Olympic swimmer Michael Jamieson was today launching the Glasgow 2014 ticket sales programme with a splash.

The London 2012 silver medallist was in Glasgow today and dived into the pool at Tollcross International Swimming Centre for the first time since its £14m facelift to mark the occasion.

Tickets for all the sports events and the opening and closing ceremonies were going on sale at 10am today, with prices starting at £15.

Michael, 25, from Robroyston, who is an ambassador the Games and is hoping to win Gold on the first night of competition next year, said the Commonwealth Games were set to be the highlight of his career.

Tollcross, which will host the swimming competitions at Glasgow 2014, was the pool where he trained as a youngster with the City of Glasgow Swim Team.

He shared the historic moment with young swimmers from his former school, Glasgow School of Sport.

Michael said: "As well as being an athlete the great thing for me as a sports fan is being able to attend other events and I can't wait to get to see as much as I can at Glasgow 2014.

"The difference between watching a big multi-sport event on television or actually being there and experiencing it is second to none.

"You can feel the support of the crowd, the noise from the stadium and being in front of a home crowd will just add to the excitement.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to get tickets and come and be part of the action.

"These are elite athletes in every one of the 17 sports competing against their rivals so no matter which sport you get tickets for you will be enthralled, excited and entertained.

"There is nothing to beat live sport."

One million tickets across 17 sports over 11 days of competition are up for grabs, with two-thirds priced at £25 or less.

The four-week ticketing phase closes on Monday, September 16 and applications can be made online or by post.

It makes no difference whether fans apply on the first day or the last, as organisers have promised everyone the same opportunity to enter the ballot.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: "Glasgow 2014 in every sense is a Games for everyone and a fantastic opportunity to experience world-class sport up close in one of the world's great sporting cities. We look forward to welcoming elite athletes from across the Commonwealth and the best welcome we can give them are stadia packed with supporters cheering them on.

"Now is your chance to be part of this friendly force of fans for what I hope will be a great moment for sport, for Glasgow and Scotland.

"This is your opportunity to make sure you are part of the experience and enjoy the thrills and spills which Glasgow 2014 will have on offer."

The price of a ticket includes access to public transport in the local area on the day of the event and half-price concessions are available for under 16s and over 60s. Organisers have promised that at least 70% of all tickets to sporting events will be made available to the public.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: "With affordable ticket prices this is a truly family friendly Games that will guarantee top class sporting drama for spectators and a great Glasgow welcome for visitors."

To apply for tickets visit www.glasgow2014.com or pick up the Official Ticketing Guide which contain postal application forms.

They are available at leisure centres, libraries, museums and transport hubs across Scotland.

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk