New name for Glasgow’s Emirates Arena

Article posted by Coliseum, April 27^th, 2026

Image: Glasgow Life

Emirates Arena is being renamed the Glasgow International Arena ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

The venue is operated by Glasgow Life, the city’s arm for managing the arts, music and sport.

The arena in Glasgow’s Dalmarnock area has hosted major sporting events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games, major Davis Cup tennis ties and the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2024.

More than £500,000 will be invested in the rebrand, which aims to establish the venue more widely throughout Glasgow and beyond.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “This is an exciting moment as we introduce the Glasgow International Arena, marking the start of a new chapter for Scotland’s largest indoor sports complex.

“It follows the culmination of a successful partnership with Emirates, whose name has been synonymous with the arena for more than a decade.

“As Glasgow International Arena, the venue will continue to build on its global reputation for hosting world-class sport while expanding its offering as a space for major live events and music performances.”

New signage will now be installed around the building, along with two large outdoor screens that will showcase what’s happening at the arena, and across Glasgow.

They will share city highlights with the thousands who pass by each day, use the venue regularly, or visit for major sporting and music events.

The refresh follows the end of the previous naming rights agreement, with the new name reflecting the arena’s evolving role in hosting world-class sport, events, and music performances.

Since opening in 2012, the arena has helped boost Glasgow’s reputation as Scotland’s sporting capital and has been central to many major events.

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games this summer, when it will welcome visitors from across Scotland and beyond, it is important the venue continues to shine as a world-class sporting and cultural destination, Glasgow Life said.

Glasgow International Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will remain open as normal during the works, which are expected to be complete by mid to late May, with the new screens in use from June.

The spokesperson added: “Delivering exceptional and memorable sporting occasions will remain central to the arena’s future.

“At the same time, we see real opportunities to expand its role as a live entertainment space given its flexible capacity, which we have shown through three successful test concerts as part of the city’s Celtic Connections music festival.

“In a challenging commercial environment, we remain committed to exploring every opportunity to secure an appropriate new naming rights partner that aligns with the venue and the city.”

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