Glasgow yesterday lodged its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, competing against Nigerian capital Abuja. Financial Times


Glasgow has promised a ‘compact, Green’ games that will use existing sports venues. The cost of the games is estimated at £288m, 80% of which will come from the Scottish Executive and the remainder from the local council.

Hampden Park would be transformed into an athletics arena and Parkhead, home of Celtic FC, would host the opening ceremony. Rangers’ Ibrox ground has been named as the venue for the seven-a-side rugby tournament.

It is forecast that £50m would be raised from broadcasting, ticket sales, sponsorship and merchandising.

Abuja, a city of 1.4 million residents, plans to expand to 4 million by 2014 and aspires to become Africa’s sporting and tourism capital.

Members of the Commonwealth Games evaluation commission will visit both cities in June and take a final vote on 9 November.