Glasgow is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games once again, but the atmosphere this time is notably more subdued than during the 2014 event. As the city welcomes athletes and visitors for the 2023 iteration of the Games, there is less public enthusiasm and fewer visible signs of celebration compared with nearly a decade ago.
Despite the presence of volunteers, banners, and branded merchandise, much of central Glasgow, including George Square, remains a construction site with redevelopment work expected to conclude only after the Games have finished. This unfinished public space has drawn criticism from some locals who believe it diminishes the potential for a vibrant gathering place in the city center. One resident expressed disappointment that the area had not been ready to serve as a hub for fans and visitors.
The smaller scale of the Games is attributed to the late decision by Glasgow to step in as host after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew in 2023 due to financial constraints. Organizers opted for a low-cost approach, relying heavily on venues and infrastructure established for the 2014 Games. The sports program has been reduced from 17 to 10 disciplines, though it features a record number of Para events, with 47 finals spread across six sports.
Ticket sales reflect the reduced scale, with around 500,000 tickets available compared to 1.2 million in 2014, and many have yet to be sold with only days remaining before the opening. The operating budget for this edition is estimated between £150 million and £160 million, significantly lower than the £550 million spent on the previous Games.
Some residents and volunteers reject comparisons to 2014, emphasizing that the current event was always intended to be more modest. One volunteer noted that the focus should be on the enjoyment of those attending rather than matching previous attendance records or grandeur. The chair of the Games, George Black, defended the decision to host under these conditions as a demonstration of commitment to the Commonwealth sporting tradition and confidence in Glasgow’s ability to deliver a successful event.
Organizers have shifted much of the fan engagement activity away from the city center to Kelvingrove Park, where up to 12 hours of daily sport screenings will be accompanied by music and family-friendly entertainment. Whether this arrangement will match the vibrant festival atmosphere of past Games remains uncertain.
Despite the quieter lead-up, some athletes expressed enthusiasm about competing in Glasgow. Scottish distance runner Eilish McColgan said she valued the opportunity to participate due to the event being held locally, implying a special connection to the city and its supporters.
Since 2014, Glasgow has hosted several major international events, including COP26, the inaugural Cycling World Championships, and the World Indoor Athletics Championships, which may have contributed to a sense of normalcy around hosting large competitions. Volunteers remain confident that once the Games start, the city will deliver the same efficient and welcoming experience it is known for.