Glasgow Welcomes The 2014 Ryder Cup

An official Ryder Cup fan zone is to be set up in the city’s Merchant Square next month 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 September 23-28. 

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, September 24, 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.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau will today (Thursday, August 28) address Glasgow businesses to discuss ways in which they can maximise the commercial opportunities of the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, said:

“Building on the success of the best-ever Commonwealth Games, The 2014 Ryder Cup gives the city another opportunity to showcase globally the fantastic welcome that it extends to its visitors.

“Glasgow will once again be in the spotlight as the city gears up to welcome an influx of golf fans attending this, the biggest tournament in golf. Visitors will be looking for more than just golf during their trip and we want them to make the most of their time in the city and experience all that it has to offer. Our official fan zone in Merchant Square will provide a focal point for visiting golf fans and Glasgow residents to watch live coverage of the tournament, try out the interactive golf zone and enjoy welcoming evening entertainment. The 18th hole may be at Gleneagles, but the 19th hole will be in Glasgow.”

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!

“With The Ryder Cup Gala Concert set to take place on Wednesday September 24 at The SSE Hydro, it’s certainly shaping up to be a very exciting week for Scotland.”

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.”