Beginning of the end for the Commonwealth Games

[SaintK]

Too expensive for Victoria.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.
But the premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become "well and truly too much" for the state to bear.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the governing body said they were blindsided by the decision.
"We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours' notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions," it said in a statement.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-66229574

[Sandstorm]

That is disappointing.

[weegie01]

Having no interest in them, I had paid no attention until now.

They seem to have almost wilfully done everything wrong and have ended up with a budget three to seven times higher than the last few hosts.

Prime amongst them was intending to build shiny new facilities in places which had no long term use for them rather than using existing facilities elsewhere.

[Lobby]

Its not the first time they've had to be rearranged.

Last year's Commonwealth Games were supposed to be held in Durban, but had to be moved to Birmingham when the South African Government refused to meet the costs of the games. At that time it looked as if the Games were only viable when hosted by the UK or Australia, but with the Aussies also pulling out now there doesn't seem much future for them as a regular fixture unless they are always held in the UK.

[Kawazaki]

Can see the same thing happening to the Olympics and World Cup which is where the likes of Saudi and Qatar will mop up because they'll pay the bribes, bungs and underwrite the huge hosting costs.

[vball]

We went to Birmingham and it was fantastic. SO well organised and the people from all over we met, a real family of countries event.
The standard of the athletes was also top notch.

As for costs, etc, I have no doubt they are substantial. Anybody got a "balance sheet" of what it meant for Birmigham?
The Glasgow games were incredible too.

Would be a shame if they did not take place.

[Paddington Bear]

Was going to say the same - will all end up over here. Sport has rampant inflation and mission creep to it - do you really need totally new facilities for everything you host?

[robmatic]

Was going to say the same - will all end up over here. Sport has rampant inflation and mission creep to it - do you really need totally new facilities for everything you host?

You do if you want to get your paws on cash/favours from the construction companies.

[inactionman]

I work with someone who organises the commonwealth games participation of one of the channel islands

The issue seems to be that the organisers in Victoria have played politics, utterly ignored early critiques from Commonwealth Games Australia, and hence CGA are now pretty pissed:

Commonwealth Games Australia Chief Executive Officer, Craig Phillips AM, has made the following comments about the decision to withdraw from the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games by the Victorian Government.
“The announcement made by the Victorian Government today is beyond disappointing.”

“It’s a comprehensive let down for the athletes, the excited host communities, First Nations Australians who were at the heart of the Games, and the millions of fans that would have embraced a sixth home Games in Australia.”

“The multi-city model for delivering Victoria 2026 was an approach proposed by the Victorian Government, in accordance with strategic roadmap of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).”

“It was pitched to the CGF after Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) had sought interest to host the Games from several states. They did not step in as hosts at the last minute, as indicated by the Premier earlier today.”

“The detailed budgetary implications announced today have not been sighted or discussed with the CGF or CGA ahead of being notified of the Government’s decision.

“The stated costs overrun, in our opinion, are a gross exaggeration and not reflective of the operational costs presented to the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee board as recently as June.”

“Beyond this, the Victorian Government wilfully ignored recommendations to move events to purpose-built stadia in Melbourne and in fact remained wedded to proceeding with expensive temporary venues in regional Victoria.”

“CGA would welcome the opportunity to review the financial analysis prepared independently of those who have been involved at the coal face of planning and delivery.”

“We thank the dedicated staff at the Organising Committee and the Office for the Commonwealth Games for their effort, acknowledging that today will be a tough time for those who have worked so hard.”

“We also welcome the announced commitment to regional housing, a critical legacy component of the Games wholeheartedly supported and encouraged from the outset by CGA.”

“The Victorian Government, however, has jeopardised Melbourne and Victoria’s standing as a sporting capital of the world.”

https://commonwealthgames.com.au/cga-st ... oria-2026/

[Lisbon Nick]

We went to Birmingham and it was fantastic. SO well organised and the people from all over we met, a real family of countries event.
The standard of the athletes was also top notch.

As for costs, etc, I have no doubt they are substantial. Anybody got a "balance sheet" of what it meant for Birmigham?
The Glasgow games were incredible too.

Would be a shame if they did not take place.

Read somewhere the cost of the Birmingham games was £ 780 million with a benefit to the UK economy of £ 870 million. I`m always a little sceptical of these benefit calculations but the one thing that sticks out in comparison is the projected cost of the Victoria games of Aus$ 6-7 billion (£3-3.5 billion).

