Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: events, venues, and lasting legacy

Quick facts

• Dates: 23 July–3 August 2014
• Participating teams: 71 Commonwealth Games Associations
• Competitors: more than 4,900 athletes (approx.)
• Sports on the programme: 17
• Medal events: 261

Host city and venues

Competitions were staged at a mix of permanent and temporary sites throughout Glasgow and nearby areas. The opening ceremony was held at Celtic Park, while athletics and several other key events took place at stadium and arena venues prepared for the Games. The programme was spread across the city to showcase Glasgow's sporting facilities and to encourage use of legacy venues after the event.

Background and previous Scottish hosts

Scotland had previously been the Commonwealth Games host on two occasions when Edinburgh staged the Games in 1970 and 1986. In the years leading up to 2014, Glasgow and other Scottish centres had also hosted major international competitions across the range of sports included on the 2014 schedule; for example, Glasgow was the venue for the World Badminton Championships in 1997.

Sports and organisation

The 2014 programme featured traditional Commonwealth sports such as athletics, swimming and cycling, alongside disciplines including lawn bowls, netball and weightlifting. Organisers worked with national and local bodies to manage venues, athlete services and transport, with an emphasis on accessibility and community engagement.

Legacy

Organisers and local authorities highlighted several long-term aims for the Games: improved sports facilities, increased participation, and benefits to tourism and the local economy. Many of the venues and infrastructure upgrades have continued to be used for elite and community sport since 2014, contributing to Glasgow's reputation as a major events city.