THE bosses of four major Scottish sports believe Glasgow's new Emirates Arena is set for a bright future.

Scottish Cycling, scottishathletics, Netball Scotland and the Glasgow Rocks professional basketball team have all taken office accommodation in the £113 million venue.

And just days after it opened to the public, senior officials believe it will be at the heart of Scottish sport for decades to come.

The arena is one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe and in its first four months will host eight Scottish, European or World level sporting events.

Facilities include Scotland's only indoor velodrome, an indoor multi-use sports arena, three full-size sports halls with 12 badminton courts, four outdoor five-a-side pitches, an outdoor 1km cycle circuit, one of the largest Glasgow Club health and fitness centres and a luxury spa.

Craig Burn, chief executive of Scottish Cycling, said the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome marked an exciting time for the sport.

He added: "This world-class facility will create opportunities for cyclists of all ages and abilities to get involved in our sport but also give elite athletes an opportunity to train on home soil."

Nigel Holl, chief executive of scottishathletics, said: "Adding this fantastic venue to existing facilities is another significant step forward for sport in Scotland."

Daniel Bajwoluk, manager of the Glasgow Rocks, said the team's opening game at the arena was its best attended fixture to date.

He added: "To have over 5000 people at the arena watching basketball is hugely positive."

Netball Scotland chairwoman Freda Hutchison revealed the World Youth Championships will be held in the arena next August.

She added: "The facilities allow us to organise a world-class event."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk