[Source: Glasgow 2026] In a move set to redefine the delivery of world-class sporting events, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has appointed Trivandi, a global leader in the planning, design and operational delivery of major events, as the Official Event Delivery Partner.
The appointment brings together Glasgow’s celebrated reputation as a world-leading host city with Trivandi’s proven track record in advisory, design and venue delivery services for major international events, including every Summer Olympic Games since London 2012, the last three Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cups and World Expos.  
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from 23 July to 2 August next summer, will mark a new era for Commonwealth Sport, with a more sustainable and inclusive delivery model. As the Official Event Delivery Partner, Trivandi will be responsible for the overlay and venue operations at Glasgow's iconic, world-class sports venues, transforming them into Commonwealth Games ready facilities.  
At the heart of the model is a ‘One Team’ approach which will embed international specialists into key operational roles in the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, and a commitment to recruiting 250 workforce roles to deliver the Games, with the majority from within Glasgow and the surrounding areas.  
Glasgow 2026 will set a new benchmark for future Games, providing a replicable framework for future hosts across the Commonwealth, demonstrating how cities can stage world-class sporting competitions while maximising local employment benefits and minimising environmental impact. This will ensure the Games remain accessible to nations and territories of all sizes and economic circumstances while delivering meaningful legacy benefits.  
Phil Batty OBE, CEO, Glasgow 2026: “There is no better city than Glasgow to host this forward-thinking delivery model and change the future of how major multi-sport events are delivered. Our partnership with Trivandi signals our absolute confidence in delivering an exceptional Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next summer.  
“Trivandi’s world-class expertise and shared values of innovation, inclusion and impact will ensure Glasgow 2026 is remembered not only for outstanding sport but for the positive impacts it delivers for communities and businesses as well as future host nations and the next generation of world-class Athletes.”
The Trivandi Academy, using Chartered Management Institute-accredited programmes, will equip local talent with internationally recognised qualifications and further build Scotland’s capacity to deliver major events.   
Trivandi’s award-winning sustainability arm, The Bulb, will ensure every element of venue transformation is designed for reuse, monitored for energy efficiency, and minimises environmental impact.  
James Bulley OBE, CEO and Co-founder, Trivandi: “Glasgow 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. Together, we’re proving that world-class events can be delivered sustainably, cost-effectively, and with profound social impact. Our commitment extends beyond the Games and that is why we are investing in Glasgow’s people, communities and sporting future.”
With the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history and a concentrated venue footprint bringing fans closer to the action than ever before, Glasgow 2026 is already set to be one of the most inclusive and accessible major multi-sport events ever staged. Trivandi will conduct comprehensive accessibility audits and implement venue enhancements to ensure exceptional experiences for all.
Commonwealth Sport CEO, Katie Sadleir said: “Glasgow 2026 will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow - a bold, reimagined model that prioritises flexibility, sustainability and inclusivity. By drawing on Trivandi’s world-class expertise, it’s set to maximise local employment benefits and minimise environmental impact. It will be a truly transformative Games.”  
Since its founding in 2013 out of the success of London 2012, Trivandi has delivered more than 300 projects in 29 countries from offices in UK, the Middle East and Australia. Its work has spanned the world’s most complex venue transformations and the most celebrated sporting spectacles, making it uniquely qualified to match the scale, prestige and vision of the reimagined Commonwealth Games.

Host City is an annual conference where experts consider best practices in hosting major sports events. One key topic discussed at Host City 2024 was sustainability. On a panel entitled “Inspiring Action Through Major Events”, the panellists discussed the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - a landmark event that is attempting to redefine the way large-scale international events are delivered, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, social inclusion and the environment. This article considers the points made by the panel in light of recent literature to posit that more compact versions of mega sports events, with a focus on sustainability and engaging local communities, can be more financially viable and still deliver a lasting legacy:

• Towards a newer ‘compact’ version of the Commonwealth Games
• The importance of properly integrating with local communities
• How to strike a balance between local communities and global audience?
• Lessons learned and lessons shared: the importance of knowledge sharing

The panel comprised of:

• Katie Sadlier, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation,
• George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026,
• James McVeigh, Head of Innovation and Marketing, Festivals Edinburgh

Towards a newer ‘compact’ version of the Commonwealth Games

Katie Sadlier set the tone for the conversation by describing the Commonwealth Games Federation's strategic rethinking of the Games' traditional model. Historically, hosting such a worldwide event has been a privilege often reserved for wealthier, major markets with significant infrastructural resources. The expectation in this model is that the city would be all-encompassing, able to carry the full burden of hosting. Sadlier said Glasgow 2026 will mark a new beginning in adopting co-hosting, where the costs will be shared among cities for financial sustainability and inclusion. The new approach envisions not only relaxing the barriers for emerging-market cities in their bids but also falls in line with the greater trend towards sustainable practices. Although Glasgow 2026 will be a single-city host, it will be a stepping stone toward the future. For Glasgow, this represents a serious commitment to devising a leaner, resource-conscious Games with long-term benefits for surrounding communities.

Sustainable urban development and the utilisation of existing facilities to create lasting benefits for host cities has become a key feature of host city bids since at least London’s 2012 Olympics.[1] However, central to Glasgow 2026’s sustainability agenda is its compact design, which significantly reduces logistical and environmental challenges. George Black elaborated on the innovative approach being adopted, calling it “the most compact Games ever”. ‘Compact’ in this sense means that the plan involves using just four venues, all situated within walking distance of one another. This not only minimizes operational costs but also drastically cuts down on the carbon footprint typically associated with transportation for participants, spectators, and staff. Social and environmental sustainability are interlinked," Black said. By decreasing the geographic footprint of the event, Glasgow 2026 is also encouraging much more community ownership and involvement.

