Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships Announces Additional Seating
This summer's European Athletics Championships in Birmingham are set to become even larger as organisers have confirmed that extra seating will be installed at the Alexander Stadium. The decision comes in response to extraordinary early interest in the event, allowing more fans than ever to witness Europe's top athletes compete for continental glory.
Overwhelming Ticket Demand
Ticket sales have surpassed all expectations, with allocations for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening sessions already completely sold out. Many other sessions are rapidly approaching capacity, prompting organisers to expand the stadium's seating arrangements to accommodate the surge in demand.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland sprinter Zharnel Hughes, who competed in Birmingham during the 2022 summer events, emphasised the impact of a packed home audience. "Anyone who raced here during the 2022 summer will never forget the noise," Hughes said. "When a full stadium gets behind British athletes, the atmosphere is electric - it lifts you in a way that's hard to describe. Knowing the stands will be even bigger next August is incredible. UK fans are the best in the world, and I can't wait to feel that roar again at the European Championships."
Expanded Capacity and Ticket Sales
To ensure more supporters can participate in this landmark moment for the West Midlands and athletics, the expanded capacity means every session will return to General Sale at 10am on Wednesday, 4 March. This is just over five months before the United Kingdom hosts the European Athletics Championships for the very first time.
Fans can secure priority access ahead of the crowds by signing up for the 24-hour pre-sale on Monday, 2 March, through the official Birmingham 2026 sign-up portal. The European Athletics Championships will bring world-class athletes from across the continent to Birmingham from 10 to 16 August 2026.
Official Statements and Regional Impact
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, expressed excitement about the additional seating. "It's incredibly exciting to be able to open up even more seats for fans," Alexander said. "The Alexander Stadium is already a world-class venue and knowing it will be even more packed out for some of the best athletes on the planet is truly special. The energy that Birmingham brings to major events is unmatched, and these additional seats mean thousands more people can be part of what will be an unforgettable, history-making week of athletics."
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, highlighted the significance of the event. "Birmingham's Alexander Stadium is the UK's largest dedicated athletics venue, and with even more seats now being released for the upcoming European Championships, we are thrilled that more Brummies and visitors will be able to experience the excitement of a buzzing Alexander Stadium this summer," Thompson said. "It is championship year, and this year Birmingham is looking forward to giving a warm Brummie welcome to everyone."
For the home crowd, there is additional excitement as Great Britain & Northern Ireland are the most successful nation in European Athletics Championships history. The 2026 team promises to deliver another unforgettable medal haul, offering fans the perfect chance to 'Catch Greatness' and witness history in the making.
Simon Morton, Deputy CEO and Events Director at UK Sport, noted the public's interest. "It's fantastic to see this level of interest in the European Athletics Championships," Morton said. "The demand for tickets shows just how much reach and relevance this championship has with the British public, and the impact major sporting moments like this can have in capturing public attention. It is also further proof that the UK is a world-class host of international athletics, with knowledgeable, committed, and passionate crowds who play a huge part in bringing major events to life."
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasised the broader benefits. "What a time to be a sports fan in the West Midlands," Parker said. "The European Athletics Championships is one of seven major events we're hosting over the next three years, and with extra tickets available even more people will get the chance to see world-class stars up close. These are great moments to enjoy, but they're also bringing major investment into top venues like Alexander Stadium, Edgbaston Cricket Ground and Villa Park. That means more jobs, more visitors supporting local businesses, and better facilities for local people. The West Midlands is showing once again why we're a world-class sporting destination and the benefits of that are being felt right across the region."
Ticket Information
- All sessions back on sale: 10am on Wednesday, 4 March
- For priority access, sign up at the Birmingham 2026 portal to join the pre-sale on Monday, 2 March
- Event dates: 10-16 August 2026
