Glasgow to host 2014 Commonwealth Games

Glasgow will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games after beating Nigerian capital Abuja. The city won the vote of 71 nations by 47 votes to 24 earlier today (Friday).

Nicola Sturgeon, deputy First Minster, described winning the win as a “momentous day for Scotland”. She added that it would “huge boost” to the economy and would provide a springboard for regeneration in the city.

The 11-day event will start on July 23 2014 and will cover 17 sports including athletics, boxing, wrestling and table tennis. It is expected to attract 6,000 and 6,500.

It will be take place in a purpose build Athletics Village in the city’s East End. A national indoor sports arena and velodrome will also be built although the main events will take place at the city’s Hampden Park stadium, which will also host the closing ceremony. It is estimated that it will cost the city £288m to host the games, most of which will come the Scottish government.

The games were host in Manchester in 2002 and it was credited with regenerating the city and boosting the local economy.