Sports Tourism News

2026 NFL Draft – Pittsburgh
2026-04-23 - 2026-04-25 | Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
The 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 23-25 April 2026. While details of the 2026 NFL Draft are still being finalised, the main portion of the event is expected to incorporate elements of Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park, as well as Acrisure Stadium, with a variety of venues to be utilised and activated within close proximity.
The 2026 NFL Draft will bring together representatives from all 32 NFL teams, top player prospects from the most iconic college conferences and fans from around the world. Throughout the three-day event, Pittsburgh will host a slate of Draft activities, including the NFL Draft Experience – the league’s ultimate fan festival. This free event will provide fans with an opportunity to take part in immersive exhibits and games, enjoy musical performances and autograph sessions and take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Draft Experience will be open all three days of the event.
“This is a monumental step forward in bringing the 2026 NFL Draft to life right here in the City of Champions,” said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the NFL and officials at the state, county, city and Pittsburgh Steelers to work collaboratively across the community to produce one of the best events Pittsburgh has ever hosted and one of the most memorable NFL Drafts the world has ever watched. Mark your calendars, because all eyes will be on Pittsburgh soon.”
For more details about sport in Pittsburgh, see visitpittsburgh.com and sportspittsburgh.com

Golf: Turkish Airlines Open 2026
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-03 | National Golf Club, Kadriye, Çamlık Cd., Serik/Antalya, 07525, Turkey
The countdown has begun for one of the most significant events on the 2026 DP World Tour calendar, with the Turkish Airlines Open set to return to Antalya from 30 April to 3 May at the prestigious National Golf Club.
Owned by Regnum Hotels, National Golf Club will host the tournament for the first time, welcoming the world’s elite golfers, international broadcasters and travelling fans to Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. The event carries a total prize fund of $2.75 million and will serve as the fifth and final tournament of the Asian Swing.
Since its opening in 1994, National Golf Club has played a pioneering role in positioning Antalya – and particularly the Belek region – as a leading hub for golf tourism. Purpose-built fairways set against pine forests and the Taurus Mountains have made the course a favourite among European golf travellers seeking championship conditions combined with resort-level hospitality.
“We are extremely proud to host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026,” said Sener Ceylan Durmaz, general manager of National Golf Club. “Our team is committed to delivering an event of the highest standards, offering players an exceptional tournament experience and showcasing Antalya’s position as a world-class golf destination.”
Since its debut in 2013, the Turkish Airlines Open has welcomed some of the sport’s most celebrated names, cementing its reputation as one of the DP World Tour’s flagship events.
For sports travellers, the event offers more than four days of elite competition. Antalya’s integrated golf resorts, luxury beachfront hotels and year-round sunshine have helped the destination carve out a powerful niche within Europe’s premium golf market. With the 2026 edition, Regnum Hotels and National Golf Club are not only hosting a tournament – they are reinforcing Türkiye’s standing at the forefront of international golf and luxury sports tourism, signalling Antalya’s continued rise as a must-visit stop on the global sporting circuit.
See more at europeantour.com and regnumcarya.de

Golf: Austrian Alpine Open 2026 presented by Kitzbühel-Tyrol
2026-05-28 - 2026-05-31 | Golfplatz Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith, Golfweg-Schwarzsee 35, Kitzbühel, 6370, Austria
Taking place from 28-31 May 2026, the men’s golf DP World Tour will make its highly anticipated stop at the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course with the Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbühel – Tyrol. Tournament week will begin with training days from 25 May, giving fans an early glimpse of Europe’s top players. On 27 May, the ProAm tournament will officially open the event, where professionals will team up with amateurs, alongside an engaging youth programme for Tyrolean junior golfers.
In preparation for this international highlight, the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course has undergone extensive upgrades: seven newly built tees, redesigned bunker areas, and a state-of-the-art practice facility ensure the venue meets the highest standards of the DP World Tour. These improvements will not only create memorable tournament moments but also enhance the long-term experience for members and green fee guests alike.
With the return of Austria’s biggest domestic golf tournament, Kitzbühel strengthens its reputation as the most legendary sports town in the Alps. Alongside the iconic Hahnenkamm ski races, the Generali Open tennis tournament, and a wide range of other prestigious events, world-class golf now joins the calendar in the heart of Tyrol.
Tyrol itself is a true golfing paradise. More than 20 golf clubs, including 16 partner facilities of Golf Tirol, welcome players to some of the most beautiful regions in the Alps. From gentle valley courses to demanding alpine layouts, the state offers variety for every golfer. The Golf Tirol Card provides access to 16 first-class courses across the region, ensuring unforgettable experiences, whether enjoying a relaxed 9-hole round in the valley or tackling a challenging 18-hole course at higher altitudes.
A seven-night stay at the Q Hotel Maria Theresia in Kitzbühel, on a half board basis, arriving 23 May 2026 is priced from £1,239 per person based on two sharing. Includes return flights from London Gatwick to Salzburg and transfers. See more at inghams.co.uk
For more information see austrianalpineopen.com

