TWO of the flagship venues of the Commonwealth Games have already been attended by 1.3million members of the public.

The Emirates Arena, which includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, was built at a cost of £113million.

It opened in October 2012 and so far, 605,000 people have passed through the doors.

Just under 200,000 have attended fitness classes and the Glasgow Club gym and more than 60% of its new members live in the surrounding area.

Tollcross International Swimming Centre reopened in May 2013 after a £13.8m upgrade and visitor numbers currently stand at 680,000, making it one of the busiest sport facilities in Scotland.

It now has two 50 metre pools allowing it to be used for international events and by the local community at the same time.

Figures at both venues include of people using the health and fitness facilities and those attending international sporting events.

The Emirates and Tollcross are managed by Glasgow Life on behalf of the city council.

Council leader Gordon Matheson said: "Glasgow's Games are about more than just 11 days of world-class sport: they are the catalyst for a much bigger celebration of our city's love of sport.

"Glasgow City Council has invested heavily in new and improved venues ahead of the Games - £127m on the Emirates and Tollcross - two of the best facilities of their kind anywhere in the world.

"These venues were built for, and are owned by, the people of Glasgow.

"Unlike other major sporting events, all Glasgow City Council-owned venues were built and in use more than a year in advance of the Games.

"And they have been exceptionally popular with local people, with attendances at the Emirates and Tollcross at a staggering 1.3m well before the first athlete arrived in our city for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"They are already proving to be an inspiration for the next generation of sports stars and will continue to do so long after Glasgow's Games have ­finished, leaving a lasting legacy."

During the Games, supergyms have been created across the city while some facilities are closed to the public.

Glasgow Club Gorbals is being hailed as one of the best in the city after Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life invested £300,000 in the latest fitness equipment.

The gym has 42 cardio machines, 14 fixed resistance machines, free weights, and lifting platforms.

The second supergym was launched at Bellahouston and also provides the best fitness facilities.

Glasgow Life says with eight city sporting venues closing across the city during the Commonwealth Games, the new supergyms will help members keep exercising throughout the summer.

People will also be able to access another 19 Glasgow Club venues across the city.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk

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