As Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which begin on Thursday, the city is experiencing a mix of low awareness and growing excitement. The games were rescued at the last minute after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out, citing rising costs.
On Wednesday, a day before the competition starts, one man working on a stall selling Commonwealth Games merchandise in Glasgow city centre said: “A lot of people aren’t fully aware it’s happening. It’s been slow – the first two days we didn’t really sell anything but it’s picking up now.”
Fond memories of 2014
Glaswegians generally have positive feelings about hosting again, with many recalling the success of the 2014 games. Joshua Lamb, a law student at the University of Glasgow originally from Livingston, said: “I came through last time when I was about nine. I watched the swimming and it was great fun.”
The 21-year-old added: “It’s nice when the city gets busy. Edinburgh gets all the credit normally, but it’s great here with the weather, it’s a nice vibe. After the World Cup, people are looking at Scotland for good fun.”
A stripped-back affair
This year’s games are by design a pared-back event, with only 10 of the 17 sports from 2014 being staged and half a million tickets available, compared with 1.5m in 2014. The budget is £150m, less than a third of the £550m spent in 2014, funded through the Commonwealth Games Federation and commercial partners. Some funding also came from compensation paid by Victoria after it pulled out, having already spent A$589m (£300m), according to an official report in 2024.
Glasgow’s rescue of the 2026 games follows Birmingham stepping in four years ago when Durban pulled out, highlighting the challenge many cities face in covering costs, which usually involve new venues and transport infrastructure.
Local reactions and concerns
Callan Cuddihy, a scaffolder who wants to watch the boxing, said: “It’s good for the economy. I know it’s happening but just not exactly when.” His friend Bobby Monteith agreed: “There’s not much advertising compared to last time.” They were disappointed to learn they would have to pay to watch on TV if they do not get tickets, as for the first time since 1954 the BBC will not show any events, with rights going to Warner Bros Discovery. Monteith said: “It shouldn’t be a subscription. If it’s for the people they should put it on TV.”
Elisha Massiah, on a trip from Streatham in south London for a wedding with her partner and daughters, said: “If we hadn’t come here, we wouldn’t have known it was on.” Though her daughters are athletic, it was not on their radar until they saw a bagpiper and highland dancers welcoming teams.
Carolanne Connal, a theatre nurse in north Lanarkshire on her way to a Palestine demo, cited the colonial origins of the games as a concern: “Do they get a fair shot?”
Modernisation and inclusivity
In Candleriggs, central Glasgow, national flags fly alongside black mourning ribbons for the 28 Commonwealth countries where same-sex relationships are still criminalised. The exhibition is part of initiatives that chief executive Phil Batty said “remind us that while we celebrate our differences, we should never accept inequality or injustice”. He added: “Glasgow is a city that has never been afraid to stand up and speak out. It is a city that campaigns for equality and believes everyone deserves to live openly, safely and with dignity.”
Athletes' perspective
Despite criticisms, athletes value the games. Two England swimmers, Gabrielle Idle-Beavers and Evie Lambert, both 18 and making their debuts in major adult competitions, spoke of the games' significance. Lambert, a para-athlete, said: “So many people do want to take part.” Her teammate added: “Obviously the Olympics are the goal, but it’s personal preference too, the dynamics are different.”
The overwhelming feeling in Glasgow is of optimism. One older woman, about the crowds, said: “Well I know which places to avoid,” then grinned: “That’s a lie, because the last time I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
