Countdown to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth games
By Ella Hayward
After being away for 12 years the commonwealth games is returning to Glasgow next summer and its only 500 days away.
The 23rd edition of the games will take part from July 23 to August 2,2026 and will be hosted in several staple venues including The Emirates Arena, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
To cut costs for the city, the games will be scaled down to only ten sports with hocky, squash and diving amongst those being cut. They were chosen to be removed by the organisers of the games in Birmingham after being the least popular in 2022. Judo, bowls, weightlifting and gymnastics are just a few of the returning sports we will be seeing on our screens soon.
When Glasgow last hosted the games, it cost the city over £500m, Holyrood have vowed that public money will not be spent on the games next year. Due to some of the sports being cut its allowed Glasgow to host integrated para events in six different sports including swimming, track cycling and bowls.
Unlike other major sporting events the commonwealth games are one of the only fully integrated events, meaning there is no separate ticket or specific para-sports event, and their medals contribute to the nation’s tally entirely the same way as the non para events.
With athletes and para-athletes from 74 nations and territories, visitors from all over the world and Glasgow’s gorgeous scenery it’s going to be a highlight of the year for locals and the billions watching at home.
The First Minister stresses that Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games is a “massive opportunity” which will bring “huge economic benefits to the city”. The games are sure to bring a sense of excitement and community to the city over summer 2026 as well as boost the city’s economic value.