[inactionman]

We went to Birmingham and it was fantastic. SO well organised and the people from all over we met, a real family of countries event.
The standard of the athletes was also top notch.

As for costs, etc, I have no doubt they are substantial. Anybody got a "balance sheet" of what it meant for Birmigham?
The Glasgow games were incredible too.

Would be a shame if they did not take place.

Read somewhere the cost of the Birmingham games was £ 780 million with a benefit to the UK economy of £ 870 million. I`m always a little sceptical of these benefit calculations but the one thing that sticks out in comparison is the projected cost of the Victoria games of Aus$ 6-7 billion (£3-3.5 billion).

They're having to build a load of facilities, many of which Birmingham already had to hand. And which Melbourne etc have.

Even worse, they're building a load of temporary facilities, which don't really emet sustainability or legacy ambitions.

Their approach has been criticised previously, and it seems that chickens are coming home to roost.

[Biffer]

We went to Birmingham and it was fantastic. SO well organised and the people from all over we met, a real family of countries event.
The standard of the athletes was also top notch.

As for costs, etc, I have no doubt they are substantial. Anybody got a "balance sheet" of what it meant for Birmigham?
The Glasgow games were incredible too.

Would be a shame if they did not take place.

Read somewhere the cost of the Birmingham games was £ 780 million with a benefit to the UK economy of £ 870 million. I`m always a little sceptical of these benefit calculations but the one thing that sticks out in comparison is the projected cost of the Victoria games of Aus$ 6-7 billion (£3-3.5 billion).

Yeah, and Glasgow cost about £540 million with an impact of about £740 million to the economy.

Victoria is having a laugh with those costs and either

1. Thought they could get loads of facilities with someone else paying for the, or
2. Deliberately did those calculations so they wouldn't have to host it.

The Commonwealth Games is still viable, but the folks in charge need to engage honestly, with a realistic attitude and budget, rather than pretending it's the Olympics

[Biffer]

It strikes me that one or two of the wealthier Commonwealth nations could do something with their overseas aid budget here, underwriting the build of facilities in African countries in the future. Although I know it would be a difficult sell for many many reasons.

Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, India should all be able to host successfully, and several other countries should as well. You could also argue that the Caribbean countries should be able to jointly host it, but given how badly they're fucking their cricket up its not going to happen.

[_Os_]

It strikes me that one or two of the wealthier Commonwealth nations could do something with their overseas aid budget here, underwriting the build of facilities in African countries in the future. Although I know it would be a difficult sell for many many reasons.

Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, India should all be able to host successfully, and several other countries should as well. You could also argue that the Caribbean countries should be able to jointly host it, but given how badly they're fucking their cricket up its not going to happen.

Durban's soccer stadium built for the 2010 world cup has the room for an Olympic running track, it's really an athletics stadium. That choice was made to bid on global athletic events (maybe a stretch for Durban, a place few people have heard of outside Southern Africa but anyway). It also meant Durban didn't get a new rectangular pitch stadium, which would've been more commercially viable for soccer and rugby. Which is why the Sharks still play in King's Park. Durban already has everything needed to host such a event, there's an Olympic sized swimming pool and international convention centre too.

Durban cancelled before the Aussies did, because it was projected to make a loss. Not enough South Africans would've paid enough to go to the events and not enough international tourists would've come (any?). It's a minor event which isn't a draw. This is what happened when India hosted, not many people turned up, I remember watching the Sevens and it was a one man and his dog crowd.

It looks viable in the UK where there's enough interest (it gets BBC coverage) and money. A lot of countries are going to be sceptical of hosting it even if the economics works, because unless you're UK/Canada/Aus/NZ then the UK media will potentially reward you with heavily negative coverage (just like India received) basically saying that country shouldn't be hosting, thereby negating a lot of the point for the host (the event gets little worldwide coverage, if it's negative coverage in the UK a lot of the potential benefit evaporates).

[Sandstorm]

You shouldn't expect 3rd World Commonwealth members to build Olympic grade cycle velodromes when they can't afford to build schools or hospitals. That includes Boganville in Australia.

[Kawazaki]

It strikes me that one or two of the wealthier Commonwealth nations could do something with their overseas aid budget here, underwriting the build of facilities in African countries in the future. Although I know it would be a difficult sell for many many reasons.

Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, India should all be able to host successfully, and several other countries should as well. You could also argue that the Caribbean countries should be able to jointly host it, but given how badly they're fucking their cricket up its not going to happen.

The UK has sent nearly £3bn in foreign aid to India since 2016 - India have a space program and sent a rocket into orbit last week.

p.s FFS

[Paddington Bear]

It strikes me that one or two of the wealthier Commonwealth nations could do something with their overseas aid budget here, underwriting the build of facilities in African countries in the future. Although I know it would be a difficult sell for many many reasons.

Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, India should all be able to host successfully, and several other countries should as well. You could also argue that the Caribbean countries should be able to jointly host it, but given how badly they're fucking their cricket up its not going to happen.

Durban's soccer stadium built for the 2010 world cup has the room for an Olympic running track, it's really an athletics stadium. That choice was made to bid on global athletic events (maybe a stretch for Durban, a place few people have heard of outside Southern Africa but anyway). It also meant Durban didn't get a new rectangular pitch stadium, which would've been more commercially viable for soccer and rugby. Which is why the Sharks still play in King's Park. Durban already has everything needed to host such a event, there's an Olympic sized swimming pool and international convention centre too.

Durban cancelled before the Aussies did, because it was projected to make a loss. Not enough South Africans would've paid enough to go to the events and not enough international tourists would've come (any?). It's a minor event which isn't a draw. This is what happened when India hosted, not many people turned up, I remember watching the Sevens and it was a one man and his dog crowd.

It looks viable in the UK where there's enough interest (it gets BBC coverage) and money. A lot of countries are going to be sceptical of hosting it even if the economics works, because unless you're UK/Canada/Aus/NZ then the UK media will potentially reward you with heavily negative coverage (just like India received) basically saying that country shouldn't be hosting, thereby negating a lot of the point for the host (the event gets little worldwide coverage, if it's negative coverage in the UK a lot of the potential benefit evaporates).

In fairness the Indians entirely deserved the negative coverage given the absolute shitshow they produced, and it’s likely debatable the extent to which British newspaper coverage affects bidding for sporting events overseas

[_Os_]

In fairness the Indians entirely deserved the negative coverage given the absolute shitshow they produced, and it’s likely debatable the extent to which British newspaper coverage affects bidding for sporting events overseas

Improving the brand/image/marketing of a country is one of the main reasons countries bid on global events, it's not to make money directly from the event alone. It's why ME countries are now bidding for events, they have an image problem and have worked out that sports washing gets results. Russia has known this for awhile. It's why China bids too. But the same is true for anywhere that holds an event successfully, the 2010 world cup boosted tourism to SA long after it ended.

The Commonwealth Games is only going to get any coverage in Commonwealth countries, so UK media coverage gets outsized importance because that's most of the market you're trying to influence (the UK is a third of Commonwealth GDP), and unlike the India the other big Commonwealth economy (and another third of Commonwealth GDP) UK media is syndicated more widely.

I could totally see the actual events happening in Durban at facilities that are fine and sometimes world class. UK media (Sun/Mail/Express/Telegraph) finding something to shit on in a developing world city, rendering the event pointless or a negative for Durban/SA. And what's true for Durban is true for many places.

[Paddington Bear]

In fairness the Indians entirely deserved the negative coverage given the absolute shitshow they produced, and it’s likely debatable the extent to which British newspaper coverage affects bidding for sporting events overseas

Improving the brand/image/marketing of a country is one of the main reasons countries bid on global events, it's not to make money directly from the event alone. It's why ME countries are now bidding for events, they have an image problem and have worked out that sports washing gets results. Russia has known this for awhile. It's why China bids too. But the same is true for anywhere that holds an event successfully, the 2010 world cup boosted tourism to SA long after it ended.

The Commonwealth Games is only going to get any coverage in Commonwealth countries, so UK media coverage gets outsized importance because that's most of the market you're trying to influence (the UK is a third of Commonwealth GDP), and unlike the India the other big Commonwealth economy (and another third of Commonwealth GDP) UK media is syndicated more widely.

I could totally see the actual events happening in Durban at facilities that are fine and sometimes world class. UK media (Sun/Mail/Express/Telegraph) finding something to shit on in a developing world city, rendering the event pointless or a negative for Durban/SA. And what's true for Durban is true for many places.

