 | |
| Host city |  Glasgow, Scotland |
|---|---|
| Nations | 74 |
| Events | 10 |
| Main venue | Scotstoun Stadium |
The Glasgow bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was a bid by Glasgow, Scotland and Commonwealth Games Scotland to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's withdrawal of hosting the games. On 17 September 2024, it was announced that the bid had been successful.
In the lead-up to Glasgow's bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the process of selecting a host for the event had been marked by uncertainty and upheaval. Following the troubled 2022 bid, which saw the South African city of Durban stripped of hosting rights, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) implemented a new strategy aimed at supporting potential hosts and securing future Games. Initially, the CGF intended to award both the 2026 and 2030 Games simultaneously, but no firm decision on the 2026 host was made between 2019 and 2022. After Victoria, Australia, was confirmed as the 2026 host, the state government unexpectedly withdrew from the role in July 2023, citing soaring costs. This prompted a renewed search for a replacement host city, creating an opportunity for Glasgow to enter the bidding process. [1]
On 11 April 2024, it was announced that Glasgow was being considered as a "last possibility" to host the 2026 Games in the event, if no other host was forthcoming, in an alternative to safeguard the Games. [2] It was reported that the Games would be in a smaller scale and could reuse venues from the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Accommodation for the athletes would comprise hotels, and possibly a combination of Glasgow Caledonian University and University of Glasgow residences. [2] Furthermore, the costs of the Games would be covered fully by the Commonwealth Games Federation and other corporate sponsors. [2] Discussions were ongoing between Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Scottish Government, and EventScotland with a confirmed bid expected by the end of the month. [3] However, a bid would not end up being submitted at that time. On 25 July 2024, BBC reported that a decision would be made in August. [4]
On 11 August 2024, it was speculated that an agreement was reached for Glasgow to take over the hosting rights of the games. [5] A statement from the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland issued on 30 August 2024, suggested a compact games concept with 10 sports across four venues including the Scotstoun Stadium and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. [6]
On 17 September 2024, Glasgow was announced as the host city for the games following a successful bid backed by the Scottish government. The event, scheduled to be a scaled-down version compared to previous Games, will feature fewer sports and athletes than the 2014 edition. The Australian state of Victoria had initially been selected to host the Games but withdrew in 2023 due to rising costs. After securing assurances from Australian authorities, including a multi-million pound investment, Scottish Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray confirmed that Glasgow would step in to host. The event will feature 10 sports across four venues in the city, with athletics and swimming confirmed for Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre. The final details, including additional venues and dates, are yet to be confirmed. Gray described the announcement as a testament to Glasgow's reputation for hosting international events and emphasised that the Games would be delivered without public funding. [7] Contracts and other related material to confirm Glasgow's hosting of the games are expected to be signed in the weeks following. [8]
The proposals for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow reflect a streamlined, cost-effective approach while maintaining high standards of competition.
A key feature of the event will be the use of existing venues, ensuring minimal additional infrastructure costs. Athletics is set to take place at Scotstoun Stadium, while the Tollcross International Swimming Centre will host swimming and diving. The Commonwealth Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome are slated for cycling events. Additionally, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) expressed interest in their venues, including the SEC Armadillo, SEC Centre, and The Hydro, to be used during the games. [9]
In line with the emphasis on a more sustainable and accessible Games, the opening and closing ceremonies are expected to be scaled back compared to previous editions. [10] While the specific venue for these ceremonies has not yet been confirmed, Scotstoun Stadium is being considered as a potential host. This proposal aligns with the commitment to delivering a high-quality yet financially responsible event, with a focus on utilising Glasgow's world-class facilities to showcase the city once again on the global stage. [11]
On 18 September 2024, Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, indicated that while traditional options remain on the table for the ceremonies, organisers could "explore innovative approaches" inspired by global events like the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where the opening ceremony took place outwith a stadium for the first time. Reid continued to say that the organising team would consult with Scottish creative talent to develop unique ideas that showcase the city and country. Although challenges like weather and budget will be considered, the focus will be on delivering a memorable spectacle for athletes and spectators alike, ensuring a "fitting start and finish to the scaled-back event". [12]
The announcement of Glasgow's selection as the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was met with mixed reaction.
Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Chris Jenkins called the Glasgow Games a significant step in reimagining the Commonwealth Games, with a focus on sustainability and cost efficiency. [13] Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, highlighted Glasgow's readiness, pointing to its world-class facilities and experienced workforce. [14]
Scottish athletes also reacted to the news. Former 1500m world champion Jake Wightman highlighted how important it is for athletes to compete in front of a home crowd, calling the opportunity to give back to Scotland “one of the saddest things” that would be lost if the Games ceased to exist. Eilish McColgan, a gold medallist at the 2022 Birmingham Games, fondly recalled the 2014 edition in Glasgow, saying she felt proud to be Scottish and praised the city’s welcoming atmosphere. Kirsty Gilmour, a two-time badminton medallist, echoed this sentiment, stating that competing in a second home Games would be a rare and incredible experience, with the backing of local crowds adding to the athletes’ motivation. [15]
Olympic track cyclist Neah Evans shared a more personal connection to the Glasgow Games, revealing that the 2014 edition inspired her to take up cycling after trying it in the city’s velodrome. She expressed hope that the return of the Commonwealth Games could inspire the next generation of athletes in the same way. [15]
Scottish First Minister John Swinney stated that he was "very pleased" that it was agreed that Glasgow would host the games. He stressed that although it will be scaled back compared to 2014, the 2026 games will be a celebration of sporting achievement. [16] Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said that Glasgow hosting the 2026 games was "a no brainer" and expressed his delight at the city having the opportunity to host the games again, however he said that it must deliver an ever-lasting change for Glasgow and Scotland after expressing his belief that the city had been "badly let down". [17] Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said that it was "fantastic news" that the city would host again. [18]
Neil Gray, Health and Sport Minister, praised the decision as a recognition of Scotland's strong track record in hosting major international sporting events. He expressed confidence that Glasgow would once again rise to the occasion, providing a platform for world-class athletes. [19] Scottish Secretary Ian Murray stated that it was "certainly great news" that Glasgow stepped in as host, and reiterated the UK Government's support for the games, as well as reiterating the £2 million pledge to help fund the security during the games. [20]
Local leaders, including Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken, echoed these sentiments, framing the Games as an opportunity for economic renewal and increased tourism. Meanwhile, former Team Scotland swimmer Hannah Miley welcomed the news but expressed mixed emotions over the exclusion of some sports in the scaled-back format. Despite some concerns, the overall reaction was one of optimism, with stakeholders seeing the event as a vital boost for both Glasgow and the Commonwealth Games movement. [14]
The Commonwealth Games is a quadrennial international multi-sport event among athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, which consists mostly, but not exclusively, of territories of the former British Empire. The event was first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, has successively run every four years since. The event was called the British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and the British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974. The event removed the word British from its title for the 1978 Games and has maintained its current name ever since.
The 2002 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XVII Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Manchester 2002, were an international multi-sport event for the members of the Commonwealth held in Manchester, England, from 25 July to 4 August 2002. According to planning, this event was to be held in a country in the United Kingdom as part of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth. England was the only bidder for the event and, in an internal process, Manchester was selected for the 2002 Games ahead of London. The Manchester bid used projects which were part of the failed bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which were awarded to Sydney, Australia. The 2002 Commonwealth Games was, prior to the 2012 Summer Olympics, the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in the UK, eclipsing the London 1948 Summer Olympics in terms of teams and athletes participating. The 2002 Commonwealth Games had the largest number of events of any Commonwealth Games in history, featuring 281 events across 17 sports.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XX Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Glasgow 2014, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in the tradition of the Commonwealth Games as governed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). It took place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 3 August 2014.
