Glasgow: Sport City

Welcome to the September edition of our Glasgow 850 Blog: "8.5 Things to Know About Glasgow’s Sporting History and Spirit".

As Glasgow celebrates its 850th year, we turn our focus to one of the city’s most dynamic and unifying forces: sport. From grassroots clubs to global competitions, Glasgow has long been a city where sport thrives. Home to iconic venues like Hampden Park and the Emirates Arena, and host to world-class events including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and UEFA fixtures, Glasgow’s sporting legacy is built on passion, pride, and community.

As we gear up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will once again place Glasgow on the international stage, we’re celebrating the people, places, and moments that define our city’s sporting identity.

In this edition, we’ll explore 8.5 things to know about Glasgow’s sporting scene—from legendary athletes and historic milestones to hidden gems and local heroes shaping the future of sport in the city.

1. Glasgow 850 Football Podcast Series – More Than Just a Match

As part of the Glasgow 850 celebrations, a new podcast series hosted by Go Radio is capturing the heart of Glasgow’s football culture - past, present and future.

The first episode, “Glasgow’s Old Firm Derby: The City’s Sporting Soul”, dives into the passion and legacy of one of the world’s most iconic rivalries, featuring voices like Ian Crocker, Barry Ferguson, Charlie Mulgrew, and Mark Guidi.

Watch or listen now:
YouTube 

But the series doesn’t stop there. Two more episodes are on the way:

• One exploring the rise of women’s football in Glasgow, driven by pioneering clubs and community champions.
• Another spotlighting youth and grassroots football, the lifeblood of the game and a vital part of Glasgow’s social and sporting fabric.

Also available on Spotify | Apple | Amazon

2. Club Football – The Old Firm 

Glasgow is home to two of the most iconic football clubs in the world – Celtic FC & Rangers FC – whose fierce rivalry forms the legendary Old Firm Derby, first played in 1888.

Celtic FC, founded in 1887 to support the Irish-Scots community in Glasgow’s East End, made history in 1967 as the first British team to win the European Cup. The club has since secured over 50 league titles and numerous domestic honours. Legends like Jimmy Johnstone, Henrik Larsson, and Tommy Burns have each left a legacy on the pitch and among fans.

Rangers FC, established in 1872, won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972 and became the first football club in the world to reach 100 major trophies in 2000. With a history spanning over 150 years, the club has been home to icons such as John Greig, Ally McCoist, and Barry Ferguson.

Together, Celtic and Rangers have won over 100 league titles combined, and as of 2025, they are joint record holders for the most Scottish league championships. Their success has helped position Glasgow as a global footballing destination—drawing fans, media, and investment from around the world, and contributing significantly to the city’s economy and cultural identity.

3. Beyond the Old Firm – Glasgow’s Other Professional Clubs

While Celtic and Rangers dominate headlines, Glasgow is also home to other historic and influential football clubs that have shaped the city’s sporting identity.

Partick Thistle FC, founded in 1876, plays at Firhill Stadium in Maryhill. The club famously won the Scottish Cup in 1921 and stunned Celtic with a 4–1 victory in the 1971 League Cup Final. Thistle has also represented Scotland in European competitions and remains a vibrant part of the city’s football culture.

Queen’s Park FC, established in 1867, is Scotland’s oldest football club and a pioneer of the modern passing game. The club played a key role in founding the Scottish Football Association, and its players formed the entire Scottish team in the first international match against England in 1872. Queen’s Park has won the Scottish Cup 10 times, making it the third most successful club in the competition’s history.

These clubs contribute to Glasgow’s rich footballing landscape, offering fans alternative legacies, community engagement, and a deep sense of local pride.

4. Hampden Park – Scotland’s National Stadium

No celebration of Glasgow’s sporting legacy is complete without mentioning Hampden Park—Scotland’s national stadium and one of the most historic football venues in the world.

Once the largest stadium on the planet, it held the world record for attendance at a football match—149,415 spectators watched Scotland defeat England in 1937, a European record that still stands today. 

Hampden has hosted some of football’s most historic moments, including six European finals, the 2012 Olympic Games, and the 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. It’s also home to the Scottish national team, Queen’s Park FC, and the Scottish Football Association.

Looking ahead, Hampden will once again take centre stage as it hosts the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field events for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, reinforcing its legacy as a world-class venue for sport and celebration.

5. World Class Host for Global Sport 

Over the past two decades, Glasgow has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading cities for hosting major sporting events. From the 2014 Commonwealth Games to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and the 2024 Athletics Indoor Championships, the city has consistently delivered world-class experience for athletes, fans, and organisers alike.

Glasgow’s reputation as a world-class host city is built on a combination of top-tier venues, passionate local audiences, and a collaborative approach to event delivery. Backed by the Glasgow Events Strategy 2035, these events continue to bring cultural, social, and economic benefits to communities across the city—strengthening Glasgow’s position as a trusted and innovative sporting destination ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

6. Glasgow’s Sporting Diversity

While football may dominate the headlines, Glasgow is home to a thriving community of other professional and grassroots sports that contribute to its rich sporting identity.

Rugby: Glasgow is represented at the highest level by the Glasgow Warriors, a professional rugby union team competing in the United Rugby Championship and European tournaments. Founded in 1872 as an amateur district side, the Warriors became the first Scottish team to win a major professional rugby trophy with their Pro12 title in 2015, and again made history by winning the United Rugby Championship in 2024.

Netball: Glasgow’s netball legacy began with the Glasgow Wildcats, the first Scottish team to compete in the Netball Superleague (2008–2011). Their impact helped raise the sport’s profile ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and continues through youth development and community programmes. Today, the city is home to the Strathclyde Sirens, Scotland’s current professional team, based at the Emirates Arena. At the grassroots level, the Glasgow Netball Association supports dozens of teams across multiple divisions, with clubs like Glasgow Saltires, Scotstoun Storm, and East Kilbride leading the way.

7. Living an active ‘Glasgow Life’ – Sports Facilities for Everyone

Glasgow Life offers a wide range of affordable, accessible sports facilities to help citizens stay active. Through Glasgow Club, residents can access gyms, pools, and over 1,000 weekly fitness classes across 19 venues—with flexible memberships or pay-as-you-go options. Programmes like FitClub and ActivClub cater to all fitness levels. Beyond facilities, the Active Communities initiative supports inclusive, local activities—from walking groups to wellbeing sessions—designed to improve health and social connection. Whether you're training, trying something new, or just keeping moving, Glasgow Life makes it easy to live well and stay active.

8.5 Looking Ahead – Be Part of the Commonwealth Games 2026 

To wrap up our September Sports blog, it’s time to turn our gaze forward — to one of the most exciting opportunities on the horizon: the Commonwealth Games 2026.

Glasgow is once again preparing to welcome the world, and with it comes a chance for you to be part of something truly special. Whether you’re passionate about sport, community, culture, or simply want to make a difference, the volunteering programme for Glasgow 2026 is your gateway to being at the heart of the action.