You’re getting mad at hypothetical news coverage whilst failing to acknowledge India deserved the negative coverage for running an awful event.

[_Os_]

You’re getting mad at hypothetical news coverage whilst failing to acknowledge India deserved the negative coverage for running an awful event.

Did you go to the Commonwealth Games in India? If not how did you form the opinion it was awful?

A lot of the point of these global events is to get positive news coverage. Unlike other events for the Commonwealth Games that disproportionately means the UK press. I have zero confidence the Sun/Express/Mail/Telegraph would treat any event held in SA fairly when given how UK media works they'll have outsized power to completely dictate the narrative, without competing media coverage/interest in other large markets, and very few people travelling to SA to watch because it's not a major event.

The negative media coverage India received was bigger than the event itself and all anyone remembers. Definitely that's going to go into the calculation of anyone bidding that isn't UK/Aus/NZ/Canada.

[Hugo]

We went to Birmingham and it was fantastic. SO well organised and the people from all over we met, a real family of countries event.
The standard of the athletes was also top notch.

As for costs, etc, I have no doubt they are substantial. Anybody got a "balance sheet" of what it meant for Birmigham?
The Glasgow games were incredible too.

Would be a shame if they did not take place.

Yeah, we went to the athletics, it was a phenomenal experience.

[Hugo]

As far as solutions to this problem go, I would imagine having it permanently in the UK is the only real option.

Could rotate between say, London, Birmingham & Manchester but I suppose the games would lose their novelty & appeal.

[Biffer]

Much asVictoria have fucked this up, there’s still appetite to host the games out there. Both Edmonton and Hamilton talked about bidding for 2026, but pulled out due to Canada co hosting the World Cup in 2026. 2030 would be the hundredth anniversary of the first games, which were hosted in Canada.

There’s been some investigation of it in New Zealand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other Australian cities as well. But finding a host for 2026 is a real problem.

[Deepsouth]

No Australian city is going to take it on. Frankly if Albanese wins the next election Australia may not even be in the Commonwealth.

Let's hope so......

[Biffer]

Birmingham again seems the only practical option.

[Biffer]

No Australian city is going to take it on. Frankly if Albanese wins the next election Australia may not even be in the Commonwealth.

Let's hope so......

You're aware there are many republics in the commonwealth, right?

[Deepsouth]

No Australian city is going to take it on. Frankly if Albanese wins the next election Australia may not even be in the Commonwealth.

Let's hope so......

You're aware there are many republics in the commonwealth, right?

I am. Best off without them. Churchill was willing to sacrifice Australia for Burma and India. Didn't even want to release our own troops to meet the Japanese. Let alone send any troops of his own. That kind of treatment continued when you joined Europe and have the big finger to loyal Dominions such as Australia and NZ. You reap what you sow. And boy aren't you boys reaping a fine old harvest......

[Line6 HXFX]

Lots actually found the treatment of Mehgan Merkle (as a black woman) disgusting and the last straw.

They had their suspicions 100% realised.

She was seen as someone who could save the common wealth, now lots have consciously just turned off.

Remarkable how delicate it all was.

[Gumboot]

Lots actually found the treatment of Mehgan Merkle (as a black woman) disgusting and the last straw.

They had their suspicions 100% realised.

She was seen as someone who could save the common wealth, now lots have consciously just turned off.

Remarkable how delicate it all was.

Are you saying that, as a black woman, she could have saved the Commonwealth?

[assfly]

Lots actually found the treatment of Mehgan Merkle (as a black woman) disgusting and the last straw.

They had their suspicions 100% realised.

She was seen as someone who could save the common wealth, now lots have consciously just turned off.

Remarkable how delicate it all was.

Most citizens in Commonwealth countries probably don't know who she is.

[Torquemada 1420]

Nothing in common and no wealth?

[Biffer]

No Australian city is going to take it on. Frankly if Albanese wins the next election Australia may not even be in the Commonwealth.

Let's hope so......

You're aware there are many republics in the commonwealth, right?

I am. Best off without them. Churchill was willing to sacrifice Australia for Burma and India. Didn't even want to release our own troops to meet the Japanese. Let alone send any troops of his own. That kind of treatment continued when you joined Europe and have the big finger to loyal Dominions such as Australia and NZ. You reap what you sow. And boy aren't you boys reaping a fine old harvest......

