Emirates Arena to be renovated for World Indoors – with winter closures

Friday 18th August 2023

The Emirates Arena is to be closed during the coming winter for significant renovation work ahead of the 2024 World Indoor Champs in Glasgow.

Glasgow Life has taken the decision to invest in a new track with the current provision within the facility now more than 10 years old.

Unfortunately, this will have a significant effect on the scottishathletics Indoor Season later this year and in the first two months of 2024.

The World Indoor Champs take place at the Emirates on March 1-3 next year.

Glasgow life plans to close the track facility at the venue from mid-October through to the Championships.

scottishathletics are now working with a number of indoor facility providers around the country, and host clubs, to draw up a ‘Plan B’ Indoor Season.

‘Due to the complex nature of the work and the planning required, we have not been able to provide an update to the sport until this point,’ said our chief executive, Colin Hutchison.

‘We acknowledge the disappointment and significant disruption the temporary closure will cause for regular users of the Arena and the wider community that compete in events at the Emirates during the winter season.

Colin Hutchison

‘To ensure the successful delivery of a world-class event and provide a post-Championships legacy for clubs and athletes in the future, Glasgow Life has taken the decision to invest in a new track.

‘They will also be installing a new LED lighting system, which will improve the venue’s sustainability and reduce energy consumption.

‘Long-term, this a great investment for athletics in Scotland and will ensure we have a state-of-the-art world-class indoor athletics facility for years to come.

‘With the extent of the closure confirmed, we will now work with member clubs, coaches, athletes and event organisers to coordinate training and competition opportunities throughout this winter season.

‘I can confirm we are already in the process of finalising a restricted competition calendar for the indoor season, utilising other regional indoor venues across Scotland. We hope to provide further details on those plans in September.

‘Alongside, the XC and road running seasons, this restricted calendar will provide competitive opportunities for athletes across the country in all events that can be facilitated within other indoor venues.

‘In addition, we are actively exploring with Glasgow Life the possibility of holding a ‘national finals weekend’ in the Emirates Arena.

‘Thank you for your patience as we draw together the conversations with everyone affected and with the facility operators.’