[category]
[title]
Wimbledon has been and gone for another year and we’ve finished riding the highs and lows of the World Cup, but 2026’s summer of sport isn’t over yet. Now, it’s time for the Commonwealth Games.
This year’s Games were originally supposed to take place in the Australian state of Victoria but it pulled out after the cost of hosting became ‘truly too much’. Glasgow stepped in to save the day. Although it’s going to be a more stripped back version of the Games than we’re used to (there are 10 sports on the programme compared to 17 when Glasgow last hosted), it’s one of the best things going on in the UK this year.
Athletes from 74 nations and territories are now in the city gearing up to compete across the next 10 days. New one-mile world record-holder Josh Kerr will be there, as will English swimmer Adam Peaty, reigning gymnastics Olympics champion Rhys McClenaghan, Jamaica’s five-time Olympic champion track runner Elaine Thompson-Herah and Scotland’s own long-distance runner Eilish McColgan.
Even if you don’t get tickets to any matches or races, Glasgow itself will be abuzz with cultural events inspired by the Games (and if you kept up with the World Cup, you’ll know that Scots know how to throw a good party). There’ll be free outdoor gigs, a short film festival, ‘come and try’ sports sessions, dance performances and more. But back to the main event – here’s everything you need to know about the Commonwealth Games 2026.
When are the Commonwealth Games 2026?
The games kick off on July 23 with an opening ceremony at 8pm, and it will last until August 2.
Where are they being held?
Events are taking place in four of the city’s main sports hubs. The Scottish Event Campus (which comprises the OVO Hydro, SEC Armadillo, and SEC Centre) will host the opening ceremony and sports including netball, basketball, weightlifting, boxing and judo. Swimming will be at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, cycling and gymnastics will take place at the Glasgow International Arena and athletics will be at the Scotstoun Stadium.
How to get tickets
There are still plenty of tickets available for a number of the Commonwealth Games events on Ticketmaster and on the official website.
How much are tickets?
Prices vary according to event and whether it’s a medal or non-medal session. Medal sessions range from £26 to £150 while non-medal are £17 to £90. Concession prices are as low as £12.
3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball
- Non-Medal Session: £17-£65, concessions starting from £12.
- Medal Session: £26-£85, concessions starting from £13
Artistic Gymnastics
- Non-Medal Session: £26-£55, concessions starting from £20
- Medal Session: £55-£125, concessions starting from £41
Athletics and Para Athletics
- Non-Medal Session: £26-£90, concessions starting from £20
- Medal Session: £26-£150, concessions starting from £20
Bowls and Para Bowls
- Non-Medal Session: £17-£30, concessions starting from £13
- Medal Session: £26-£45, concessions starting from £15
Boxing
- Non-Medal Session: £17-£90, concessions starting from £12
- Medal Session: £26-£125, concessions starting from £20
Judo
- Non-Medal Session: £17-£35, concessions starting from £12
- Medal Session: £26-£50, concessions starting from £20
Netball
- Non-Medal Session: £17-£65, concessions starting from £13
- Medal Session: £26-£85, concessions starting from £13
Para Powerlifting
- Non-Medal Session: £26-£45, concessions starting from £20
- Medal Session: £26-£45, concessions starting from £20
Swimming and Para Swimming
- Non-Medal Session: £26-£90, concessions starting from £20
- Medal Session: £26-£150, concessions starting from £20
Track Cycling and Para-Track Cycling
- Non-Medal Session: £26-£90, concessions starting from £20
- Medal Session: £26-£150, concessions starting from £20
Weightlifting
- Non-Medal Session: £26-£45, concessions starting from £20
- Medal Session: £26-£45, concessions starting from £20
How to watch the Commonwealth Games on TV
The Games are being shown on TNT Sports via HBO Max rather than BBC or terrestrial television. However, the opening ceremony and daily highlights are being shown for free on Channel 5.
📍 The best things to do in Glasgow.
Did you see that a spectacular arena is set to transform one of Britain’s greatest seaside towns?
Plus: The UK is getting a new Rock n Roll Music Hall of Fame.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.