SQUARE EYES
EURO CHAMPS TO SHOW OFF GLASGOW BBC set up studio in city centre
It’s known as a backdrop for political protests and demonstrations of social unrest.
But now Glasgow’s George Square will have the eyes of the nation on it for an altogether more positive reason.
Millions of viewers will catch a glimpse of the historic landmark from a new purpose- built BBC s t ud i o for t he Eu rope a n Championships.
The portable studio makes its debut for the 11- day event, which brings together coverage from Scotland and Germany.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “The studio will be used again but this is the first time.
“It’s in George Square and it has been made for the event.”
Earl ier this month, protesters f illed George Square to demonstrate against US president Donald Trump’s visit.
It was also taken over by Yes campaigners following the independence referendum in 2014.
Other demos include the Black Friday rally in 1909, which saw at least 90,000 people protest against a 56-hour working week.
Glasgow follows the likes of Moscow, Rio and Paris as dramatic backdrops for TV sports events.
Most recently, Russia’s iconic Red Square was the impressive view for BBC’s football pundits during the 2018 World Cup.
The BBC deliberately downsized its Olympic studio two years ago to make the most of Rio’s Copacabana, while the Eiffel Tower became the backdrop for the 2016 Euros.
A tinted glass window measuring 6m x 3m wi l l overlook George Square, with the ornate City Chambers in the background for the duration of the event, which starts on Thursday.
The outside broadcasting unit will be in place until August 12, the last day of the championships.
The studio will be home to Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Hazel Irvine every day as they present the coverage with special guests.
BBC Sport executive editor Ron Chakraborty said: “This is a huge logistical exercise and I’m delighted that George Square will provide the backdrop to our coverage. With its incredible architecture and history, there is nowhere more synonymous with Glasgow and we’re thrilled to be using it as the base for our onscreen coverage.”
The BBC will be offering up to 12 hours of coverage a day between their two stations, culminating in more than 100 hours in total.
All sports will be branded and broadcast as one integrated multi-sport event, with a potential TV audience of 1.03billion viewers, and more online.
Glasgow will also play host to Michael Johnson, Denise Lewis, Dame Jessica Ennis- Hill, Toni Minichiel lo and Mark Butler, who will provide analysis on the events.
George Square itself will be a championship venue, with the Women’s Road Race and the Men’s Road Race passing through.
The Men’s and Women’s Time Trial events will also pass by on Wednesday, August 8.
About 4500 athletes will be competing in Glasgow and Berlin as Germany plays host to the European Athletics Championships.
Scotland will play host to the European Rowing Championships for the first time and Sir Chris Hoy will be in the commentary team for cycling events.
Championships director Colin Hartley said: “George Square will be the beating heart of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
“The banners are up and the f lags are out as we prepare to welcome the world.”