Sport plays an important role in the culture of Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. Association football is particularly popular: Glasgow is known for the fierce Old Firm rivalry between Scotland's most successful clubs, Celtic and Rangers. The national stadium, Hampden Park, is located in the city and stages most home matches of the Scotland national team, as well as the finals of the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) are both also based at Hampden. The world's first official international match took place in Glasgow in 1872.
The Commonwealth Games sports comprise all the sports officially recognised and approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). There are a total of 16 core sports and a further 4 core para-sports that are competed at every games. In addition, the CGF allow organising committees to choose from various optional sports and disciplines to complete their games' program.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXI Commonwealth Games and also known as Gold Coast 2018, were an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth that was held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, between 4 and 15 April 2018. It was the fifth time Australia had hosted the Commonwealth Games and the first time a major multi-sport had an equal number of events for male and female athletes.
The Glasgow bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games was the successful bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games by the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It beat the Abuja 2014 Commonwealth Games bid to host the games. The event was held over 11 days, with the opening ceremony taking place on 23 July, 2014, and the last day of competition and the closing ceremony on 3 August, 2014.
The Abuja bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games was an unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games by the city of Abuja, Nigeria. The bidding race was won by the Glasgow 2014 bid after a 47–24 vote by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly on 9 November 2007 in Sri Lanka.
The United Kingdom was awarded a number of major international sporting events during the 2010s leading to an idea of a 'Golden Decade' in British sport. The idea of the golden decade has been discussed in many newspapers and has been mentioned by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Lord Coe.
Scotstoun Stadium is an athletics and rugby union stadium in Scotstoun, an area in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXII Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Birmingham 2022, were an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth of Nations that took place in Birmingham, England between 28 July and 8 August 2022. They were the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games. It was the third and seventh time England and the United Kingdom hosted the Commonwealth Games, respectively.
This article lists the Venues of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The Tollcross International Swimming Centre is a swimming pool and leisure centre in Glasgow. It hosted the Swimming events at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and will host it once more in 2026. The centre hosted the IPC Swimming World Championships during July 2015.
The city of Durban, South Africa was initially elected as the host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games on 2 September 2015, at a General Assembly in Auckland, New Zealand. It was reported in February 2017 however, Durban may be unable to host the games due to financial constraints. On 13 March 2017, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) stripped Durban of their rights to host. On 21 December 2017, Birmingham was awarded for the 2022 Games as Durban's replacement host. Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, made the official announcement at a press conference at the Arena Academy in Birmingham.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXIII Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Glasgow 2026, is a planned multi-sport event scheduled to be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, for members of the Commonwealth of Nations. This will be the fourth Commonwealth Games to be hosted in Scotland, following the 1970 and 1986 games in Edinburgh, and the 2014 games in Glasgow.
The Durban bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games was a successful 2015 bid by Durban, South Africa and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In March 2017 the hosting rights were stripped from Durban due to an inability to meet financial requirements, and awarded instead to Birmingham in December 2017.
Bids for the Commonwealth Games is the process where Commonwealth Games Associations select from within their national territory cities to put forward bids to host a Commonwealth Games. Since the creation of the Commonwealth Games Federation in 1932, which successfully appropriated the name of the Inter-Empire Championships to create a modern sporting event for the members of the Commonwealth, interested cities have rivalled for selection as host of the Commonwealth Games.
There have been concerns and controversies about the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which were held in Birmingham, England.
An extensive bidding process for the 2026 Commonwealth Games began in 2018 and concluded in 2022 with the state of Victoria, Australia, being announced as the host. Originally, the host city was to be revealed in 2019 in Rwanda, but this was cancelled due to a lack of interest. Victoria's bid was confirmed by Dame Louise Martin, head of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). However, after Victoria withdrew as host in July 2023, citing the unwillingness to spend A$7 billion on a 12-day event, a second selection process was initiated. This culminated in Glasgow being chosen as the new host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Victoria bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was a bid by Victoria, Australia to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The bid was accepted by the Commonwealth Games Federation in August 2022 but was subsequently cancelled in July 2023 by the Victoria State Government.
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