Scotstoun as Glasgow holds Commonwealth Games
Scottish city steps to replace Victoria as host of a scaled-down championships in two years
Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow will be the centerpiece of the Commonwealth Games in 2026 after the city agreed to host the event.
This follows the Australian state of Victoria pulling out of hosting it due to rising costs.
Commonwealth Games
Glasgow last held the Games in 2014 – an event which proved a big success – and Scotland has also held the Games in Edinburgh in 1970 and 1986.
The most recent Games were staged in Birmingham, England, two years ago.
Australia has promised “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalise the deal with Commonwealth Games Australia has written to the Commonwealth Games Federation to officially back a “scaled back, but high-quality” event which will see see 10 sports take place across four venues in the city.
Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.
“Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world-class facilities, experienced workforce, and strong supply chain.
“This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together.”
Organizers say the Games will come at no cost to the public, with funding coming from compensation paid to the CGF after Australia pulled out. However, the UK Government will provide financial support in the event of any increased security threat.
CGF President Chris Jenkins said: “We have been working with Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and the Scottish Government for several months and are delighted to hear CGS has received confirmation of support from the Government to enable them to progress with their proposal to host the Games in 2026.
“At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100 million from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK Governments. The additional generous contribution of around £2.3 million from Commonwealth Games Australia to the Glasgow concept will further enhance the Games delivery and is a strong sign of the support and excitement for the concept within the wider Commonwealth Games Movement.
“We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimizes costs, inspires athletes, and excites Hosts and International Federations.
“We will work closely with CGS to positively conclude final stakeholder discussions to formally announce Glasgow as the host city for 2026 as soon as possible.”
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Highlighted comment on the Commonwealth Games
I would love to see both ladies and gents competitions at those games. Within the Commonwealth, we have many of the top International 7’s teams, all of whom acquitted themselves well at the Olympics. I would imagine the demand for tickets will well exceed the capacity of Scotstoun and to make it more financially viable, the event could be played at Murrayfield. If inter-city politics between Glasgow and Edinburgh were to be an issue then the Commonwealth Games Federation should step in and look at the financial benefit of playing at Murrayfield. Given our recent rise in the rankings for the ladies’ team and the skills they are now showing, coupled with the fact there is real talent starting to poke their heads above the parapet for full international honors, I believe we could have potential Scottish medal-winning teams coming out of Murrayfield. It would be great to see a proper, high-level 7’s tournament again at Murrayfield.