Glasgow Announced as Host City 

In a landmark decision, the Commonwealth Games Federation officially confirmed Glasgow as the host city for the 23rd Commonwealth Games. With the confirmation that Glasgow will host the biggest sporting event in the UK in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games was released. For the first time in Games history, the logo combined the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport movement. 

Leadership Team Confirmed 

George Black was appointed Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company on the 25 October 2024. He was later joined by Chief Executive Officer Phil Batty and a powerhouse executive team including Jade Gallagher (Chief Operating Officer), Faye Shaw (Chief Finance and Corporate Services Officer), Louisa Mahon (Chief Marketing Officer and Communications Officer), and Martin Fitchie (Chief Information Officer).  

Record-Breaking Medal Programme 

Glasgow 2026 announced a record-breaking medal event programme with 47 Para sport medal events, the largest integrated Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history. The announcement detailed the 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor of the city, with over 200 gold medals up for grabs.  

Commonwealth Day & King’s Baton Relay 

On Commonwealth Day 2025, His Majesty the King, Patron of Commonwealth Sport, officially launched the inaugural Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace. His Majesty placed his message to the Commonwealth into the first Baton, passing it to the first Baton bearer, Sir Chris Hoy, to start the relay with 500 days to go to the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026. 

Mascot Makers 

In early 2025, 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow, known as ‘Mascot Makers’, came together with all of their brilliant ideas for the Glasgow 2026 mascot. Their creation would later become the official Glasgow 2026 Games mascot ‘Finnie’.  

Scotstoun Stadium Upgrades Begin 

Major upgrades began at Scotstoun Stadium, with the installation of the new world class athletics track. Scotstoun Stadium was identified as the ideal venue to host Athletics in the city based on its existing infrastructure and the minimal venue readiness work and overlay required to deliver a world-class Athletics competition. As part of the legacy of Glasgow 2026, the track will be gifted to Glasgow, giving people in the city access to another world-class sports facility. 

Official Tartan Unveiled 

The official tartan for Glasgow 2026 was revealed, created in collaboration with award-winning Scottish fashion designer, Siobhan Mackenzie. The official tartan features Glasgow 2026’s signature colours and symbolic thread counts—74 for the competing nations and 26 for the year of the Games.  

One Year to Go & Finnie’s Arrival 

Marking One Year to Go, Glasgow 2026 introduced the official Games mascot, Finnie, to the world. Finnie – a proud Glaswegian unicorn – was spectacularly unveiled at dawn, appearing at the top of the city’s famous Finnieston Crane, which is also her namesake.  

Trespass & Trivandi Partnership 

Scottish brand Trespass returned as the Official Uniform Partner, becoming the first brand to kit out two editions of the Games. Meanwhile, Trivandi, a global leader in major event delivery, was appointed as the Official Event Delivery Partner, bringing world-class expertise to Glasgow 2026. 

Volunteer Programme Launches 

The search officially began to find more than 3,000 volunteers to provide the first hello and last goodbye at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The campaign encouraged people from all backgrounds to be part of the action, with the minimum age lowered to 16. To mark the launch of the volunteer portal, Commonwealth champions and former volunteers came together with a Glasgow 2026 branded taxi, calling on the nation to ‘Get In’.    

CoComm & CGA Visits 

The Commonwealth Sport Coordination Commission (CoCom) visited Glasgow for a two-day review, applauding the Organising Company’s strong progress and collaborative approach. More than 40 delegates from 18 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) also visited, including Chef de Missions and team leads, to prepare for next year’s Games. The visit focused on venue readiness, sustainability and operational planning. 

Ticketing Launch 

Game On! Glasgow 2026 ticket sale dates were announced to the world, with 500,000 tickets available, fans were urged to pre-register before 16 October to secure their spot for access to the pre-sale dates. The full competition schedule was also revealed, helping fans plan their perfect Games experience across four iconic venues. From thrilling finals to historic moments, Glasgow 2026 is set to be one of the most spectacular sporting events of the decade.