Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games legacy

Ten years on, take a look at some of the legacies of the best ever Commonwealth Games
The Big G sculpture of the Commonwealth Games logo in Glasgow's George Square in front of the City Chambers during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

A decade later

Glasgow welcomed thousands of visitors to the city for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

The city was a sea of colour, and the atmosphere was buzzing.

Glasgow 2014 provided a feel-good factor and saw some of the world’s best sportspeople battle it out for medals.

The Games were broadcast to a global audience, which was estimated to reach over one billion people.

A huge cultural programme also allowed people to get involved in the Games even if they weren't
attending events.

The event confirmed Glasgow’s status as a trusted host of major global events.

The legacies of Glasgow 2014 continue to benefit the city and the people who live here.

These range from encouraging people to take part in sport to culture and tourism.

A group of people, who are a mix of genders and ethnicity, chatting and laughing after an exercise class at a Glasgow Club venue.

Sports participation and physical activity

From growing Community Sport Hubs to increased Glasgow Club gym memberships, discover the impact the Games has had on getting people active.

Find out more

The best Games ever

The Games were the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever held in Scotland.

They featured ten days of competition, with over 4,000 athletes from 71 countries competing across 17 sports.

Glasgow 2014 also had the largest para-sport programme of any Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation described Glasgow 2014 as "the stand-out Games in the history of the movement."

What else have the Games done for the city?

New and refurbished venues

World-class sport venues across the city are a physical legacy of Glasgow 2014. Click below to find out more about these.

Swimmers racing at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. There is a large crowd sitting and standing in the stands watching the competition unfold.

Helping Glasgow become a major events destination

The Games showed the world Glasgow has the expertise to deliver international events. Discover more about the impact of Glasgow 2014.

Cyclists racing up the hill on Montrose Street in Glasgow during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in front of cheering crowds of people.

Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, said: "The 2014 Commonwealth Games helped cement Glasgow’s status as a trusted host of major sport events. The Games showed the world Glasgow has the expertise to deliver international events, most recently the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

"Since Glasgow was announced as the 2014 host city, the number of people staying fit and active through Glasgow Club (gym) memberships more than doubled while the number of Community Sport Hubs across Glasgow has grown from 3 before the Games to 18 with more than 100 clubs with thousands of members based in them.

"Hundreds of the volunteers that made the 2014 Commonwealth Games so memorable, still give their time, skills and knowledge to ensure Glasgow remains a unique place to host world-class events."

Two volunteers wearing the red Clydesider uniform during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. They are smiling and standing outside the Emirates Arena.

Volunteering

Glasgow 2014 kickstarted a new generation of volunteers and was the catalyst for major events volunteering in the city.

Find out more

More legacies of the Games

  • Embedding culture in major events

    The Games left visible cultural legacies across the city. It has also changed how culture is included in major events.

    A large crowd of people sitting in the Glasgow Green fan zone during the 2014 Commonwealth Games on a sunny evening.

  • Activating People Make Glasgow

    The brand was introduced to the world during the Games. It was endorsed by locals and visitors and is still much-loved a decade on.

    The People Make Glasgow branding on a bridge across the River Clyde in Glasgow city centre. A couple are walking across the bridge and one of them has a bike.

  • Growing tourism

    The 2014 Commonwealth Games showcased Glasgow as a tourism destination and a great place for people to visit.

    Crowds of people walking on Buchanan Street on a sunny day during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.