Post-Games Athlete Sports & Parks: Try It Yourself in Glasgow

Want to try the sports you watched at Commonwealth Games 2026? Glasgow offers a wealth of world-class venues, community sports centres, and accessible parks where you can train, play or simply step into an athlete’s shoes. This post-Games guide shows you how to get active in Scotland’s sporting capital.

Commonwealth Games Venues You Can Visit

1. Scotstoun Sports Campus (Rugby 7s and Swimming Training)

• Visit the aquatic centre and practice pool where medal-level swimmers trained.
• Local clubs offer public lane swims and lessons year-round.
• Accessible via Scotstounhill train station or local bus routes.

2. Celtic Park / Hampden Park Area (Football and Ceremony Precinct)

• While match fixtures are at Hampden Park, the surrounding fan zones and parks remain hubs for public football and training sessions.
• Community pitches in Holmby Park and nearby Mount Florida Tennis Centre often host amateur tournaments.

3. SLC Indoor Tennis Centre, Bellahouston (Badminton and Table Tennis)

• The Commonwealth Badminton finals were here in 2014 and training halls will reopen post-Games.
• Public bookings and drop-in club sessions are available.

4. Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome (Track Cycling and Athletics)

• Built for the 2014 Games, the velodrome offers tours, trial sessions, and sprint coaching.
• Athletics stadium halls host community running clubs and coaching.

What’s Been Done Before: Legacy Use after Games

After the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, key venues were transformed into community sport centres. The velodrome now hosts regular coaching clinics, and the aquatics centre hosts swimathon events. This means, of course after the 2026 Games, you can use them as usual.

Glasgow continues to build on this legacy with athlete outreach programmes, sport introduction sessions, and seasonal community challenges. While 2026 details are yet to be confirmed, this guide will be updated as more programming becomes available.

Sports Activities You Can Explore Now

Sport	Venue or Park	What You Can Do
Swimming	Scotstoun Aquatics Centre	Public lane swims, community club classes
Track Cycling	Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome	Coaching sessions, track try-outs
Athletics or Running	SECC or Emirates Arena grounds	Join local parkruns or athletics coaching groups
Tennis or Badminton	Bellahouston Tennis Centre	Public courts, drop-in badminton and table tennis
Football	Holmby Park, Mount Florida	Amateur matches, social tournaments
Rowing or Kayaking	River Clyde (Glasgow Rowing Club)	Introductory courses and recreational trips

Tips to Get Involved

• Book early through venue websites or platforms like GetYourGuide or Trip.com for trials or open days.
• Tripadvisor reviews can help you identify quality coaching centres.
• Many clubs offer discounts for students or visitors, especially post-Games.
• Bring ID, as some venues operate as member clubs and require registration.

Why It’s Worth Trying These Sports in Glasgow

• Authentic experience: Train or play in the same venues athletes used.
• Community involvement: Scottish sport culture is friendly and inclusive, ideal for all levels.
• Stay active: A great way to unwind between event days or after the Games wrap up.
• Good value: Many venues offer reduced rates as part of their legacy use programmes.

Combine Activity with More Glasgow Guides

• Planning your stay? See Where to Stay in Glasgow for the Games.
• Looking to explore food and neighbourhoods? Try Local Neighbourhood Guides: Where to Eat, Drink & Relax During the Games.
• Need transport tips? Check How to Get Around Glasgow on a Budget During the Games.

What’s Next: Stay Updated

This post will be refreshed as official information on post-Games programming becomes available, from open-session schedules to athlete meet-ups and sport demonstrations. Save or bookmark this guide and revisit closer to the event dates for the latest updates.

Whether you’re looking to swim, cycle, run, or play a match, Glasgow offers the chance to step into the active world of a Commonwealth athlete. Use this guide to explore venues, services, and clubs making sport accessible to everyone.