Helping Glasgow become a major events destination

The Games cemented the city's status as a trusted host
Athletics taking place at Hampden Park during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Athletes are running over the finish line while thousands of people watch from the stands.

Paving the way for future events

Glasgow 2014 helped the city go from strength to strength as an events destination.

It secured Glasgow's reputation as a successful, safe, and innovative host of major sport events.

Over the past decade, Glasgow has hosted many international events.

You can see a timeline of some of these in the image below.

A timeline with logos from major sport events Glasgow has hosted from 2014 to 2024.
Many of the events mentioned were delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, EventScotland, and UK Sport.

The city has also welcomed:

  • 2016 Homeless World Cup.
  • 2017 BWF World Badminton Championships.
  • 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships.
  • 2019 LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships.
  • Athletics – Indoor Grand Prix 2016, 2018 and 2020, 2022 DNA (Dynamic New Athletics).
  • Billie Jean King Cup Final 2022.
  • Davis Cup 2015 and 2022.
  • Cycling – Track Cycling World Cup 2019, Track Nations Cup 2022, BMX Racing World Cup 2022.

Every major event that has come to the city since 2014 is built upon the success of Glasgow 2014.

Major events in Glasgow over the past decade

A gymnast in mid-air after jumping from a balance beam during the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships at the Hydro in Glasgow.
World Gymnastics Championships at the Hydro.
British swimmer Adam Peaty splashing the water in the pool at Tollcross International Swimming Centre after an event at the 2018 European Championships.
Adam Peaty at the 2018 European Championships.
Cyclists racing up the hill on Montrose Street in Glasgow during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in front of cheering crowds of people.
Riders on Montrose Street during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Josh Kerr holding the Scotland flag after winning gold in the 3000 metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. He is alongside silver medallist Yared Nuguse from the USA and Selemon Barega from Ethiopia who won bronze.
Josh Kerr after winning gold at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

The benefits of events

High-profile events benefit Glasgow and the people who live here.

They are important for the city's international profile and the local economy.

For example, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships generated £129 million for Glasgow's economy.

Major events also have a positive social impact.

Glasgow has a track record of using these events to encourage people to take part in culture and sport.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was a landmark event for the city and the country, and its positive impact continues to be felt 10 years on.

"The investment in world-class facilities alongside the successful delivery of the best-ever Games were the springboard for Glasgow and Scotland establishing itself as a world-leading events destination.

"Since the Games, Glasgow and Scotland have gone on to host some of the world’s biggest events, including 2015 World Gymnastics Championships, COP26, the World Athletics Indoor Athletics Championships 2024, and were chosen as the inaugural hosts of both the 2018 European Championships and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

"This success in securing and delivering major events is a direct legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, ensuring the local community and the country have continued to benefit from the economic and social impacts events bring."

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The impact of the Games on Glasgow

Former Scottish athletics star Eilidh Doyle speaks to Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, about the legacies of Glasgow 2014.

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Much more than sport

Glasgow has a thriving arts, music and cultural scene and hosts vibrant events all year round.

Watch this video to see why Glasgow is the ultimate events city.