GLASGOW'S Commonwealth Games will have the family at its centre.

As Games organisers announced the ticketing structure and the timetable of events, Lord smith of Kelvin Chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: "It's going to be a family event.

"I really hope that Glaswegians get behind this as the more home support we've got the better."

As reported in last night's later editions of the Evening Times, prices for the 2014 Commonwealth Games will start at £15 for adults and £7.50 for children and over 60s.

Former Olympian and World Champion triple jumper Jonathan Edwards hosted the event in the city centre.

He was joined by Rhona Simpson, former Scottish Olympic hockey player and David Carry, three time Olympian and Commonwealth swimmer.

Jonathan said: "I've been behind the scenes at the Commonwealth Games village and it's fantastic, and the Hydro as well. If Sir Chris Hoy's two gold medals in London had been won in front of nobody, it wouldn't have been the same.

"The success of London was down to the public; the success of Glasgow will be exactly the same.

"The Commonwealth Games is the event that always took me by surprise as an athlete.

"When you sit down and you plan your programme, you think about Olympic Games and World Championships, but some of the most intense moments I had were at the Commonwealth Games."

Rhona said: "To be part of team Scotland when the games come will be an absolutely phenomenal experience which is hard to put into words.

"Just that feeling when you've put in so much time and effort, for years and years.

"To be part of it will be absolutely fantastic but to be part of the whole journey to seeing it from a different angle for me is the next best thing.

"I do the best that I possibly can to make sure the athletes are taken care of and they have the best experience.

"They have a programme in place that will peak at games time, and they will have other competitions that they will have to compete in on that journey.

"Basically they will all have individual training programmes and squad sessions, and everything is geared towards being ready on July 23 when that kicks off – to be at the peak of your performance."

SHE continued: "It takes over your life, there's a lot of dedication and sacrificing but when you step out there and feel the buzz from the crowd all these things have been worthwhile."

And David added: "Having experienced a spine-tingling and unforgettable atmosphere of London 2012 and the passion of crowds at previous Commonwealth Games, I have no doubt that the athletes hoping to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will have something incredibly special to look forward to.

"Having packed stadia and enthusiastic crowds is what makes an electric atmosphere at competition time and that can really impact positively on performance.

"I know Scotland's swimmers will enjoy the home advantage of a Scottish crowd shouting, screaming and supporting.

"I also know that Scottish supporters will make the games a warm, welcoming and once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the athletes.

"It will be a really special time for them and for Glasgow."

More than 6000 athletes are expected to compete in the games, and will be allocated two tickets each for every event they compete in, to bring friends and family for support.

hannah.rodger@eveningtimes.co.uk