The first individual encountered on the streets of Glasgow is unfamiliar with the Commonwealth Games mascot, Finnie the unicorn. Karl, a 33-year-old native of Glasgow, chuckles as he admits, “I honestly didn’t realize the unicorn was the mascot. I saw a poster from the bus and thought, ‘Are the bronies making a comeback?’”
This reaction underscores a noticeable shift in sentiment. As Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games once again, the atmosphere contrasts sharply with the excitement that surrounded the last event in 2014. This time, the Games have arrived with significantly less enthusiasm.
While there are indications of an impending international sporting event—such as banners on lampposts, purple merchandise, and the occasional volunteer—the predominant sounds come from ongoing construction work. George Square, the city’s main square, remains one of several significant construction sites in central Glasgow. Renovations to enhance its historical significance are not expected to be completed until October, serving as a poignant symbol of a Commonwealth Games that is not designed to replicate the grandeur of 2014.
Another local, Claudia, expresses her disappointment: “I think the city has missed an opportunity. If George Square had been ready, it could have served as a true gathering spot for fans and visitors. Even if the Games are on a smaller scale, we still want something in the city center that conveys the presence of a major event. There’s just too much construction happening.”
The uncertainty surrounding the Games arose after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from hosting in 2023 due to escalating costs. Glasgow stepped in with a fresh approach: a more compact and cost-effective event primarily utilizing existing venues and expertise from the 2014 Games. The program has been trimmed from 17 sports to 10, with notable absences such as hockey, badminton, diving, and triathlon. However, this edition will feature the highest number of Para sports events in history, with 47 finals across six disciplines. Approximately 500,000 tickets have been made available, compared to the 1.2 million sold in 2014, and there are still unsold tickets just two days before the opening. The organizing budget is estimated between £150 million and £160 million, a stark contrast to the £550 million spent a decade ago.
Not everyone views the subdued buildup as a negative aspect. George, a volunteer from 2014, notes, “People keep saying it’s not like 2014, but it was never intended to be. Glasgow stepped in at the last moment and utilized the venues we already have. Given the circumstances, I think the organizers deserve some recognition.”
Karl, who is volunteering this time, adds, “I don’t understand all the negativity surrounding it. Everyone knew this would be a smaller Games compared to 2014. If a few thousand people come to Glasgow, the venues are filled, and everyone has a good time, that’s a success. It doesn’t need to be the biggest event in the city’s history to be worthwhile.”
Organizers also challenge the notion that a scaled-back Games should be seen as inferior. George Black, chair of the Games, states, “In the past, the Commonwealth Games were a prominent topic in sports discussions and headlines. Glasgow and Scotland made a bold choice to host these Games and demonstrate their importance. There is no other city than Glasgow that could step up and ensure the success of these Games.”
Instead of directing local fans to George Square, organizers are guiding those without tickets to Kelvingrove Park, which will feature up to 12 hours of sports each day, along with music and family activities. Whether this will recreate the festive atmosphere of 2014 remains uncertain, but there are signs that Glasgow’s enthusiasm for the Games runs deeper than the understated buildup implies. Scottish distance runner Eilish McColgan remarked that she might not have considered returning from marathon training for any other Commonwealth Games. “It’s hard to turn down a Commonwealth Games. It’s in Glasgow. If it were anywhere else, I probably wouldn’t bother,” she stated.
Since 2014, Glasgow has hosted significant events such as Cop26, the inaugural Cycling World Championships, and the World Indoor Athletics Championships. Has the hosting of major events become so commonplace that another global sporting event no longer seems remarkable? “Once the competition starts, the city will do what it always does: just carry on,” George concludes.
