Scotland's most decorated Olympic and Commonwealth athlete, Duncan Scott, along with the Scottish Thistles Netball team and future Netball stars from across Glasgow, gathered on Tuesday to mark the one-month countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The event featured a vibrant pop-up Netball court at the concourse outside the iconic Hydro venue, which will host the Opening Ceremony and the Netball competition from July 25.
Duncan Scott Swaps Pool for Court
In a standout crossover moment, Scott, who holds 12 Commonwealth medals, traded the swimming pool for the Netball court, donning a bib to join the action. His participation highlighted the national pride building across Team Scotland as athletes from 10 sports and six Para sports prepare to compete on home soil. Scottish Thistles captain Emily Nicholl led the session, putting Scottish influencers and future Netball stars through their paces, showcasing the speed, skill, and intensity fans can expect when Netball takes over the Hydro from July 25 to August 2.
Over 3,000 Athletes from 74 Nations
The Glasgow 2026 buzz is growing across the city, with the atmosphere building as venues and communities prepare for the Games. Over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will arrive in Scotland next month, setting the stage for an unforgettable 11 days of world-class sport. The Glasgow 2026 Festival is already underway, and over 500 businesses, community groups, and sporting organisations have joined the national All In campaign to show support for the Games. Glasgow and Scotland are ready to welcome athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth.
Quotes from Key Figures
Natalie Cunningham, Glasgow 2026 Director of Sport, said: "Reaching this milestone is a huge moment for everyone involved in Glasgow 2026. This is the moment that it starts to feel real. These are going to be Games that people talk about for years to come, a real moment in history for the city and for the Commonwealth. We're creating something truly unforgettable, and I can honestly say this is not an event anyone will want to miss." She added: "We're in the final straight for selections and it's brilliant to see Olympic, Paralympic, World and European champions getting ready to go head-to-head in Glasgow next month. The standard of competition across our 10 sports and six Para sports is incredible. No matter what sport you watch - whether in the arenas or at home - Glasgow 2026 is world-class sport at its best. We can't wait to welcome the world back to Glasgow and to see athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth come together for what will be an unforgettable summer."
Emily Nicholl, Scottish Thistles Captain, said: "As an athlete, it's an incredibly exciting time, it's all starting to feel very real now. Having the chance to play at the Hydro in front of a home crowd is going to be such a special experience, and days like today really bring that to life. It also means a lot to be able to inspire the next generation and show young people just how exciting netball can be."
Duncan Scott MBE, Team Scotland Swimmer, said: "It's always special to be part of Team Scotland, and even more so in a home Games environment. Getting involved and being put through my paces by Emily and the team was great fun and getting to try something a bit different gives you a real appreciation for the wider team and what they are doing in preparation for the Games. There's something unique about being part of this group of athletes and competing in front of a home crowd is something we're all looking forward to."
Final Ticket Drop and Prices
As Glasgow prepares to throw open its doors, fans are being called on to play their part, echoing the passion and pride of the Tartan Army. The final ticket drop is on sale now, including highly sought-after seats for the Opening Ceremony, set to be one of the hottest tickets in the city. Tickets for Netball at the Hydro start from 17 pounds for adults and 13 pounds for concessions, available at glasgow2026.com/tickets. The Netball competition runs from July 25 to August 2.
