Regional Victoria has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with hubs set for Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.
The announcement by the Commonwealth Games Federation comes after a period of exclusive negotiations, with Commonwealth Games Australia and the state government last month submitting a delivery concept for consideration.
Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games.
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Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program. The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.
Shepparton will also host sporting and cultural events as part of Victoria 2026. There will also be a strong para sport program, with six sports already locked in.
Further work is being done with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to determine if additional sports will be included in the Victoria 2026 program, which may open opportunities for other locations to host events.
A Victoria-wide program of live sites and activations will ensure visitors are welcomed in every corner of the state, with the Queen’s Baton Relay to traverse the regions in the weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
“It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state,” premier Daniel Andrews said.
“The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”
“The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision that provides an exciting new blueprint for hosting our major multi-sport event,” Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin added.
For more information, and to express interest in being involved, visit their website here.
