Birmingham wins back top TV awards

BIRMINGHAM is to once again stage the annual television sports-fest, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The popular event, the traditional celebration of the sporting year, will takes place at the Genting Arena on Sunday December 18. It is the fourth time the city has hosted the event.

Phil Mead, managing director for the Genting Arena, said: “Birmingham is a city with a rich sporting heritage which makes us extremely proud to be hosting the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.”

 We look forward to welcoming such a prestigious event back to Birmingham for the fourth time.”

 Joe Godwin, director of BBC Academy and BBC Birmingham, said: “From the Ashes at Edgbaston to the Ryder Cup at the Belfry and athletics at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham is no stranger to hosting world class sporting events and we’re honoured to be rolling out the red carpet for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

“The city has a zealous population of sports-mad fans and is home to many sporting greats so we’re looking forward to giving the event the celebration it deserves.”
 
Created by television executive Paul Fox, the first SPOTY awards were held in 1954.  Since then, the annual awards have become a highlight of the sporting calendar. The highest accolade of the night ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ will be judged by a public vote prior to the event.

Last year saw Davis Cup winner and former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray pick up the coveted title at the SSE Arena in Belfast, which was watched by nearly 10 million viewers. The 2016 ceremony will be shown live on BBC One and BBC One HD.
 
Tickets will go on sale later this year.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close