Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
2026-02-06 - 2026-02-22 | Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are set to take place from 6-22 February 2026, marking a significant return of the Winter Olympics to Italy since the Turin games in 2006. This edition will be uniquely co-hosted by the bustling metropolis of Milan and the picturesque alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, offering a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
A couple of weeks after the Olympic Winter Games finish, Milano Cortina will then host the Paralympic Winter Games from 6-15 March 2026.
Venues and locations
The Games will utilise a combination of existing and new venues across northern Italy, organised into several clusters:

Milan cluster: this area will host most of the ice events, including ice hockey, figure skating, and short track speed skating. Notable venues include the newly constructed PalaItalia and the Forum di Milano.
Cortina d’Ampezzo cluster: known for its alpine terrain, Cortina will host alpine skiing, biathlon, curling, and sliding events such as bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton. The historic Eugenio Monti Olympic track is undergoing renovations to meet Olympic standards.
Valtellina cluster: located in the Lombardy region, this cluster will feature alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing events.
Val di Fiemme cluster: Situated in the Trentino region, it will host ski jumping, Nordic combined, and cross-country skiing events.
Verona: the iconic Verona Arena is slated to host the Closing Ceremony, providing a historic backdrop to the event.

New sports and events
Milano Cortina 2026 will introduce ski mountaineering as a new Olympic sport, featuring men’s and women’s sprint events and a mixed relay. Additionally, the Games will debut several new events within existing sports. These additions aim to promote gender balance and increase the diversity of the Olympic programme.

Freestyle skiing: men’s and women’s dual moguls.
Luge: women’s doubles.
Ski jumping: women’s large hill individual event.
Skeleton: Mixed team event.

2,900 athletes compete for 116 golds
More than 2,900 of the world’s best winter athletes are expected to compete in 16 Olympic disciplines. Over 19 days of events, athletes will compete for 116 gold medals in the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Milan and the breathtaking Italian Alps, marking the first time in 20 years that the Winter Games return to this stunning region.
Milano Cortina 2026 will be the first Olympic Winter Games spread across multiple regions and to bear the names of two cities: Milan and Cortina. The events will take place in Lombardy and Veneto, as well as the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, bringing together areas long celebrated for their winter sports expertise, event delivery and world-class infrastructure. This approach allows the maximum use of existing venues, reducing the need for new construction and, as a consequence, minimising the carbon footprint.
For more information see milanocortina2026.olympics.com

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026
2026-02-15 - 2026-02-28 | Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return in 2026 and will once again run back-to-back, with the women’s WTA 1000 event from 15-21 February, followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from 23-28 February.
In 2026, the championships will have one of the strongest WTA 1000 line-ups in its history, featuring all of the world’s top 20 players for the Women’s Week from 15-21 February. The 2026 field features a complete set of top-ranked stars, including World No1 Aryna Sabalenka, 2025 champion Mirra Andreeva, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff alongside Amanda Anisimova, alongside Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini,, Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic.
Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Women’s tennis continues to set new standards for competitiveness and quality. With the top 20 players confirmed, spectators can expect compelling matches from the opening day. Each year our WTA event delivers incredible moments, and 2026 promises to be no different.”
Following the conclusion of the WTA 1000 tournament, it’s the men’s turn to take centre stage at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Men’s Week in Dubai from February 23-28 features a standout ATP 500 roster led by defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, World No8 Félix Auger-Aliassime, and former winners Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.
Tahlak added: “Year after year, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships showcase an exceptional standard of men’s tennis. With this calibre of players already confirmed, we are confident the 2026 ATP 500 event will deliver another memorable week for fans in Dubai and audiences around the world.”
Tickets are on sale now, see dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or ticketmaster.ae

World Stadiums and Arenas Summit 2026
2026-03-31 - 2026-04-01 | Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The 2nd edition of the World Stadiums and Arenas Summit is scheduled to take place from 31 March to 1 April 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
At the inaugural edition in 2025, there were more than 1,500 attendees from around the world, including government leaders, heads of major sporting federations, and senior executives from the architecture, engineering, and event operations sectors.
See more at stadiumsandarenassummit.com

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: 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
