An official Ryder Cup fan zone is to be set up in the city’s Merchant Square to encourage golf fans to make the most of the event as Glasgow extends a special warm welcome to its visitors.
One of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar, The 2014 Ryder Cup returns to Scotland this year for the first time in more than 40 years, and Glasgow plays host to the Gala Concert as a curtain raiser for the week.
Thousands of ticket holders have already booked to stay in the city during the week of the tournament, which takes place at Gleneagles from 23-28 September. Nearly 7,000 hotel room nights have been booked in the city during the event, which Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) believes will inject more than £1 million into the city’s economy; providing a welcome boost to the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses.
GCMB, in partnership with Ryder Cup Europe and VisitScotland, will host the official fan zone event in Merchant Square from Friday to Sunday, September 26-28. A city guide is being produced to be handed out to ticket holders highlighting what’s on offer in Glasgow.
The official fan zone will feature live coverage of the tournament shown on a big screen and an interactive golf zone. The fan-zone will be family focused during the day with golfers, and beginners of all ages able to test their skills in the Gleneagles golf simulator, get tips from the on-site golf professional and practice putting on the green. There will also be a photo booth for fans to take pictures and share on social media their support for Team Europe or Team USA.
In the evening bars and restaurants will provide a fun and welcoming party atmosphere for golf fans returning from Gleneagles. Visitors and residents can soak up evening entertainment from DJs and live music performances in Merchant Square from Federation of the Disco Pimp, One Night Wonders and The Reel Time Ceilidh Band over the three nights.
Glasgow will host the star-studded 2014 Ryder Cup Gala Concert, which will be held on Wednesday, 24 September at the SSE Hydro.
The Gala Concert celebrates the start of The 2014 Ryder Cup with a concert that brings together a flavor of The Brits with The Proms. Top names in golf, music and the arts will unite for one evening as the European and USA teams are introduced to the audience live on stage for the first time.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, lead agency delivering Scotland’s Ryder Cup commitments, said: “Following the success of the XX Commonwealth Games Live Zones in Glasgow, which attracted hundreds of thousands of people, the official Ryder Cup fan zone in Merchant Square will be the place to be in Glasgow. “Thousands of ticket holders and media will be staying in Glasgow during the week, and the fan zone will provide that all important warm Scottish welcome. From live coverage of one of the world’s biggest sporting events to photo booths, putting greens and a golf simulator, the buzz of the fan zone will reflect the excitement felt right across Scotland as we prepare to host the best ever Ryder Cup.”
Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director said: “The 2014 Ryder Cup promises to be a magnificent festival of sporting excellence. It attracts a huge TV audience around the world who will all see the delights Scotland has to offer. It is great that golf fans, youngsters and families will be able to get caught up in the magic of The Ryder Cup through the Glasgow fan zone.”
Jennifer Morrison, Operations Manager for Merchant Square, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming visiting golf fans to Merchant Square for the official fan zone for the Ryder Cup in Glasgow. We’re anticipating a real buzz in the Square as our visitors, and also residents enjoy the great atmosphere.”
Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is the official destination marketing organisation for the city of Glasgow. As custodian of the PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW brand, GCMB works with partners, stakeholders and businesses to position and promote Glasgow across national and international markets as one of Europe’s most vibrant, dynamic and diverse cities in which to live, work, study, invest and visit.
For more information, visit: VisitScotland www.visitscotland.com