UEFA Euro 2020 launches in Glasgow’s Science Centre

Sir Alex Ferguson helped kick-off Glasgow’s UEFA EURO 2020 preparations at the official launch of the Host City branding in the Science Centre on the banks of the River Clyde.

The managerial great was joined by Scottish FA President Alan McRae, Chief Executive Stewart Regan, Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, and UEFA’s Legal Affairs Director Alasdair Bell in unveiling Glasgow’s logo for the 60th anniversary of the European Championship, which will be spread across 13 host city venues.

Hampden Park will play host to a Group Stage and a Round of 16 match for the championships. The iconic Clyde Arc - affectionately known to Glaswegians as the Squinty Bridge – is a centrepiece of UEFA’s historic tournament, one of the 13 connecting bridges across Europe.

Alan McRae, Scottish FA President said: “On behalf of the Scottish FA – and, indeed, the whole of Scottish football – I am proud that Glasgow and Hampden Park will be an integral part of these special UEFA European Championship finals, celebrating 60 years of one of the most exciting and unpredictable tournaments in world football.

“From the first international association football match in 1872, to the iconic European Cup Final between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt in 1960, to that goal by Zinedine Zidane in 2002: we can prove that the history and fabric of football is inextricably linked with Scotland, Glasgow and Hampden Park.”

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive said: “Hampden Park, as well as being a top-class football arena, has given centre stage to the biggest music names in the world, has been a centrepiece of the Olympic Games in 2012 and, of course, the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

“Now, as a UEFA EURO 2020 Host City venue, Hampden Park will welcome new heroes to Glasgow and help create the next chapter in the long and illustrious history of our game.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, Scotland’s UEFA EURO 2020 Ambassador said: “I have an enduring affinity with Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium, and it is fitting that a stadium with such a proud history should be a part of this unique celebration of the UEFA European Championship’s 60th anniversary. 

“I was fortunate enough to play on that famous pitch as a young Queen’s Park player; to watch the legendary Real Madrid side that came to Glasgow in 1960; and can look back fondly at those cup final successes as manager of Aberdeen.

“I look forward to Hampden being a key part of an historic UEFA EURO 2020.”

Alasdair Bell, UEFA Legal Affairs Director said: “It is wonderful that we are taking UEFA EURO 2020 to so many countries and cities; to see football acting as a bridge between nations and to carry the competition closer to the fans who adore our game, right on their door-step.”

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau said: 

“Glasgow enjoys a proud reputation as one of the world’s great footballing cities and the Hampden Roar is legendary among visiting football fans from every nation.

“As a city, we recognise the value of football and major sporting events. We have a fantastic track record in attracting and delivering some of the biggest global sporting championships – including the Champions League and UEFA Cup finals – and we’re ranked as one of the top five sporting cities in the world. Attracting an event as illustrious as EURO 2020 has been a long-term goal for Glasgow and today is another milestone in realising that ambition.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said: “This is a unique opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to host matches as part of this prestigious championship.

“It will help to enhance our international reputation and is likely to have a significant economic impact, not just for Glasgow but for Scotland as a whole.  We will look to create opportunities for visitors to extend their trips beyond the matches - spreading the tourism and economic benefits.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Scotland has demonstrated its capacity as the perfect stage for events on numerous magnificent occasions In recent years, and hosting these crucial UEFA EURO 2020 matches will build upon our sterling reputation as a world-leading host nation. 

“We are delighted Hampden Park is set to play such a pivotal role during this landmark tournament, and look forward to further footballing history being made here in Scotland in 2020.”