Twelve years after the resounding success of the 2014 Games, the Commonwealth’s finest athletes are returning to Scotland’s largest city. From 23 July to 2 August 2026, Glasgow will host a reimagined, energetic, and highly concentrated Commonwealth Games.
With over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across just 10 sports, this year’s event is designed to be a leaner, more sustainable festival of sport. The action is densely packed into an eight-mile corridor, meaning you are never far from the podium finishes.
If you are a die-hard sports fan or a casual spectator soaking up the famed Scottish hospitality, here is how to make the most of Glasgow 2026.
The Venues: Where the Action Happens
Glasgow 2026 is uniquely compact, based around four primary world-class venues. Here is a quick reference guide to help you find your way around the city’s sporting landscape.
Scotstoun Stadium: Hosting Athletics and Para Athletics, this outdoor arena is where you will find the high-stakes drama and roaring crowds of the track and field events.
Tollcross International Swimming Centre: The destination for Swimming and Para Swimming, offering intense, fast-paced pool action where medals are decided by mere fingertips.
Scottish Event Campus (SEC): Acting as a lively, multi-sport carnival, the SEC will host Netball, Boxing, Judo, 3×3 Basketball, Weightlifting, and an indoor format of Bowls and Para Bowls across its massive footprint.
Commonwealth Arena & Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome: Head to the city’s East End for Artistic Gymnastics and Track Cycling, showcasing breathtaking agility, precision, and speed.
Best Events to See
1. The Return of the Mile (Scotstoun Stadium)
World Athletics has championed the return of the mile race to the Commonwealth Games, reviving a classic, blue-riband event that defined the Games from 1930 to 1966. Expect the atmosphere at Scotstoun to be electric as runners tackle this historically significant distance.
2. The SEC Campus Cauldron
If you want maximum sporting exposure in a single day, head to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Hosting everything from the tactical brilliance of Netball in The Hydro to the gritty intensity of Boxing, 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, and a unique indoor format for Bowls in the SEC Centre, it is the centrepiece of the 2026 Games.
3. Cycling at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
Few venues offer the sheer noise and adrenaline of a steep-banked velodrome. Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling always deliver edge-of-your-seat viewing, where medals are decided by fractions of a second and the roar of the crowd echoes off the timber track.
Beyond the Stadium: Things to Do in Glasgow
Glasgow’s unofficial motto is “People Make Glasgow,” and the city’s cultural offerings are just as compelling as the sports.
Explore the West End: Take a stroll through the gothic architecture of the University of Glasgow and visit the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (entry is free).
Dine in Finnieston: Conveniently located near the SEC Campus, the Finnieston neighbourhood is Scotland’s culinary epicentre. Expect everything from premium seafood to trendy pop-up street food.
Take a Drive to the Highlands: When you rent a car in Glasgow with Drivalia, exploring beyond the city limits is simple. Pick up your rental car and drive just 40 minutes north to the banks of Loch Lomond. It offers the perfect, tranquil antidote to the crowds of the sporting arenas.
Soaking up the Atmosphere: Fan Zones
Even if you do not have tickets for every event, you can still be part of the magic. Glasgow will be operating major Fan Zones across the city centre.
While exact footprints are being finalised, classic civic spaces like George Square and Glasgow Green are traditionally transformed into centres of live entertainment. Expect massive outdoor screens broadcasting the biggest finals, alongside live music, interactive sports pop-ups, and a showcase of Scotland’s best local food and drink vendors.
It is the perfect place to mingle with fans from across the globe and celebrate the true spirit of the Commonwealth.
Ready to hit the road for Glasgow 2026? Make your journey simple with Drivalia UK, your premium mobility partner for the Commonwealth Games.