Glasgow among options considered to host 2026 Commonwealth Games
Scotland's Commonwealth Games body has developed a "cost-effective" way to host the beleaguered 2026 event in Glasgow
Last updated 12th Apr 2024
It has emerged that Glasgow is in contention to be a replacement host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games Federation has confirmed that it is considering multiple proposals to take the event on, after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting last summer due to rising costs.
Scotland's Commonwealth Games body says it has developed a "cost-effective" way to host a scaled-down version of the event in Glasgow which would not require "significant public investment".
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Commonwealth Games Scotland commissioned a feasibility study in December after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out last summer.
The study helped to develop the proposals, which CGS said could be run for between £130 and £150 million and could bring in more than £100 million, with existing sports facilities to be used instead of the creation of purpose-built arenas and athletes to be housed in local hotels rather than an athletes' village.
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The CGF has said it will provide £100 million for the chosen host nation, while the remaining budget will be funded by ticket sales and broadcasting rights, CGS said.
The usual programme, however, would need to be cut down to between 10 and 13 events.
When Glasgow last hosted the Games in 2014, 18 events were contested.
A final decision on the host nation is due to be made by the CGF next month, with reports on Friday suggesting the city could be a back-up option "should a viable alternative fail to materialise".
Ian Reid CBE, the chair of CGS told Tay FM News: "We recognise the importance of the Commonwealth Games to Scottish sport in particular. We do very well in it, it's an elite pathway for a number of our athletes. For some of our sports, it's the most important event you can compete in as a Scottish athlete, with a saltire on your shirt.
"We have said to the Commonwealth Games Federation that if they can't find another host that they believe is viable, then we are probably one of the few cities in the world that has incredible venues, amazing experience, passionate spectators and some of the best athletes in the world.
"The Commonwealth Games Federation are making money available to hosts, so it's not a requirement to draw public funds down - we don't need to take money from education or health budgets.
"They have put £100m on the table and we believe we could raise some on top of that commercially.
"I understand the event well, I've got a unique insight into what needs to change to drive it down into that smaller financial envelope while maintaining the credibility of the event, the excitement of the event and the quality of the sport.
"What we're looking at is a concept which uses existing venues and accommodation, and therefore fitting sports into what we've already got.
"We have talked about around 10 sports - but the focus will be on doing a smaller number of sports really, really well and keeping the essence and uniqueness of the games,
"We don't want to try and be too ambitious, we recognise we've got a fixed budget but we want to do something a little bit smaller but high quality."
'Process is ongoing'
“The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scotland and Scottish athletes and the key priority for the Scottish Government is the continuation of the movement. The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games received international recognition as an outstanding fortnight of sporting and cultural events.
"The Commonwealth Games Federation has confirmed it is working with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations to reset and reframe the Games. This process is ongoing and we continue to engage with Commonwealth Games Scotland on their proposals.
"This process is ongoing and it would be premature to comment further at this stage.”
A CGF Spokesperson said: “The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is considering multiple proposals to Host the 2026 Games. We are excited by the early concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the Games and are continuing to work collaboratively with the relevant Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) to undertake further detailed assessments.
"It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of any of the proposals while this process is on-going.”