Celtic have expressed frustration after being compelled to start their Scottish Premiership title defense on a Monday evening, citing scheduling conflicts with Calvin Harris concerts and the Commonwealth Games. The reigning champions will face Dundee on August 3 at 19:30 BST, a fixture they argue should have been on the weekend.
The club stated they made "repeated representations" to both the SPFL and Police Scotland to secure a weekend slot but were told there was "no choice." The conflict arises from Glasgow 2026 cycling events at the Sir Chris Hoy Arena—adjacent to Celtic Park—on August 1 and 2, alongside two major Harris concerts at Hampden on the same days.
"We feel strongly a weekend timing should have been facilitated in the interests of both teams, both sets of supporters and the status of the fixture," Celtic said. The club did manage to negotiate an earlier kick-off time to assist fans traveling from Ireland.
The 2026-27 season kicks off on Friday, July 31, with Dundee United hosting Rangers at 20:00 BST. All six opening-weekend fixtures will be televised. Hearts, last season's runners-up, travel to Aberdeen on Saturday at 17:30, following Falkirk vs St Mirren at 15:00. Sunday features St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock (14:00) and Hibernian vs Motherwell (16:30).
The first Old Firm derby is scheduled for Sunday, September 20 at Celtic Park at 12:00. Other notable clashes include the Dundee derby in round three and the Edinburgh derby on September 2. New Rangers manager Derek McInnes will return to Tynecastle on October 28.
As in previous seasons, there will be no winter break. The split occurs after round 33 on April 10, with the final five rounds concluding on May 15-16. Last season ended dramatically as Celtic secured a fifth consecutive title with a last-gasp win over Hearts.