Glasgow warms up for Commonwealth Games 2026 with One Month to Go Celebration
Glasgow, June 23
Scotland's most decorated Olympic and Commonwealth athlete, Duncan Scott, the Scottish Thistles Netball team and future Netball sporting stars from across Glasgow, joined forces on Tuesday to mark one month to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Glasgow has kicked off the countdown in style, with a vibrant pop-up Netball court transforming the concourse outside the iconic Hydro. The venue will host the Opening Ceremony and will be the home of the Netball competition from July 25.
In a standout crossover moment, Scott, who has 12 Commonwealth medals, swapped the pool for the court, donning a Netball bib to join in the action. His appearance highlighted the national pride building across Team Scotland, as athletes from different 10 sports and six Para sports prepare to compete on home soil.
Scottish Thistles captain, Emily Nicholl, led the session, putting Scottish influencers and future Netball stars through their paces, showcasing the speed, skill and intensity fans can expect when Netball takes over the Hydro from 25 July to 2 August.
The Glasgow 2026 buzz is growing across the city, with the atmosphere building as venues and communities as the Games draw closer. Over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, arriving in Scotland next month, the stage is set for an unforgettable 11 days of world-class sport.
With the Glasgow 2026 Festival already underway and over 500 businesses, community groups and sporting organisations having joined the national All In campaign to show their support for the Games, Glasgow and Scotland are ready to welcome athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth.
Natalie Cunningham, Glasgow 2026 Director of Sport: "Reaching this milestone is a huge moment for everyone involved in Glasgow 2026. This is the moment that it starts to feel real. These are going to be Games that people talk about for years to come, a real moment in history for the city and for the Commonwealth. We're creating something truly unforgettable, and I can honestly say this is not an event anyone will want to miss.
"We're in the final straight for selections and it's brilliant to see Olympic, Paralympic, World and European champions getting ready to go head-to-head in Glasgow next month. The standard of competition across our 10 sports and six Para sports is incredible. No matter what sport you watch - whether in the arenas or at home - Glasgow 2026 is world-class sport at its best. We can't wait to welcome the world back to Glasgow and to see athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth come together for what will be an unforgettable summer."
Emily Nicholl, Scottish Thistles Captain: "As an athlete, it's an incredibly exciting time, it's all starting to feel very real now. Having the chance to play at the Hydro in front of a home crowd is going to be such a special experience, and days like today really bring that to life. It also means a lot to be able to inspire the next generation and show young people just how exciting netball can be."
Duncan Scott MBE, Team Scotland Swimmer: "It's always special to be part of Team Scotland, and even more so in a home Games environment. Getting involved and being put through my paces by Emily and the team was great fun and getting to try something a bit different gives you a real appreciation for the wider team and what they are doing in preparation for the Games. There's something unique about being part of this group of athletes and competing in front of a home crowd is something we're all looking forward to."
As Glasgow prepares to throw open its doors, fans are being called on to play their part too, echoing the passion and pride of the Tartan Army seen on the world stage and bringing that same energy to support Team Scotland this summer.
The final ticket drop is on sale now, including highly sought-after seats for the Opening Ceremony, set to be one of the hottest tickets in the city and a spectacular start to the Games. Fans are encouraged not to miss out and get their hands on their tickets today, available at glasgow2026.com/tickets.
The Hydro will host Netball from July 25 to August 2, with tickets starting from 17 Pounds for adults and 13 Pounds for concessions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who attended the 2014 Glasgow Games, I can tell you this city knows how to do it right. The Hydro is an amazing venue - I saw gymnastics there last time. Netball will look fantastic on that court. But I do hope they've sorted out the transport logistics better this time - the Subway was absolutely choc-a-bloc during peak hours in 2014!
Great initiative by the Scottish government to keep the Games affordable. £13 concession tickets for kids is brilliant - will get the youngsters interested in sports. Here in India, we could learn from this approach for our Commonwealth Games hosting. But honestly, I'm still disappointed that athletics and swimming were dropped from Glasgow 2026. Those are the events most Indians follow. Bhai, where's the track and field? 😅
Duncan Scott swapping swimming for netball - what a legend! 12 Commonwealth medals is insane. The crossover sportsmanship is what the Commonwealth Games are all about. But is it just me or does it feel like the Games have been significantly scaled down? Only 10 sports compared to previous editions. Still, good on Scotland for stepping up after Victoria pulled out. 🇮🇳 cheers for 🇬🇧
The Tartan Army energy they're talking about reminds me of how we support our Indian cricket team at home stadiums. There's nothing like cheering for your country in your own backyard. Shame that netball isn't big in India - would have loved to see our girls compete. Maybe we should take inspiration and grow the sport here? The skill level shown in the article sounds incredible. 👏
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.