The actor will be entertaining crowds at the SEC Armadillo on Friday, July 24, when the medal tally is opened at the 1pm Para Powerlifting session, marking the first time in Commonwealth Games history that a Para sport has awarded the first medal of the Games.
Glasgow 2026 runs from July 23 to August 2, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city, competing in 10 sports and six para sports across city venues.
Ahead of his stint behind the decks next month, Galloway-born Heughan joined forces with acclaimed DJ and broadcaster George Bowie at a Glasgow rooftop for a ‘crash course’ in how to get a Scottish crowd going – – including an attempt to remix ‘No Scotland No Party’, taking inspiration from the Tartan Army in the USA.
The actor, who played Jamie Fraser in the global hit series Outlander, was announced as Glasgow 2026’s first celebrity ambassador in November 2025.
My Peak Challenge, the global health, wellness, and philanthropy community fitness movement founded by Heughan, is also the Official Wellness Challenge Provider of Glasgow 2026.
He said: “Scottish fans are the best in the world – you only have to look at what’s happening across the pond right now to see that.
“I am excited to see the crowds at a home Games getting behind Team Scotland, just as they did in 2014.
“Atmosphere is everything and I’m proud to have been asked to play a part in creating it. DJ’ing isn’t naturally in my wheelhouse so it was only right to learn from the best. Thanks to George showing me the ropes, I’m ready for my big moment.
“I don’t want to give too much away, as I want to leave a few tunes up my sleeve, but it’s safe to say that we will boogie.”
According to Bowie, who was recently awarded an MBE for services to radio and charity in the west of Scotland, creating the right atmosphere is less about technical skill and more about “instinct and energy”.
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He said: “The Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow deserves a special kind of star power, so it was an honour to share a few tips with Scotland’s own global superstar, Sam Heughan, and help get him ready for the occasion. We worked on the setlist together and it’s safe to say there are a few bangers in there.
“I know more about heartburn than being a heartthrob, so I’m sure the crowd at the SEC Armadillo will be delighted that it’s Sam behind the decks.
“A home Games is typically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so, like every Glaswegian, I feel incredibly lucky that they’re coming back. We’re going to make the most of it and it’s going to be the biggest party in town.”
Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing Officer at Glasgow 2026 said: “Sam and George have captured exactly what Glasgow 2026 is about – great sport, great fun, great atmosphere and a city that knows how to put on a show.
“Para Powerlifting will be one of the highlights of the Games, and awarding the first medal in Para sport is the first in Commonwealth Games history, making this moment at the SEC Armadillo even more special. It’s a brilliant opportunity for people to be there in the crowd to get behind the athletes and set the tone for 11 magical days of sport.”
Glasgow 2026’s final ticket drop is now live. Tickets for Para Powerlifting and Sam Heughan’s DJ debut are available via https://www.glasgow2026.com/, with prices ranging from £20 to £45.
