Commonwealth Games chiefs are dishing out free tickets to the Tartan Army... but they insist it's NOT because of poor ticket sales

Published: 00:08, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 00:14, 9 July 2026 The Commonwealth Games is dishing out free tickets to the Tartan Army. But organisers have insisted the move is to thank fans who travelled to the United States to show support for Scotland in their World Cup campaign and not in response to sluggish ticket sales. While not releasing any figures, they pointed to ‘phenomenal demand across all sports’ with ‘hundreds of thousands of tickets sold’. The giveaway to the country’s most dedicated football fans comes as Glasgow 2026 revealed its opening ceremony on July 23 will feature Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. Glasgow is hosting a scaled down Commonwealth Games between July 23 and August 2 after it stepped up when the Australian state of Victoria controversially pulled out amid soaring costs. Footsoldiers of the Scotland Supporters Club were sent an email offering free tickets to Glasgow 2026, with up to four tickets up for grabs by its members for a variety of sessions and sports. The Tartan Army were warmly received in the USA this summer The likes of Eilish McColgan will again take centre stage at the Commonwealth Games A limited number of tickets were being offered for events, including the Para Powerlifting at the SEC Armadillo on July 24 which will see the first medal of the games. Also included is the 3x3 basketball at Glasgow SEC, an event which will see Scotland play Australia, on the same day. Boxing at the same location, featuring the men’s light-heavyweight division, is being offered to members who want to watch the event on July 25. The Tartan Army are also being offered tickets to a morning session of athletics on July 27, which will feature the men’s and women’s 100m first round. And on July 29 there is the weightlifting at the Armadillo, which will feature Scottish medal hopeful Agata Herbert, and Netball at the Hydro in which Jamaica will play Scotland. It is hoped the football fans could boost the host nation’s chances with their enthusiasm. With just weeks to go until the start, there are still tickets available to buy for the opening ceremony. As well as Suddenly I See singer KT Tunstall, the event will also feature singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, Nathan Evans of the sea shanties fame, and Lanarkshire duo Saint PHNX, alongside other artists and 600 volunteer cast members. With free tickets up for grabs for some events, the Tartan Army now have the chance to support Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. KT Tunstall is now due to perform at the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026 Phil Batty, the chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: ‘The Tartan Army captured the hearts of so many at the World Cup and did Scotland proud. ‘The incredible support shown for the national team is exactly the groundswell of energy we want behind Team Scotland as they prepare to compete on home soil at the Commonwealth Games. ‘This ticketing initiative is a thank you to those fans. We are inviting the Tartan Army to back their team, bring their passion and pride, and roar Scottish athletes home to victory between 23 July to 2 August.’ The Scotland Supporters Club was told, once they applied for the limited number of tickets available, Glasgow 2026 would be in touch to let them know if they have been successful. Its members were told: ‘You’ve already done Scotland proud this summer, bringing the noise, colour and spirit to the World Cup like nobody else could. ‘And as our country now prepares to step up give the world a true Scottish welcome for this summer’s Commonwealth Games, we’ve teamed up with Glasgow 2026 to offer you a little thank you.’