Glasgow pitches for Commonwealth Games

Article posted by Coliseum, September 4^th, 2024

Image: Hampden Park, Cal Umbra, CC BY-SA 4.0

Glasgow has emerged as a potential host for the Commonwealth Games 2026, proposing a scaled-back event.

Khelnow said Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has developed a plan that would not require significant public investment and would feature just 10 events.

The move comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from hosting duties, citing escalating costs. The Games have since struggled to secure a host for the 2026 edition.

The Commonwealth Games is a quadrennial international multisport event among athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, which mostly consists of territories of the former British Empire. The event was first held in 1930 and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, has successively run every four years since.

The Games was left out of a list of 70 major events that UK Sport said it wanted Britain to host in the next 15 years, with the funding agency questioning the value it offered in its current format.

However, CGS has reiterated that its “innovative, cost-effective and sustainable” proposal would not need any government money to bring the Games back to Glasgow 12 years after it last staged them.

The proposed budget for the Games is approximately £114 million, with £100 million to be provided by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

This funding would come from compensation negotiations with the Victorian Government following their withdrawal.

CGS chairman Ian Reid said, “The Games will undoubtedly look and feel different to the historic events of 10 years ago. However, the circumstances facing us are remarkably different – the 2026 Games hang in the balance and the UK finances are facing tough decisions.”

CGS claims the event could bring substantial economic benefits to Glasgow and Scotland, including an estimated economic value add of over £150 million to the region. The plan includes using existing venues and accommodation to minimize costs.

However, the Scottish Government has expressed caution. First Minister John Swinney stated that no public funds would be available for the games and added that the feasibility of the project was being considered, especially given the short notice.

Khelnow further stated that Commonwealth Games Federation President Chris Jenkins OBE has given thumbs up to proposal, stating, “We fully endorse Commonwealth Games Scotland’s innovative concept for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and believe that Scotland, with its significant experience in organising major sports events, is more than able to deliver a world-class event in such a short period of time.”

The decision to host the Games remains with the Scottish Government. Reid emphasized the urgency of the situation. He said, “The window of opportunity is fast closing, and with it, the ability to deliver within the timeline ahead of us hampered by uncertainty and delays.”

If approved, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would mark a shift in the event’s format, potentially setting a precedent for future editions focused on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Meanwhile, CGS is working closely with Glasgow Life around the feasibility of using Scotstoun Stadium and Glasgow Club Scotstoun Leisure Centre to host future major athletics events.

The stadium is currently the home of Glasgow Warriors professional rugby club with a temporary stand configuration inside the athletics track to optimise the rugby viewing experience.

This allows the athletics track to be used for grassroots, club and school activity. However, it has not been utilised for elite athletics competition for some time. The current stadium capacity for rugby is approximately 5,000.

Commonwealth Games Scotland is looking to understand the feasibility of using the venue for athletics going forward.

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