Empty seats spark criticism at Birmingham's European Athletics Championships opening

On Monday evening, Alexander Stadium, which can hold 23,000 spectators, was only about 56% full, with nearly 10,000 seats empty as 13,623 fans watched 24-year-old sprinter Amy Hunt claim her inaugural senior European title. Fans and athletes pointed to steep weekday ticket prices - £150 for Category A seats and £110 for the men's 100m final - and a lack of concessions, comparing them unfavorably with previous prices in Rome.

Additional grievances included the stadium's limited transport links, distant parking, and expensive stadium food, such as pork rolls priced at £18.50. Despite the criticism, Birmingham 2026 officials said overall ticket sales had far surpassed expectations and that Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions were approaching sell-out levels. They encouraged the public to take advantage of remaining tickets, describing them as offering good value.