Glasgow could reset Games model
AFTER a period of uncertainty, the future of the Commonwealth Games appears to be secure thanks to Scotland and Glasgow rising to the challenge and offering to host the next edition. With just over two years to go until the Games take place, it was always going to be hosted by a country that had both the infrastructure and experience of hosting mega sporting events following the decision last summer by the Australian state of Victoria to withdraw their offer to host.
We still don’t know for sure if the event will take place in Glasgow – the Commonwealth Games Federation has confirmed it’s in discussion with a number of other nations, although at this stage no other firm offer has been made public.
However, with £100 million on offer from the Federation to run the 2026 Games, it’s too good an opportunity to miss for Glasgow to build on 2023’s UCI World Championships, hailed as the most successful event ever hosted in Scotland and Glasgow. The timing, combined with the social, economic and environmental impact couldn’t be better.
As King Charles III’S first Games, Scotland is as keen as any other small nation to maintain the Commonwealth Games as a key sporting event so it is an important announcement for Scotland and UK. The decision to host the Games also fits with the Scottish Government’s external engagement and brand strategy: 2026 will serve as an important vehicle for soft power for Scotland and UK with representatives from 74 countries and territories.
As the Games have a vision focused on promoting peace, harmony and the ability to unify through sport, they offer something unique in what has become known as the Friendly Games. Glasgow, after all, is seen as a friendly city – always known to welcome the world.
Multi-sport events such as the Olympics and the Commonwealths are often a decade in the making, so what could a Glasgow edition with a much shorter lead-in time look like? Fortunately, much of the infrastructure and facilities are already in place, so there is no need for any new facilities, much of which was put in place for the 2014 Games. Of equal significance is the commitment to hosting an integrated event featuring both ablebodied and parasports events. This may mean fewer team sports and more individual sports that can include paraevents. Only swimming and athletics are stipulated, so the other sports are to be decided.
With no new facilities to be built, and only temporary additions to some venues needed, £100m should go a long way. But, in a time of economic stagnation, the organisers are well aware of the need for reduced spending on non-core activities. So, expect to see a much smaller opening and closing ceremony, one devised for digital broadcast rather than large audiences.
They could be hosted at The Hydro which has the expertise in place. Its staff manage internationally renowned celebrities every week, along with the enormous audiences they attract. Given the shortened timescale, it is likely there will be a reduced number of events and sports – perhaps 10 to 13, as opposed to the usual 20 – but the inclusion of sports that ensure widespread competition rather than benefit just the home nation.
For example, we could see fewer team events and more individual events that allow for the inclusion of para-athletes – like badminton and table tennis – but possibly no road races that need policing, road closures and staffing. Indeed, there would be no legislative changes or road closures at all, keeping costs low.
Scotland has indicated it could host if no other nation came forward. However, this offer gives us the chance to lead the way with a new model for future events that is both innovative and sustainable yet maintains the integrated nature of the Games for which they are renowned.
Obviously, this means a reduction in the size of the stadia being used but there is history of this in recent times. The World Athletics Championships in 2022 used University of Oregon with a temporary stadium for 13,000 people. This was hailed as a success over 10 days, with 179 countries and 1,700 athletes.
A new model may also encourage new cities and nations across the Commonwealth to consider bidding for the Games. The Commonwealths are particularly important for small nations and sports that don’t get to compete at the Olympics; it’s a great development event for athletes, too. Glasgow 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the Games. Only three Games have been held outside of the UK, in Canada, Australia and New Zealand this new model will demonstrate to others that it doesn’t need to be outwith the reach of smaller nations.
Glasgow has world-class event organisers and backing from Eventscotland alongside venues, like the Emirates/velodrome, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, The Hydro and Scotstoun Leisure Centre, which, with some enhancements and adaptations, could all rise to support the Games.
We just need a little imagination, innovation and a new approach that will see a smaller Games that still holds the importance, identity and meaning for international athletes, sporting bodies and nations across 74 countries and territories. If that happens, then the Games can maintain their position in the upper echelons of the major sporting event calendar.
I have argued previously it’s time for a reset on how we run major sporting events. Concerns around climate change, sustainability, accessibility and innovation of major events have become more pronounced in recent years, with globally significant events completely out of the reach of many nations. Cities and nations shouldn’t bust the bank in pursuit of hosting events, nor should they remain solely the preserve of hosts with deep pockets.
Glasgow 2026 could be the catalyst for the city and Scotland to demonstrate our adaptability with a more digitally innovative, sustainable, inclusive Games. The prize is retaining a global platform for athletes with a new model for delivering a world-class spectacle.