The European Athletics Championships held in Birmingham have come under scrutiny as former elite UK runner Paula Radcliffe expressed disappointment over the noticeable empty seats at the event. With nearly 10,000 seats unfilled during the first evening of competition, the atmosphere was less vibrant than expected, despite a crowd of 13,623 witnessing Britain’s Amy Hunt clinch victory in the women’s 100 meters at the Alexander Stadium.
One of the key issues contributing to the sparse attendance is the steep pricing for both tickets and concessions. Fans reported paying up to £150 for Category A tickets on Monday, with prices dropping by £40 for the following days, only to surge back to £150 for the final four evenings of the championships. The cheapest available ticket in Category E is priced at £26, which many fans find prohibitive.
Food and beverage costs have also sparked outrage among attendees, with a BBQ pork roll and chips priced at £18.50 ($24.99) and bottled water nearly reaching £4. This has raised concerns about the overall affordability of attending the event, especially for families and younger fans who might aspire to participate in athletics.
Radcliffe, a veteran of four Olympic Games, commented on the situation, stating, "It is a shame because I think there is the willingness but I don’t know whether perhaps as a sport we need to look at the pricing and accessibility for those tickets." She emphasized the unique experience of live athletics, noting that nothing compares to the energy of a stadium filled with fans cheering for a home victory.
Despite a slight increase in attendance on Tuesday, empty seats were still evident during the men’s 100m heats. Fans arriving at the stadium also faced logistical challenges, including a lack of on-site parking, which forced many to pay £22.50 for a park-and-ride service.
The criticism has resonated on social media, with former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore labeling the pricing as “tone deaf.” He pointed out that the high ticket costs are not conducive to attracting families and young aspiring athletes, suggesting a need for more affordable options.
As the championships progress, the empty seats have raised concerns, especially with London having submitted a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Birmingham 2026 officials responded to the backlash by stating they were pleased with ticket sales that have exceeded expectations, particularly for the weekend sessions, which are nearing sell-out status.
UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, defended the pricing structure, asserting that half of the tickets available for the championships are priced at £30 or less. She expressed optimism that attendance would improve as the week continues, stating, "The numbers have been a bit low being the first few days. I think we will see that rise steadily and hoping for big numbers this weekend."
Leave a Comment