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Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026

23 July 2026 - 2 August 2026
Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026

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 

Details

Venue