Birmingham confirmed as 2026 European Athletics Championships host city
Birmingham is set to build on the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games after being confirmed as the host city for the 2026 European Athletics Championships.
After Budapest withdrew its bid, Birmingham was left as the only candidate and will now host the UK’s first-ever European Athletics Championships.
It’s estimated that hosting the event at the Alexander Stadium would deliver around £34m in economic benefits to the region, with £12m of the event budget expected to be used on local suppliers and businesses.
Around 2,900 volunteers would be needed, which could reengage volunteers who participated in the Commonwealth Games. There would also be around 1,332 hours of live television coverage, with a media value of £26.35m.
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov said: “The British public has a huge appreciation for world class athletics and the British crowds are among the most knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic anywhere in the world. We saw this recently at the Commonwealth Games where the stands were at full capacity, even for the morning sessions.
“We are sure that Europe’s best athletes will be competing in a full stadium every day and in front of a huge television audience not just in Europe but globally as well. We really couldn’t ask for a better host city and venue for our showcase event in 2026”.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are honoured and privileged to be asked to be the first-ever UK hosts of the prestigious European Athletics Championships in 2026.
“Over many years we have demonstrated we are a city that can proudly host major events of this type and scale – and the people of Birmingham and indeed the entire nation have proven time and time again their huge appetite for sport, especially athletics.
“The Alexander Stadium is beyond all doubt the premier athletics facility in the country and we cannot wait to welcome the elite of European athletics for this event, which will also bring a range of benefits for local communities and our economy beyond the programme of track and field activities.”
UK Athletic’s Chief Executive Jack Buckner said: “We are delighted and honoured that we have been awarded the privilege of hosting the European Athletics Championships in 2026 in Birmingham. It is wonderful news for athletics and benefits the whole of the UK in demonstrating our ability to host major events across the whole country.
“UKA has held a long time wish to deliver this event and we thank European Athletics for its faith in entrusting us with its most important competition.”
