Tickets for 2018 European Championships go on sale

People from across Scotland now have the chance to witness some of the world’s top athletes in action as part of a new global sporting event.

Tickets for the inaugural 2018 European Championships are now on sale with 250,000 people expected to cheer on athletes.

It comes as Scotland’s own Commonwealth and European champion  swimmer Ross Murdoch has been named as the first European Championship ambassador.

Public Health and Sport Minister Aileen Campbell joined Ross and young people from across Glasgow at a sporting street carnival in Glasgow to celebrate tickets going on sale.

Fans can buy tickets on a first come first served basis at just £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and over-60s.

Ms Campbell said:

“We know the passion and support shown by fans in Scotland helped to make both the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup a huge success and we want that replicated across the country next year.

“We are expecting a quarter of a million people to turn out and cheer on some of the world’s top sporting talent at events across Scotland and I encourage anyone who wants to be there and experience that famous Scottish welcome to get their tickets.

“2018 will be a hugely special year for Scotland, as it is also the year we celebrate the Year of Young People, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s one of your favourite sports or not – it’s all about getting involved, seeing what other sports are out there and being part of an event which will showcase Scotland to the world.”

 Ambassador Ross Murdoch said:

“I’ve got such great memories of competing in Glasgow – the fans really are something else and that really brings out the best in athletes. You always want to perform in front of passionate fans in packed venues and that is what you get when you compete in Glasgow. It is an unbelievable place to perform in. 

“And that is what will make the Glasgow 2018 European Championships so special. The fans really get behind you and take you to the next level. I have no doubt that will be the case next year and that Glasgow 2018 will be one of the best sporting events ever staged in this country.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said:

“Glasgow is a sporting city like no other. We are known all across the world for our passionate fans and warm welcome and nowhere will that be more evident than at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships which will be see Glasgow once again take centre stage.

“Glasgow 2018 will be a truly historic sporting moment as Europe’s very best athletes go for gold in our magnificent sporting arenas. With attendances of up to 250,000 expected across all six sports it will be an unmissable event, with fans encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.”

Background

Tickets can be purchased online

The European Championships will be staged every four years and brings together the existing European Championships of athletics, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon along with a new golf team championships.

The event has a potential television audience of up to 1.03 billion across the continent, with a wider audience via digital platforms.