Hey, I'm Scottish, I'd rather be the fuck out of the union. Churchill sent tanks into Glasgow after WWI, so don't expect me to lionise that arsehole any time soon.

[Deepsouth]

You're aware there are many republics in the commonwealth, right?

I am. Best off without them. Churchill was willing to sacrifice Australia for Burma and India. Didn't even want to release our own troops to meet the Japanese. Let alone send any troops of his own. That kind of treatment continued when you joined Europe and have the big finger to loyal Dominions such as Australia and NZ. You reap what you sow. And boy aren't you boys reaping a fine old harvest......

Hey, I'm Scottish, I'd rather be the fuck out of the union. Churchill sent tanks into Glasgow after WWI, so don't expect me to lionise that arsehole any time soon.

Just letting you know.....

[Wylie Coyote]

You're aware there are many republics in the commonwealth, right?

I am. Best off without them. Churchill was willing to sacrifice Australia for Burma and India. Didn't even want to release our own troops to meet the Japanese. Let alone send any troops of his own. That kind of treatment continued when you joined Europe and have the big finger to loyal Dominions such as Australia and NZ. You reap what you sow. And boy aren't you boys reaping a fine old harvest......

Hey, I'm Scottish, I'd rather be the fuck out of the union. Churchill sent tanks into Glasgow after WWI, so don't expect me to lionise that arsehole any time soon.

Hmmm

https://winstonchurchill.hillsdale.edu/ ... ge-square/

[Biffer]

I am. Best off without them. Churchill was willing to sacrifice Australia for Burma and India. Didn't even want to release our own troops to meet the Japanese. Let alone send any troops of his own. That kind of treatment continued when you joined Europe and have the big finger to loyal Dominions such as Australia and NZ. You reap what you sow. And boy aren't you boys reaping a fine old harvest......

Hey, I'm Scottish, I'd rather be the fuck out of the union. Churchill sent tanks into Glasgow after WWI, so don't expect me to lionise that arsehole any time soon.

Hmmm

https://winstonchurchill.hillsdale.edu/ ... ge-square/

The Churchill Project trying to rehabilitate Churchill's image? Well I never.

At the time, troop arrivals were reported in the local papers, there's photographic evidence of tanks stationed in gallowgate market, there was a machine gun nest at city chambers and the obseerver reported that the chambers were like an armed camp. Or you could check the War Cabinet minutes from 31st January 1919 where they state that 6 tanks had already been sent north.

[Deepsouth]

Yup. They don't like it.....

[Slick]

Reflecting on the slow, but quickening, demise of rugby, I've quite often thought about what happens to sports that disappear. Corruption and greed mainly I suppose. Isn't the Olympics struggling to find anyone that isn't a fascist loon to host them as well?

[Biffer]

Reflecting on the slow, but quickening, demise of rugby, I've quite often thought about what happens to sports that disappear. Corruption and greed mainly I suppose. Isn't the Olympics struggling to find anyone that isn't a fascist loon to host them as well?

Well, the next three summer games are in France, the USA and Australia. And the next winter games is in Italy. So it depends on your definition of fascist loon.

[Slick]

Reflecting on the slow, but quickening, demise of rugby, I've quite often thought about what happens to sports that disappear. Corruption and greed mainly I suppose. Isn't the Olympics struggling to find anyone that isn't a fascist loon to host them as well?

Well, the next three summer games are in France, the USA and Australia. And the next winter games is in Italy. So it depends on your definition of fascist loon.

Hmm, I probably just about sneak it.

[Wylie Coyote]

Hey, I'm Scottish, I'd rather be the fuck out of the union. Churchill sent tanks into Glasgow after WWI, so don't expect me to lionise that arsehole any time soon.

Hmmm

https://winstonchurchill.hillsdale.edu/ ... ge-square/

The Churchill Project trying to rehabilitate Churchill's image? Well I never.

At the time, troop arrivals were reported in the local papers, there's photographic evidence of tanks stationed in gallowgate market, there was a machine gun nest at city chambers and the obseerver reported that the chambers were like an armed camp. Or you could check the War Cabinet minutes from 31st January 1919 where they state that 6 tanks had already been sent north.

I had hoped you might have actually read the article than just glanced at the web address. Check the first footnote, it's a summary of the author's piece from the Journal of Scottish Historical Studies, is that an accepted source for you?