Hampden gearing up for Olympic Games ticket rush after landing Spain and USA football matches

May 2 2012

Hampden

HAMPDEN boss Peter Dallas insists two dream draws will ensure Olympic fever grips Glasgow.

Spain are coming to town along with women’s champions USA and Dallas said: “It may be a long time before we get a chance like this again.”

The National Stadium will host eight games and despite initial apathy from fans towards the tournament, low-cost ticket deals and the chance to see the stars strut their stuff in Mount Florida has ramped up interest.

The Spanish – with Manchester United keeper David De Gea and Barcelona wonderkids Cristian Tello and Isaac Cuenca in their squad – face Japan on July 26 and later that day Honduras and Morocco go head to head.

Five women’s matches involving the Americans, France, Columbia and North Korea will also take place and Hampden managing director Dallas believes it’s an opportunity for Glasgow to participate in a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

He said: “This is a chance for football fans to get involved in a historical occasion for the city. Something such as this won’t come around again for a lifetime. I’m sure when the Olympic rings arrive in the city and the stadium starts to get dressed for the occasion interest in the Games will really start to soar.

“It’s edging nearer and we were delighted with last week’s draw in London.

“Spain have a great history at Hampden with Zinedine Zidane’s stunning goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League Final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 still remembered then Sevilla and Espanyol were here for the UEFA Cup Final in 2007.

“We are ready to host capacity crowds for these games and I’m sure the Glasgow fans will do the city proud and get involved in what will I’m sure be a carnival atmosphere.”

Fans are being offered a Pay Your Age ticket deal which is hoped will attract families.

A spokesperson for London2012 said: “Tickets went on sale on Monday. Parents can take their children along with our Pay Your Age scheme allowing them to entry at a low cost. If the child is six years old then £6 is the amount the parent will pay combined with his own ticket.”