The Australian state of Victoria and the city of Melbourne will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games will be held at Melbourne’s MCG, giving a much-needed injection of life back to the city once known for the world’s longest lockdown.

Premier Daniel Andrews said there will be a strong focus on hosting events in regional areas to help boost the economy.

The MCG will host the opening ceremony, however, most events will be hosted in regional hubs.

“This will be a Commonwealth Games like no other. We promised we wouldn’t be doing a re-run of 2006, as successful as that was,” Premier Andrews said.

Four hubs in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland will be established each with an athletes’ village. Shepparton will also host a series of events.  

Premier Andrews said hosting the games is an opportunity to highlight regional parts of Victoria and invest in sporting infrastructure in those areas.

He thanked the  Commonwealth commitee for accepting a bid focusing on reviving the regions.

“I’m sure from their point of view, it’s a bit riskier than just running it in the middle of a large city,” Premier Andrews said.

The Victorian government has estimated prosperous employment opportunities with over 4,000 jobs in the lead-up and throughout the games and another 3000 thereafter.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas added, “We’ve always known the value of regional Victoria, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games will provide a chance to showcase all we have to offer to the world.”

Negotiations are continuing into commercial deals of the event.

Amanda Gunn contributed to this report