Experience the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The countdown is almost over. This summer, the eyes of the sporting world will turn to Scotland as Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23rd July to 2nd August. Unlike the World Cup, you won’t have to fly across countries to enjoy the events here. Glasgow is doing things differently, which is great for fans and locals alike. In an era when sustainability and economics are crucial, Glasgow 2026 has prepared a streamlined calendar that retains the old favourites while slightly stripping back the schedule.

Whether you are staying with us in one of our summer-stay properties or a local looking to make the most of a major event in your city, we’ve got the lowdown on all the drama.

The Scottish Event Campus

Located on Exhibition Way in the West End of Glasgow, The Scottish Event Campus is the central venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The distinctive OVO Hydro will host the opening ceremony and artistic gymnastics, while the SEC Armadillo will be transformed into arenas for netball, boxing, judo, weightlifting, para powerlifting, and 3×3 basketball.

The campus sits right on the low-level railway line, meaning you can catch a train to the Exhibition Centre from Glasgow Central in just 3 minutes. This makes a day of thrilling sport easy to reach.

Scotstoun Stadium

Scotstoun Stadium, situated on Danes Drive in the West End, is trading its usual elite rugby matches for track and field. This venue anchors the summer’s premier events: athletics and para-athletics.

The stadium is famous for its close-to-the-action grandstand seating. You can expect a loud, intimate atmosphere under the lights as athletes compete for gold. To get there, take the regular Scotstounhill train or hop on a local bus down Dumbarton Road. It takes less than fifteen minutes from the city centre.

East End Venues

The action splits evenly between the West End and the historic East End. On London Road, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will host lightning-fast track cycling and para track cycling. Right next door, the Glasgow International Arena spaces are fully utilised for badminton tournaments and precision bowls.

A short distance away on Wellshot Road sits the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. Tollcross hosts all swimming and para swimming events. The venue is famous for fast pool conditions and superb spectator views, promising some of the most memorable moments of the games.

Getting Around Glasgow

Getting between the West End and East End is incredibly simple. You can utilise Glasgow’s subway system, local rail networks, or designated event shuttle paths to jump from a gymnastics arena to the pool in minutes. Walking and cycling routes along the River Clyde also connect the central hubs seamlessly.

By bypassing the need to construct costly new stadiums and instead investing in existing, world-class infrastructure, Glasgow is demonstrating how major global tournaments can live sustainably. This conscious pivot keeps the city moving. It ensures that public facilities leave a lasting, practical legacy for the community long after the final medals are handed out. Take a stroll down to the venues this July to witness a historic sporting moment unfold.

If you’re looking for a place to stay during the Commonwealth Games, consider our short-stay student accommodation in Glasgow. You may not be in Scotland for long, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on where you stay.