Image: Golfplatz Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith will host the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open (Credit: Kitzbuehel Tourismus)

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026
2026-07-23 - 2026-08-02 | Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow 2026 (officially the XXIII Commonwealth Games) returns the Games to Scotland after Glasgow’s successful 2014 event. The city will stage a streamlined, cost-conscious edition following the withdrawal of Victoria (Australia) as host; organisers emphasise financial sustainability, reuse of existing venues and a tight, fan-friendly footprint. An estimated ~3,000 athletes from around 74 Commonwealth associations are expected to attend.
When Victoria pulled out amid cost concerns, Glasgow stepped in with a plan built around existing facilities and a smaller programme. The Commonwealth Games Federation and Scotland’s partners backing the bid have focused on delivering the atmosphere and TV-ready competition of the Games while avoiding the large capital outlay typical of recent multi-sport events. That pragmatic approach shapes everything from the venues chosen to athlete accommodation and transport planning.

Dates, scale and sporting programme

Dates: 23 July – 2 August 2026.
Sports programme: 10 sports (programme designed to be broadcast-friendly and affordable) with the largest Para medal programme to date integrated into the schedule. Exact medal/event counts and session-level schedule are published by organisers as they finalise entries.
Participants: Roughly 3,000 athletes from the Commonwealth family (approx. 74 associations expected).

Venues and footprint
Organisers committed to a compact model: competition will be concentrated in a short corridor through Glasgow using long-standing, competition-ready venues to avoid expensive new builds. Key confirmed sites include:

Scotstoun Stadium: frequently referenced as a main competition stadium for athletics-related events.
Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and arena: indoor cycling and other indoor sports.
Tollcross International Swimming Centre: aquatic events.
Scottish Event Campus (SEC): multi-use arena/indoor competition and ceremonies space.

The “four-venue” model keeps teams, officials and fans close to each other and reduces transport complexity.
Mascot, culture and local flavour
The official mascot, Finnie, is a playful Glaswegian unicorn — a nod to local icons and sense of humour (including the famous traffic-cone-topped Duke of Wellington statue). Young people across Scotland contributed to the mascot design through school programmes, reflecting the Games’ community and youth engagement goals. Glasgow will pair sport with cultural programming, local tartan launches and festival-style events across the city.
Athlete accommodation and transport
Rather than a single, large athletes’ village, athletes will be housed in hotel accommodation hubs close to venues to encourage active travel and simplify transport logistics. Event transport is designed to be smaller and more efficient, with short journeys between accommodation hubs and competition sites. Public transport access (trains, buses, subway) around major venues will be an organising priority.
Legacy, sustainability and finances
A principal aim of Glasgow 2026 is fiscal caution and legacy delivery: reuse of existing facilities, reduced capital spending, and a focus on community sport development post-Games. The “lighter and leaner” messaging is a direct response to cost blowouts that have affected recent multi-sport hosts; support from the CGF and partners helps bridge financing while keeping the delivery model pragmatic. Legacy commitments include grassroots sport funding, improvements to local facilities and clearer use-cases for post-Games community benefit.

What fans should expect

Compact experience: most competition will be reachable within a short journey window; multiple sports can be seen in a single day without long transfers.
Accessible Para sport programme: integrated Para events offer more opportunities to see elite Para athletes.
City-wide activity: cultural events, pop-up fan zones and local hospitality will amplify the sporting schedule – expect live screenings, music and family-friendly activities.

Travel and practical tips (for visiting fans)

Book early: accommodation near venues will fill fast; athlete hubs and event locations are clustered – staying near the city centre or West End gives best access.
Public transport: Glasgow’s rail, subway and bus network will be the easiest way to move between fan zones and venues. Check transport timetables and event day timetables.
Expect festival vibes: combine sport tickets with local culture – the Games will be as much about concerts, street food and city activations as it is about competition.

For more information see glasgow2026.com and commonwealthsport.com
