New stands, track and toilets: Inside Scotstoun Stadium's drastic transformation for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Yet hosting the event is still a large undertaking for any country, especially in these circumstances. It left organisers with months rather than several years to prepare.

The 2026 Games have been downsized in comparison to previous editions, featuring 10 different sports compared to the 17 featured in 2014. Much has been said about what spectators can expect from this modest iteration of the Games, but expectations have to be managed in this instance.

However, there is still much to look forward over the next week with a number of intriguing storylines to be told as local athletes from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland compete under their own flags and get their chance in the spotlight to become home heroes.

Despite a lighter footprint and only four main venues being used across an eight-mile corridor, Scotstoun Stadium in the West End is preparing to be thrust into the limelight on Monday. Extensive work has been carried out to transform the home of Glasgow Warriors rugby team into a showpiece Athletics venue, with various field and track events taking place from Monday, July 27 to Saturday, August 1.

With two sessions daily over six days, the council owned facility will welcome up to 12,000 spectators each day thanks to the addition of temporary stands increasing the ground’s intimate capacity by around 2,500 seats. Yet, athletics offers the most stark example of the scaled-down Games, having previously been staged at a converted 52,000-capacity Hampden Park 12 years ago.

Even so, you can expect to see some high-profile international athletes including Canada’s most decorated male Olympian of all-time, Andre De Grasse (4x100m relay) and Jamaica’s sprint queen Shericka Jackson (sprint relay) will be among the headline acts on show in addition to two-time Olympic medallist and newly-crowned world record holder Josh Kerr (Mile) and an excellent crop of homegrown Scottish stars headlined by Laura Muir (5,000m).

But is Scotstoun ready to welcome thousands of spectators as it prepares to take centre stage? On first viewing of the drastic transformation this valued community and rugby hub has undergone, the venue certainly looks sure to generate a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Track and Field athletes and para-athletes will compete for 59 gold medals on a brand-new, state-of-the-art track. The installation and investment will ensure a world-class, high-performance surface for elite competitors when the starting gun is fired.

Supplied by DYNAMIK, a leading sports flooring specialist and Official Supporter of Team Scotland, the new DYNAMIK MONDO Sportflex Super X 720™ is the most technologically advanced track surface in the world. It’s designed to be softer under foot, with elliptical-profile air cells that return energy to the athlete more efficiently, helping improve performance.

First pioneered at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, where four world records were set, the materials used have been further upgraded since then. It not only benefits those competing at Glasgow 2026, but it will be gifted to the city of Glasgow once the Games have concluded, leaving a lasting legacy at the Glasgow Life operated venue.

The track installation marks a significant milestone in the preparation for Glasgow 2026 and will benefit future generations of athletes for years to come.

“Scotstoun Stadium is set to be a real focal point for Glasgow 2026,” said Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive at Glasgow 2026. “There will be an electric atmosphere at Scotstoun Stadium, given the calibre and scale of the athletics competition taking place there. The return of the Commonwealth Mile will be one of the must-see moments of the Games.

“Our investment will not only provide world-class facilities for the Commonwealth's leading athletes, but it will also create a local legacy, strengthening opportunities for grassroots Athletics post-Games. We can't wait to see Scotstoun come alive and the brilliant sporting moments that will take place in this incredible venue.”

Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, added: “Scotstoun Stadium’s new track is a fantastic addition to Glasgow and a welcome investment by the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, which further strengthens our city’s reputation as an unrivalled host of global sporting events.”

Several other significant upgrades were made to Scotstoun last year in a bid to further enhance the experience for visitors, with a new floodlighting system and upgraded toilet facilities among the biggest improvements - signalling the venue’s ambition to make any sporting event feel premium.