The importance of properly integrating with local communities

The Commonwealth Games has faced significant challenges in recent years, with a variety of cities from Australia, Canada and South Africa since 2015 either withdrawing from bidding or hosting the Games. For Victoria, Australia, who withdrew from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in 2023, the primary reason was cost overruns, with initial estimates of AU$2.6 billion surging to over AU$6 billion. Therefore, with an increasingly challenging financial landscape, the argument for slimmed-down games as providing a blueprint for survival has gained significant traction.[2] More compact versions of mega sports events utilise fewer venues and emphasise community ownership. Taks, Chalip, and Green explore how small- and medium-sized sporting events can positively affect local communities by leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering community engagement.[3] Their conceptual framework considers that local residents are more likely to participate in smaller events as spectators, volunteers, or organisers, thereby enhancing social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Adapting a similar framework to support mega sports events such as the Commonwealth Games therefore may prove fruitful.

James McVeigh, at the Host City panel, similarly advanced the "localism agenda," and stressed that host cities must look increasingly inward to set their priorities and exploit local strengths. Localism involves using existing venues, reducing the high costs and environmental impacts of building new infrastructure often witnessed in mega sports events. For McVeigh, major events are not solely about attracting international attention or increasing tourism; they are about making a tangible and lasting impact on the communities that host them. Localism means making the aims of the event compatible with the needs and aspirations of the host city. In Glasgow, for example, this engages issues of accessible housing, job creation, and improvements in public transport—things that will make a real difference to the local population. At the same time, however, McVeigh stressed that a locally focused event also needs an international dimension if the Games are to remain inspiring to a worldwide audience.

How to strike a balance between local communities and global audience?

This is, of course, not an easy balance to strike, and one which will vary dependent on the location and nature of the sporting event. Localism for a larger event will also mean mitigating detrimental impacts to the local population—avoiding a sense that it is being imposed. Infrastructure developments are pertinent to scrutinise in this context. Minimisation of disruption to residents in terms of their housing and ability to pursue their lives may be fundamental, allaying fears of similar negative experiences arising which were reported amongst local residents at Porto Alegre at the 2014 FIFA Men’s World Cup.[4] The current authors argue that engaging local residents from the early planning stages from the local community is vital. This aligns with long standing research, which argues that for urban regeneration efforts to be effective, they must explicitly focus on disadvantaged areas and actively seek community participation.[5]

All panel members agreed that for events such as the Commonwealth Games to succeed, they should balance local priorities with reaching new audiences and attracting diverse funding. This requires a clear vision and purpose that connects with local stakeholders and a wider network of partners, funders and viewers. McVeigh described this as "communicating inspiration": how the Games can be a vehicle for social change and community empowerment. This messaging helps attract international sponsors and media attention, whilst fostering a sense of shared ownership among stakeholders at all levels. It is likely that the most successful events of the future will be able to reach a suitable balance whereby a wide spectrum of interests—local, international, commercial and community-based, are adequately engaged.

Lessons learned and lessons shared: the importance of knowledge sharing

A long-term strategy of Glasgow 2026 is its focus on knowledge sharing. George Black emphasised that strong mechanisms for collecting and publishing data are required, which will be useful for future host cities to benchmark against. Such transparency will not only promote accountability but also align with a key International Association of Event Hosts’ (IAEH) objective: providing opportunities to share best practice from lessons learned. Black highlighted the need for metrics to cover financial expenditures, environmental impacts and community benefits.

There is little doubt that a leaner model of the Commonwealth Games will require specialised use of metrics and collaboration between stakeholders, as well as a willingness to rethink traditional approaches. Financial sustainability will need creative ideas for sharing costs and generating revenue, whilst still promoting accessibility. The compact design of the event appears efficient but could create limitations in terms of capacity and scalability, meaning that demand will need to be carefully managed.

Glasgow 2026 will represent a pertinent case study for compact design, sustainability and an application of the localism agenda. Glasgow’s role in collaboration, innovation and inspiration in supporting this version of the Games cannot be underestimated. How Glasgow responds to the challenge of balancing local community needs with the expectations of a global audience will be crucial.

About the authors: Alexander Chrysanthou is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, BA (Hons) Sports Business and Sports Law at UCFB and Executive Committee Member of the International Association of Event Hosts; Sebastian Poulson is a third-year UCFB Sports Business & Sports Law student.

This article was first published on www.lawinsport.com

Reference List

FT, Glasgow’s slimmed-down Commonwealth Games provides blueprint for survival, 19 September 2024. Glasgow’s slimmed-down Commonwealth Games provides blueprint for survival

Graeff, B., & Giulianotti, R. (2024). Global sport mega-events and local community impacts: The case of housing and redevelopment in Porto Alegre at the 2014 Men’s World Cup finals in Brazil. Sport in Society, 1–17. Full article: Global sport mega-events and local community impacts: the case of housing and redevelopment in Porto Alegre at the 2014 Men’s World Cup finals in Brazil

Viehoff, V., & Poynter, G. (Eds.). (2015). Mega-event cities: Urban legacies of global sports Events. Routledge.

Smith, A. (2012). Events and urban regeneration: The strategic use of events to revitalise cities. Routledge.

Taks, M., Chalip, L., & Green, B. C. (2015). Impacts and strategic outcomes from non-mega sport events for local communities. European Sport Management Quarterly, 15(1), 1–6. scholar.uwindsor.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=humankineticspub

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city. 

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines 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. 

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games. 

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

"There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We're thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland's renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage. “The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we're proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.”