Celtic have expressed frustration after learning their Scottish Premiership title defence will begin on a Monday night, citing a clash with the Commonwealth Games and two Calvin Harris concerts.
The Scottish champions say they made repeated requests to the SPFL and Police Scotland for a weekend date but were told their opener against Dundee must be played on Monday, 3 August (19:30 BST).
Glasgow 2026 cycling events are scheduled at the Sir Chris Hoy Arena — adjacent to Celtic Park — across 1 and 2 August, while Harris will perform two major shows at Hampden on those same days.
Celtic said a weekend slot should have been arranged in the best interests of both teams, supporters and the profile of the fixture, and added they had secured an earlier kick-off to assist fans travelling from Ireland.
All six opening-weekend matches will be televised live, with the 2026-27 season beginning on Friday, 31 July as Dundee United host Rangers (20:00).
Hearts, last season’s runners-up, visit Aberdeen on the Saturday (17:30), following Falkirk v St Mirren earlier in the day (15:00).