A TOTAL of 75,000 people have attended sessions at Glasgow's new £113million Emirates Arena since it opened two months ago.

The sports venue has attracted more than 1000 new Glasgow Club members, with almost three quarters coming from the East End.

And the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome has been used on about 5000 occasions.

Since it opened on October 5, the arena has played host to six major sporting events at Scottish, European or World level.

The busiest period was during the UCI Track Cycling World Cup, when more than 20,000 people came through the doors.

Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, which runs the venue, said: "The Emirates Arena has firmly established itself as one of the world's leading events venues.

"Some of the biggest names in sport, including several Olympic and World champions, have already graced the arena's competition areas and we look forward to that continuing.

"We built the arena for the people of Glasgow and the public response has been incredible.

"It is fantastic to see so many people coming to events and using the sports facilities.

"But we want to make sure even more people come through the doors over the coming months and years."

The Glasgow Club health and fitness centre is one of the largest and best equipped in the city. It has 80 cardiovascular and strength and conditioning machines, including treadmills, rowing machines and step machines.

It also has a functional training zone, dance studio, spin studio and mind and body studio. The spa has a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, caldarium, two treatment rooms and a relaxation area.

For further information on the events coming to the arena, including full ticket details, see the website: www.emiratesarena.co.uk.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk