Commonwealth Games ticket sales in Glasgow are seeing a late surge as the opening ceremony approaches, with seats still available across multiple events despite the scaled-back 2026 edition. Organisers hope to fill remaining inventory for swimming, athletics, bowls, and more.
Opening Ceremony and Key Participants
The opening ceremony at the OVO Hydro arena will feature live music, the parade of nations, and the arrival of all 74 Commonwealth batons. Adult tickets range from £45 to £95 for the 13,000-capacity venue. Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed stage-four cancer in 2024, will also take part.
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Ticket Availability and Pricing
Only 500,000 tickets have been made available for the Games – less than half the 1.2 million for Glasgow 2014. Prices vary widely: adult tickets for bowls and para bowls start from £10, while Friday’s swimming session featuring three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty starts at £90. The Tartan Army supporters’ club received free tickets for selected sessions as a thank-you gesture.
| Event | Starting Price (Adult) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bowls & Para Bowls | £10 | Good |
| Swimming (Adam Peaty session) | £90 | Limited |
| Athletics | £25 | Available |
| Netball | £20 | Available |
Comparison: Glasgow 2014 vs Glasgow 2026
The 2026 Games are a stark contrast to the widely praised 2014 edition. The opening ceremony then was at Celtic Park with over 40,000 attendees. This year’s event was scaled back after Victoria, Australia withdrew as hosts due to rising costs.
- 2014: 1.2 million tickets; opening ceremony at Celtic Park (40,000+ capacity).
- 2026: 500,000 tickets; opening ceremony at OVO Hydro (13,000 capacity).
- Ticket prices: Wider range, with bowls starting at £10 and premium swimming at £90.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
- Act fast if you want swimming or athletics tickets – demand is growing.
- Bowls and para bowls offer budget-friendly options starting at £10.
- The Tartan Army free ticket promotion may still yield last-minute availability.
- Celebrate Scotland’s athletes like lawn bowler Alex Marshall and judo champion Sarah Adlington.
FAQ
Are Commonwealth Games tickets still available?
Yes, tickets remain for many events including bowls, athletics, netball, and the opening ceremony. Some premium sessions like swimming are limited.
How much do Glasgow 2026 tickets cost?
Prices range from £10 for bowls and para bowls up to £90 for the Adam Peaty swimming session. Most events fall between £20 and £50.
Who is leading Scotland into the opening ceremony?
Veteran lawn bowler Alex Marshall and double Commonwealth judo champion Sarah Adlington will lead the Scottish team.
Will Sir Chris Hoy appear at the opening ceremony?
Yes, the six-time Olympic cycling champion is confirmed to take part in the ceremony despite his stage-four cancer diagnosis.
Don't miss your chance to witness history. The Commonwealth Games ticket sales late surge means options are still open, but they won't last long. Check official channels for the latest availability and secure your spot in Glasgow 2026!