Glasgow to host 2026 Commonwealth Games after backing from Scottish Government
Glasgow has been announced as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after securing support from both the Scottish and UK governments.
The slimmed-down games, which will cost around £115m, are understood not to cost the public purse, with funding coming from the Commonwealth Games Federation as part of the Victoria financial settlement towards the cost of the Games.
The remaining balance would be funded predominantly by commercial income including ticketing, sponsorship and broadcasting. The Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) revealed details earlier this year for the scaled-back games which will utilise existing facilities in the city and include fewer athletes.
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The next edition of the Games was supposed to be hosted in Australia but local organisers pulled the plug in a row over costs.
Neil Gray, the Health Secretary, said ministers had conducted a "thorough assessment" of a plan put forward by Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) for bringing the event back.
He said: "Scotland, and in particular Glasgow, has built a track record of successful event delivery.
"It is because Glasgow is a world-class event hosting destination, with the facilities and expertise required to deliver such an event as the Commonwealth Games, that we are able to proceed.
"Glasgow will deliver a world-class sporting event which will reimagine the Commonwealth Games for future generations.
"In return, this proposal will bring economic benefit to businesses and support a programme of capital upgrades to a number of existing venues in Glasgow."
In a bid to keep costs down, the 2026 Games won't feature any running or cycling events that require public roads to be closed - meaning no marathon will take place.
Hampden Park will also not be used as a venue for athletics, with track and field events instead taking place at the much smaller Scotstoun Stadium.
Swimming events will again be hosted at Tollcross International Swim Centre in the city's east end.
Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Today Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to becoming a reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK governments have backed our proposal.
“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. I would like to thank both the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their confidence and financial contributions to the project, which have ensured that the Games can continue, that public funds will not be required and which delivers a significant economic boost to the City of Glasgow and to Scotland.”
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