It was revealed Friday that Glasgow almost pulled out of its bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games because of serious doubts about the city’s chances of winning. Glasgow officials were concerned that a month after its decision to bid London was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
According to a report released Friday by Glasgow 2014, “this welcome decision led to further consideration of the possibility of a Glasgow win. While other candidates formally had to declare, there was every sign that Canada and Nigeria were gearing up to bid. Assessment had to be made about whether Glasgow could still win the race with an Olympics in London in 2012, the Games being held in Manchester in 2002, and the fact Scotland had already held the Games twice before – in 1970 and 1986. By August the decision was made – go for it, irrespective of the likely competition”.
The Evening Times reports that Louise Martin, honorary secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation, admitted the IOC’s decision made the bid team wonder “if there was any way we could win”. She said, “we had to look at it and think, ‘would that really impact against us’”.
But they decided to continue with the bid because Scotland was a single country within the Commonwealth Games Federation and the voting would be different.
The report said the operational review aims to show the “transparency” of the process and contains a detailed breakdown of the 6.2 million pounds spent to November 2007.
The report also reveals that it would cost between 50 and 175 pounds to attend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, with a five-pound discounted ticket also available. Ticketing is described as “inclusive” and prices were comparable or lower than other Games.
Tickets for the swimming competition, based on 2007 prices and including free public transport, would be between 25 and 90 pounds with discounted tickets available for five pounds.
Other events such as athletics, rugby sevens and boxing will have a top ticket price of 40 pounds.
Cycling, diving, hockey and shooting command a top price of 25 pounds. But some events are free, including the triathlon and mountain biking.
The report said, “our inclusive ticketing strategy has been designed in such a way as to cater for a variety of needs and budgets. The prices will be comparable to other major sporting events held in this country – meaning that even the high profile events will be within the reach of Scots and visitors to our country”.
