Achi news desk-
However, with £100 million available from the Federation to run the 2026 Games, it is too good an opportunity for Glasgow to miss; Building on the 2023 UCI World Championships, which is recognized as the most successful event ever to be held in Scotland and Glasgow. The timing, along with the social, economic and environmental impact, could not be better.
As the first King Charles III Games, Scotland is as keen as any other small nation to host the Commonwealth Games as a key sporting event so it is an important announcement for Scotland and the UK. The decision to host the Games is also in line with the Scottish Government’s external brand and engagement strategy: 2026 will be an important vehicle for soft power for Scotland and the UK with representatives from 74 countries and territories.
As the Games have a vision that focuses on promoting peace, harmony and the ability to unite through sport, the Commonwealth Games offer something unique in what is known as the Friendly Games. After all, Glasgow is considered a friendly city – always known to welcome the world.
Multi-sport events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games are often a decade in the making, so what would the Glasgow edition look like with a much shorter preparation time? Fortunately, much of the infrastructure and facilities are already in place, so no new facilities are required; and much of it was implemented for the 2014 Games. Equally important is the commitment to hold an integrated event that includes able-bodied and parasport events. This may mean less team sports and more individual sports which may involve para-events. Only swimming and athletics are determined, so the other sports are to be determined.
With no new facilities to build, only temporary additions to some locations, £100m should go a long way; but in a period of economic stagnation, the organizers are well aware of the need for less spending on non-core activities. So, expect to see a much smaller opening and closing ceremony, one designed for digital broadcast rather than large audiences.
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These could be held at The Hydro – which has the expertise in place. Its staff manage internationally renowned celebrities every week; along with the huge audiences they attract. Given the shorter schedules, there are likely to be fewer events and sports – perhaps 10 to 13, rather than the usual 20; but include sports that ensure widespread competition rather than the benefit of the nation at home only.
For example, we could see fewer team events and more individual events that allow for the inclusion of para-athletes, such as badminton and table tennis and possibly no road races which require more policing, road closures and staffing. In fact, there would be no legislative changes or road closures at all, keeping costs low.
Scotland has indicated that it could welcome if no other nation came forward. However, this proposal gives us the opportunity to lead the way with a new model for future events that is innovative and sustainable; yet maintaining the integrated nature of the Games for which it is renowned.
Obviously, this means a reduction in the size of the stadiums that are used but there is a history of that in recent times. The 2022 World Athletics Championships used the University of Oregon with a temporary stadium that seated 13,000 people. This was hailed as a success over 10 days, 179 countries and 1,700 athletes.
A new model could also encourage new cities and nations across the Commonwealth to consider bidding for the Games. The Commonwealth Games are particularly important for small nations and sports that are not allowed to compete in the Olympic Games; it’s a great development event for athletes too. Glasgow 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the Games. Only three Games have been held outside the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – this new model will show others that it doesn’t need to be outside to reach smaller nations.
Glasgow has world-class event organizers and support from Eventscotland alongside venues, such as the Emirates/Velodrome, Tollcross Leisure Centre, the Hydro and Scotstoun Leisure Centre, which could rise to support the Games with some improvements and adaptations . We just need a little imagination, innovation and a new approach that will see a smaller Games that still has importance, identity and meaning for international athletes, sports bodies and nations across 74 countries and territories. If that happens, then the Games can retain their position in the upper echelons of the major sporting events calendar.
I have argued before that it is time to reset how we host major sporting events. Concerns about climate change, sustainability, accessibility and innovation of major events have become more prominent in recent years, with events of global importance beyond the reach of many nations. Cities and nations shouldn’t break the bank in pursuit of hosting events, nor should they wait entirely for deep-pocketed guests.
Glasgow 2026 could be a catalyst for the city and Scotland to demonstrate our ability to adapt with more innovative digital, sustainable and inclusive Games. The prize is to preserve a global platform for athletes with a new model for presenting a world-class show.
Professor Gayle McPherson is chair of Events and Cultural Policy, and Director of the Research Center for Culture, Sport and Events at the University of the West of Scotland. She was on the Glasgow 2014 Games bid committee, and has served as an independent adviser for the 2026 Games
