Nearly 10,000 seats at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium were empty during the European Athletics Championships Monday evening, despite a top performance by Britain’s sprinter Amy Hunt, who won her first senior international title. The stadium holds 23,000, but attendance was reported at just 13,623.
The event marks the first time Great Britain has hosted the championships in their 92-year history. Organizers hailed ticket sales as surpassing expectations, with some weekend sessions nearly sold out. However, many athletics fans and commentators expressed disappointment over the low attendance during weekday sessions, attributing the empty seats mainly to what they described as prohibitively high ticket prices and concerns about accessibility.
According to figures released by organizers, the stadium was about 55% full during Monday and Tuesday morning sessions and reached 59% capacity Monday evening. Tickets for premium seats during weekday final sessions cost as much as £150, with no discounts for juniors, sparking complaints from supporters who felt prices were excessive compared to previous events, such as the Rome championships two years ago.
Ticket Pricing and Fan Reactions
Many fans cited ticket prices as a significant barrier to attendance. On Monday, premium seats near the home straight were sold for £150 with no concessions. For comparison, similar seats for the men’s 100m final on Tuesday were priced at £110, while two years earlier in Rome, such tickets cost approximately £75 (€88). Some critics called the prices “extortionate,” and commentators like BBC’s Steve Cram described the attendance as “a little disappointing.”
Official food prices were also criticized, with items like pork rolls sold for £18.50 and hot dogs at £15, fueling complaints on social media about affordability in the stadium.
Concerns Over Accessibility and Infrastructure
Athletics fans highlighted logistical challenges contributing to low attendance, including limited public transport options. The nearest train station sits about a mile from the stadium, with shuttle buses running from the city center. Parking shortages also added to difficulties, with some spectators reporting they had to park two miles away.
Adam Hilton, who traveled from Manchester, paid £120 for two tickets but said he did not feel it represented good value. He pointed to a broader trend across sports where fans are increasingly priced out of attending events. Others suggested offering cheaper last-minute tickets to fill seats and make the atmosphere more appealing, especially for television viewers.
Official Responses and Outlook
Birmingham 2026 event officials expressed satisfaction with sales, emphasizing that weekend sessions were nearing sell-out status and many others were close to capacity. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the slower start but expected attendance to improve as key events, including the men’s 100m final and prominent athletes like Keely Hodgkinson, attracted more spectators later in the week. She also noted that half of all tickets available in Birmingham were priced under £30.
Despite the initial criticism, organizers remain optimistic about the championships, hoping to draw larger crowds and continue promoting world-class athletics to inspire future generations.
