Your Quickfire Guide to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

23 Mar 2026

Luke M. Williams

The summer is creeping up on us quickly, and that means the 2026 Commonwealth Games will soon be underway. Taking place in Glasgow between the 23rd July and 2nd August, the games are set to be yet another sporting spectacle put on by this fantastically versatile city. In this short guide, we’ll take you through all of the main events and competitors set to do battle in Scotland, as well as how you can make the most of the games as a student in the city.

Your Quickfire Guide to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

What Sports Are Included in the Commonwealth Games?

As with all Commonwealth Games, there is a narrower range of sports on display than at the Olympic Games. In 2026, there will be 10 different ‘categories’ of sport included in the schedule, with those then being divided into various disciplines in which the Commonwealth’s best athletes will compete.

The sports that made the cut include:

  • Artistic Gymnastics
  • Athletics
  • Bowls
  • Boxing
  • Cycling
  • Netball
  • Judo
  • Swimming
  • Weightlifting
  • 3×3 Basketball

Alongside these events, there is the largest selection of para-sports also set to be contested in this year’s Commonwealth Games.

The para-events on the list are:

  • Para Athletics
  • Para Bowls
  • Para Cycling
  • Para Swimming
  • Para Powerlifting
  • 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball

In total, over 150 medals will be handed out across 133 sessions.

Where Will the Events Be Held?

Like every major international sporting competition, the games will be hosted by various venues across Glasgow and the wider region. There are four main venues pencilled in to host events, namely, The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, The Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Scotstoun Stadium, and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Can I Still Get Tickets?

Tickets for the Commonwealth Games remain on sale, though students unfortunately cannot purchase them at concessionary rates. Despite this, prices for certain events start as little as £22 per session. Prices are naturally increased for medal sessions and more popular sports such as athletics and track cycling. Some of which have already sold out. More tickets for the top events are being released in stages via a ‘drop’ format, so keep an eye on the website and social media pages to bag your ideal event.

You can purchase tickets for the games by following this link.

Who Are the Athletes to Watch?

Well, countless medal hopefuls are vying for glory on the streets and in the arenas of Glasgow. Unlike in the Olympics, British athletes will represent their home nations at the Commonwealth Games. This means you’ll see team England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete for medals.

Some famous names that are set to compete at the time of writing include: Duncan Scott (Swimming), Katie Archibald (Cycling), Emma Finucane (Cycling), Jake Jarman (Gymnastics), Keely Hodgkinson (Athletics), Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Athletics), and Hannah Cockroft (Para-Athletics).

More to Love in Glasgow

Of course, hosting an event of this calibre showcases the city like few other things can. If you’re planning to use the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to visit ahead of starting university, then take a moment to browse our range of student accommodation in Glasgow. You can contact our sales team to arrange a viewing around the time of the games, and enjoy some fantastic sport and student living at the same time.

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