A “family-friendly” ticketing strategy has been announced for next year’s Commonwealth Games with two-thirds of the tickets priced at £25 or less.
The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee revealed that access to sporting events will start from just £15 for adults and that half-price concessions will be available for children, a Commonwealth Games first, and the over-60s.
The price of a ticket includes use of public transport in the local area on the day of the event, helping to provide a “Games for everyone”.
Glasgow 2014 chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin, said: “This is a big day for Glasgow 2014 and one that has taken a substantial amount of planning. This isn’t just about selling a million tickets. It’s about making the Games accessible to all.
“We have spent many months designing a ticketing programme that reflects the vision and values of Glasgow 2014. Today’s the day we set out our stall. We have listened and learnt from previous Commonwealth Games as well as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We’ve also conducted our own research.
“We’ve thought long and hard about the pricing, the process by which you’ll buy tickets, but also the way we communicate. This is a Games for everyone. And by that I mean success not just for the organising committee and our partners, but also for the people of Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth.”
At a launch briefing in the city, attended by Olympic and Commonwealth athletes, Glasgow 2014 promised a “simple and accessible ticketing process” and pledged that at least 70% of tickets to all sporting events will be available to the public.
The Games competition schedule was also revealed with 12 sports on the first day, including swimming and track cycling.
The ticketing process will begin on August 19 and applications can be made online with debit or credit cards. Postal applications can also be made.
Three-time Olympian and double Commonwealth champion swimmer David Carry said: “Having experienced the spine-tingling and unforgettable atmosphere of London 2012 and the passion of crowds at previous Commonwealth Games, I have no doubt that the athletes hoping to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will have something incredibly special to look forward to.
“Having packed stadia and enthusiastic crowds is what absolutely makes for an electric atmosphere at competition time and that can really impact positively on performance. I know Scotland’s swimmers will enjoy the home advantage of a Scottish crowd shouting, screaming and supporting.
“I also know that Scottish supporters will make the Games a warm, welcoming and once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the athletes. It will be a really special time for them and for Glasgow. It is great that the ticketing policy at Glasgow 2014 is making it as accessible as possible for people to be part of making Glasgow 2014 the wonderful celebration of sport that I know it will be.”
An allocation of tickets has also been earmarked for special distribution to identified groups and communities. More details will be announced in the summer.