Get into Games early doors

Millions of pounds have been spent on building world-class stadiums and facilities worthy of the likes of sprinting legend Usain Bolt and Olympics golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill.

But, behind the scenes, ­Glaswegians are also marking the Games in their own way, and this week residents get a chance to have a sneak peak at some of the projects and exhibitions that are warming up for 2014.

This year's Doors Open Day has a Commonwealth Games theme, throwing open top venues, and exploring Games sites, groups ­involved with them and the ­architecture that is transforming the city's East End.

In total, 18 buildings and events have been linked to the sporting theme, and, while many of them are top venues that will feature in the spectacle next year, some of them are not what you might expect.

Ruth Morris, right, events and ­development co-ordinator for Doors Open Day organisers the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, said: "We chose this theme because the Games are driving quite a lot of changes in the city.

"We have managed to get quite a lot of the different sporting venues involved."

Many of the key venues that will be used for Glasgow 2014 are throwing open their doors to the public, including the Athletes' Village, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Glasgow National Hockey Centre, Hampden Park and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre.

One of the talks - 'Starting Blocks and Building Blocks: The Architecture of Sport and Leisure' - is set to explains the changes the Games are making to the city.

Ruth explained: "The talk will go over the changes that have taken place and the effects that they are having."

In total, 100 buildings across the city will welcome the public for Doors Open Day.

Of them, 11 are connected to Glasgow 2014.

There are six heritage walks and tours linked to the theme and a further two talks and events.

Among the most unlikely links is a talk on the 'History of Gallowgate's Pubs.'

It is linked to the theme as the public houses are on the main route to the Commonwealth Games venues in the East End.

Glasgow Women's Library, in Bridgeton, is also on the path ­visitors will take to the Emirates Arena, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Athletes' Village.

The Girl Guide HQ in the city's Elmbank Street is opening its doors to highlight the group's new Commonwealth Games badge.

They will also have a display of memorabilia from Edinburgh 1986, the last Commonwealth Games to be held in Scotland.

Pollokshaws West Station, which last month reopened as a ­cycle repair centre run by South West Community Cycles, will also be opening its doors to slot into the sporting theme.

Ruth said: "You are getting backstage access to the buildings you wouldn't usually.

"The Hockey Centre only opened earlier this month, so fans will be able to get backstage and see it before it takes pride of place in the Commonwealth Games.

"At Hampden you can get backstage as well, and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls has recently re­opened, while Tollcross has been newly done and upgraded as well.

"This is the first chance to see them before the Games. "

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk