European Judo Open set to return to Glasgow in October

This year it is the turn of the men to take to the judo mat at the Emirates Arena. The event will see Britain’s stars of judo compete for all important Olympic qualification points against a strong field of international competitors.

British Judo are pleased to be offering tickets at a special one-off price for 2015, a third of the cost compared to last year, as a thank you to its members and judo fans in Scotland and across the UK. Tickets are set to go on sale exclusively to British Judo and JudoScotland members from Thursday 20th August 2015, with tickets on general sale to the public from Friday 21st August. Tickets will be available via www.britishjudo.org.uk/glasgow2015.

Andrew Scoular, British Judo Chief Executive said: "We’re delighted to be returning to the Emirates Arena for the European Open again this year and are hoping to see a large crowd taking up the offer of our reduced tickets. It’s a fantastic venue to showcase our sport and is a great opportunity for the judo community and beyond to witness some fantastic judo and get behind our athletes on their road to Rio 2016."

Douglas Bryce, Chief Executive of JudoScotland added: "JudoScotland are very excited to be jointly hosting this prestigious European event for a third successive year and we are happy to extend our world renowned Scottish hospitality once again. Not only will the European Open assist Scotland’s top athletes on the road to Rio, it is also a fantastic opportunity for our young judoka to continue to experience world class Judo on home soil."

Michal Vachun, Vice President of European Judo Union said: "The EJU was following with satisfaction all effort of BJA and its partners in developing the previous two editions of Glasgow European Judo Open into one of the best organised EJU events in one of the most attractive venues on EJU Tour. This year the Olympic Qualification points for Rio 2016 will hold 100% value and will be precious for every athlete. Conditions are set for Glasgow 2015 to be the most competitive event in last three years".

Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: "It has been an incredible year for sport in Glasgow as we build on the success of hosting the best ever Commonwealth Games. The Emirates Arena is once again right at the heart of the action and we are looking forward to welcoming some of Europe's top judo stars for the European Judo Open. With vital Olympic qualification points available it promises to be a day of top-class action."

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: "The return of the European Judo Open to Glasgow’s Emirates Arena is yet another demonstration of Scotland’s position among the global elite when it comes to hosting major sporting events. There is further significance on this occasion being the final opportunity in the UK for athletes to earn their places at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and I’m certain fans will take full advantage of the reduced ticket price to watch all of the action unfold."

Tickets will be on pre-sale for British Judo and JudoScotland members via www.britishjudo.org.uk/glasgow2015 from Thursday 20th August.

Follow @BritishJudo on twitter or find us on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest European Judo Open news.

For more information, contact:

Scott Peddie

Events PR & Media Manager

EventScotland

Tel: +44 (0) 131 472 2286

Mob: +44 (0) 7966 002 009

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