Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: Here's how to get opening ceremony tickets as ballot opens - with ticket prices

Those excited for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will soon be able to sign up for a chance to be in audience for the opening ceremony.

Set to take place at the OVO Hydro on July 23, it will be the first time in the event’s history that the ceremony will be held indoors. Demand is expected to be high, with those interested in attending required to register in advance of tickets going on sale.

READ MORE: Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 Ticket prices and presales: Here's how to book your place at the festival of sport

Kicking off 10 days of competition, thousands of athletes will be in attendance, with a performance from a local cast of 600 and headline talent which is designed to take the audience on a journey through Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth.

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.”

Here’s how you can bag a ticket to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 opening ceremony.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: How to get tickets for the opening ceremony

If you want to be among the crowd cheering as the Commonwealth Games kick off in Glasgow, the first thing you will need to do is sign up for the ticket draw.

Registration for the ticket ballot will open from 12pm this afternoon (May 18), and close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, May 26.

You must sign up here to be entered into the draw before the period closes to be in with a chance of purchasing a ticket.

There will be a random draw to decide which applicants can purchase tickets, with those who are successful to be notified by email from Monday, June 1 - so keep an eye out on your spam inbox.

Tickets then go on sale from 12pm on Tuesday, June 2. The purchase period will remain open until 12pm on Friday, June 5.

If there are any tickets remaining, a second wave of fans who have registered for the ballot will be invited to buy tickets from 12pm on Friday, June 5. There is a limit of 4 tickets per person.

How much are tickets for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games opening ceremony?

Ticket prices for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will range from £45 to £195, with concession prices also available.

Here is the full list of ticket prices for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony:

• Category D: £45
• Category C: £95
• Category B: £145
• Category A: £195
• Concessions: From £34 to £146

Unlike a typical gig or show, however, fans will not be able to select their exact seat when purchasing tickets. Instead, seating will be assigned closer to the event based on which ticket price you selected.

There are also be accessible tickets, with hearing loops and a BSL interpreter to be available during the ceremony. This will be subject to availability.

Being selected for the ballot does not guarantee you will be able to purchase tickets, and as seating is allocated fans are advised that while organisers aim to seat groups together when possible, it isn’t a guarantee.

Are there any age restrictions?

No, there are no age restrictions for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony as it is designed to be family friendly.

With that being said, there are a few rules which need to be followed.

Any children older than 18 months will need a ticket to enter the venue. Children under that age will not need a ticket, provided that they are accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 and are to be held in arms.

All guests who are under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over during the event.

When will tickets for the closing ceremony go on sale?

Any details regarding tickets for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony on August 2 have yet to be released.

Further information will be released in the coming weeks, but fans can register for the Glasgow 2026 newsletter for all of the latest news and updates.