Glasgow 2018 – European Championships
Branded the biggest sporting event in Scotland since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships took place over 11 days in August 2018 and required world-class temporary infrastructure at venues across Scotland.
In a proven collaboration, the Joint Venture (JV) of GL events Field & Lawn, was awarded the title of Official Overlay Supporter and completed the installation in just two months. Combining local expertise with international experience and heritage, the partnership of GL events UK and Field & Lawn demonstrated once more its successful delivery of high-quality infrastructure for world-class sporting events.
In addition to physical infrastructure delivery, a high priority for the Glasgow 2018 team, was the commitment of its suppliers to an investment in and engagement of the local community, ensuring that the legacy of the European Championships was positive and long-term.
As a passionate supporter of the future of events, and the sustainability of the events industry, GL events UK was delighted to work with Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh to offer students the opportunity to take up positions as volunteers at the Championships, offering an invaluable experience to future budding event managers!
Event infrastructure began in earnest in June, with the JV team working closely with Glasgow City Council, to ensure that health and safety and quality were paramount in all planning and logistical decision making. A celebration event in George Square on 1st August heralded the start of the Championships the following day, when GL events Field & Lawn’s temporary structures, seating and overlay would be used for the first time by spectators, athletes, officials and the media. The event attracted 1.03 billion TV viewers and received 2,700 broadcast hours in 56 countries.
Here are a few of the highlights:
Strathclyde Country Park – Rowing and Triathlon
A brand new covered seating design was debuted at the rowing event – the 869-seat premium grandstand protected spectators whilst offering unrivalled comfort and viewing experience. A further 1,552 seats increased capacity for the rowing events, while a further 1,272 seats were installed for the Triathlon.
Scotstoun Sports Complex – Synchronised Swimming
The existing tennis court at Scotstoun Sports Complex was temporarily converted into a three-metre deep swimming pool suitable for synchronised swimming competitions. The partnership provided the pool deck and overlay as well as seating for 410 spectators with an elevated poolside view.
Loch Lomond – Open Water Swimming
Temporary athletes’ lounges and recovery rooms were constructed for the competition, as well as 123 extra spectator seats.
Cathkin Braes – Mountain Cycling
Access and environmental challenges didn’t stop the partnership installing media tents to allow coverage of the mountain cycling competitions.
Royal Commonwealth Pool and Tollcross International Swimming Centre
A total of 1,875 temporary seats were installed across both venues to increase spectator capacity for diving and swimming competitions.
Knightswood Park – BMX
1,900sqm of trackway and 3,771 spectator seats were installed for the BMX Cycling competition, as well as a range of temporary structures for competitors, media and broadcast centres, medical support and team cabins.
George Square
As the beating heart of Glasgow 2018 Festival during the Championships, George Square was home to the Official Merchandise Shop, one of the first public temporary structures to be completed for the event, as well as the BBC Studio which broadcast live coverage of competition against the iconic background of George Square.
