics, Aquatics, Boxing, Badminton, Squash, Weightlifting, Lawn bowls, Hockey, Rugby 7s (men), Netball (women), Cycling, Shooting, Wrestling, Judo, Gymnastics, Table tennis and Triathlon. The Games will also have an integrated sports programme for Elite Athletes with Disabilities. See our sports page for further info.
CGF rules do not allow either additional sports or ‘demonstration sports’ to be included in Glasgow 2014’s programme. In addition any Commonwealth Championships in sports out with the agreed programme must be held at least 3 months before, or after, the Games to avoid any conflict with the official Games sport programme.
At this time it is not anticipated that this will change, unless the CGF allow additional sports to be included in Glasgow 2014’s programme.
6. How do I compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games?
A: To celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth Games, we encourage you to find your own sport, get active and become involved in local sporting events. Getting fit and healthy could change your life.
The impact of hosting the Games in Scotland is potentially greatest for our children, some of whom may themselves be participants at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
If you are interested in competing for Scotland in 2014 please first consider the 17 sports which will form Glasgow’s Sports Programme – detailed above.
If you are not already a member of a local team, club or association you should make some enquiries in your area. There is a wealth of clubs, societies and sports centres for you to choose from, offering a wide range of sports in every area.. A local sports centre might be able to direct you or you could contact the appropriate Governing Body for your chosen sport, for a full list visit http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/SiteNavigation/Contact+us/TopicNavigation/Governing+Bodies/
If you have a special talent or aptitude your local club will suggest you try out for the regional and in time Scottish team. With hard work, effort and commitment you could go on to fulfill your dream of being part of the Scottish squad and competing for medals in front of a home crowd.
7. When will the 2014 Commonwealth Games be held?
A: Between 24 July and 3 August 2014.
8. What will the economic impact of the Games be?
A: One of the most important benefits is likely to be using the opportunity of the Games to change perceptions of the city.
The Games can help develop a new sense of confidence and pride in the community, encourage social involvement and skills development.
Initial projections show that Glasgow and Scotland would benefit significantly from holding the Commonwealth Games:
Significant physical regeneration will open up many parts of the city to economic development opportunities
Already a major tourist destination, there could be a net increase of 4% in tourism numbers in the three years following the Games. This equates to roughly £30m to the economy. This does not include any increased conference bookings that the Games may generate
Net economic benefits of £26 million at a Glasgow level
Net economic benefits of £81 million at a Scottish level
1000 net jobs in Glasgow and 1200 net jobs in Scotland.
9. What is the Games budget?
A: The budget for the Games is £298 million. This covers all the things that are needed to run the games – travel for athletes, food for the village, security etc. With 70% of the Games venues already in place – and another 20% already committed, we are in the fortunate position in that we do not have major capital projects to deliver for the Games. History shows us that it is these large projects (new stadia etc) that cause budgets to rise.
10. Is the Games budget likely to rise?
A: As the majority of our budget deals with revenue costs, these are much easier to control. We will have the strictest revenue controls in place. We are confident that we will be able to stay within the budget that has been agreed.
11. Which venues will be involved in staging Games?
A: Our programme consists of the adaptation of existing facilities, improving others and the construction of new purpose-built facilities. Read more about the proposed venues.
12. Who pays?
A: The Scottish Executive and Glasgow City Council have agreed to underwrite the costs of staging the Games. This will be on the basis of an 80/20 split. It is expected that the majority of the 80% of costs to be covered by the Executive will be new money committed to the sports and major events budget.
13. How will the transport system work?
A: From an extremely strong base, a further £3 billion will have been spent on enhancements to transport over the next decade, £2 billion of which will be in the next 5 years. These developments will include completion of major motorway links; a rail link to Glasgow International Airport; light rapid transport to key facilities and improvements to the River Clyde – including river-based transport.
14. How can I volunteer?
A: Scotland’s formal volunteering program will not be fully launched until 2012. However, you can register your interest in volunteering on this site today.
Useful Links
Glasgow City Council
Scottish Government
Commonwealth Games Federation
Commonwealth Games Council of Scotland
Sportscotland
Scottish Sports Hall of Fame
Scotland is the Place
Up to date info on what’s happening around the city at http://www.seeglasgow.com/