The 2014 Ryder Cup returns to Scotland for the first time in more than 40 years. An official Ryder Cup fanzone is to be set up in Glasgow's Merchant Square encouraging fans to make the most of the event.
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.
Photograph: Getty Images
