In just 66 days, the curtain will lift on the biggest sporting event in the UK when the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony takes over the iconic Hydro arena. From today, fans from across Glasgow, Scotland and the world can sign up for their chance to access tickets to one of most unforgettable moments of the Games.
On 23 July, the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, presented by Longines, will take place in an indoor arena for the first time in history. Glasgow’s Hydro is set to be the perfect stage having supported some of the world’s biggest names in music, culture and sport.
The ceremony will be the opening act for 10 days of world-class sporting competition and will welcome thousands of athletes as the Batons from 74 nations and territories come together. Creative elements of the show will be performed by a local cast of 600 and headline talent designed to take the audience on a journey through the city, Scotland and the Commonwealth.
Tickets for the ceremony are expected to be in high demand and a dedicated ticket draw has been created. Fans need to sign up to gain access to buy tickets, providing them with a fair opportunity to be at the highly anticipated show.
Registration for the ticket draw opens today (18 May) at 12:00 and fans have just eight days to register to be part of it, before the deadline of 23:59 on Tuesday 26 May.
Registered fans will be selected at random for the chance to purchase tickets and those who are successful will be notified on Monday 1 June. Fans will be able to buy up to four tickets the following day.
There are four ticket price categories for the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony – Cat D: £45, Cat C: £95, Cat B: £145 and Cat A: £195 for adults, with concession prices available from £34 to £146. Tickets will be released on 2 June.
George Black CBE, Chair at Glasgow 2026, said: “The Opening Ceremony marks the moment we welcome athletes from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow. Gathered in The Hydro, we will share a story of how this incredible city has contributed to the world.
“By entering the ticket draw, we want to give people the opportunity to watch the live action unfold as the Commonwealth comes together in one place to mark the start of the Games.”
Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer at Glasgow 2026, said: “Glasgow doesn’t do parties quietly and this Opening Ceremony will take that to a new level. For the first time in Commonwealth Games’ history, we’re taking the entire show indoors and transforming The Hydro into a fast-paced, immersive live experience packed with energy, surprises and spectacle.
“This is not a ceremony you will want to watch from a distance. It’s a ceremony you will want to be a part of and feel. With incredible dance and performance, headline acts, breathtaking visuals and the arrival of all 74 Batons from across the Commonwealth, the audience will be surrounded by icons and heroes of the Games from the very first moment.
“At its heart is the story of Glasgow; irrepressible and cool, emotional, hilarious, creative and proudly loud, brought to life by a creative team whose work spans the world’s biggest live shows. This will be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 and to ensure your chance to be there, register today.”
Tom Davies, Executive Producer (Ceremonies), at Glasgow 2026, said: “We’re keeping the Opening Ceremony creative under wraps, but it’s exciting to hear speculation about what people might see. One of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘Will the teacakes be coming back?’. There’s only one way to find out – register for a ticket!
“We’re working alongside a brilliant team who have designed and delivered incredible creative for some of the world’s biggest ceremonies, concerts, and one-off special events. Opening Ceremonies ignite a spirit and an atmosphere that you must be there for.”
Fans can register for the Opening Ceremony draw from midday on Monday 18 May at www.glasgow2026.com/ceremonies-tickets.
Registering does not guarantee tickets to the Clyde-built Opening Ceremony and successful applications will be notified by email on Monday 1 June, giving them first access to buy tickets from 12.00pm on Tuesday 2 June.
Any remaining tickets following the first sale, will be opened to a second wave of registered customers who will be invited to buy tickets from 12.00 on Friday 5 June. Further information about the Closing Ceremony and how to secure your tickets will be announced in due course.