World Athletics has announced that Glasgow has been chosen to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships following a successful bid process.
The Emirates Arena will stage the biggest indoor athletics championships in the world, five years on from holding the successful European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019.
News of the award delighted the bid partners EventScotland, Glasgow Life, UK Athletics and UK Sport who received the outcome of the World Athletics Council vote on Wednesday.
UK Athletics chair Ian Beattie said: “We are delighted to be awarded the opportunity to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
“World Athletics have demonstrated their confidence in the UK to host global athletics championships once again, and history has shown time and time again our ability to deliver amazing events.
“We’re thrilled with the outcome and look forward to a successful Championships working alongside our partners that will truly give all athletes a fantastic stage upon which to perform.”
UK Sport chair Katherine Grainger said: “I am delighted that with our event hosting partners, we have secured another world class event to take place in Scotland.
“As part of our new strategy to reach, inspire and unite communities across the UK, ensuring a wide geographical reach is of utmost importance to us.
“The National Lottery investment into this event will help ensure a truly inspirational event, both on and off the field of play.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2024.
“This will underline Scotland’s global reputation as the Perfect Stage for events and is welcome news as we look to recover from the pandemic.”
Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted that Glasgow and Scotland have been chosen to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and securing the Championships reinforces our reputation as a global leader in the delivery of innovative and world class events.
“We look forward to working closely with World Athletics and our partners to deliver the truly memorable Championships, and to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world to Glasgow and Scotland in 2024.”
Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life and depute leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Today’s announcement by World Athletics recognises Glasgow’s global reputation as a first choice host for major sporting events and as a city with a track record of delivering world-class event experiences.
“It’s a privilege to be bringing the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships to the Emirates Arena, which is widely regarded as one of the best athletics venues in the world.
“Glasgow is committed to using major international events to encourage participation in sport and physical activity, and to ensuring the positive impact of events benefits local communities.
“Together with our partners, we’re looking forward to continuing that important work and to delivering an outstanding Championships which helps to inspire Scotland’s next generation of talented athletes.”