---
title: "Empty Seats and High Prices Mar European Athletics Championships in Birmingham"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/empty-seats-high-prices-european-athletics-championships-tqk1i
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-11T18:00:40.626Z
modified: 2026-08-11T21:30:04.668Z
language: en-IN
---

# Empty Seats and High Prices Mar European Athletics Championships in Birmingham

Thousands of seats remained empty at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium during the European Athletics Championships. Critics point to high ticket prices and expensive concessions as key factors, while organizers express satisfaction with overall sales.

## Key takeaways

- Thousands of seats were empty at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
- High ticket prices and expensive stadium concessions were criticized by attendees and commentators.
- Organizers reported ticket sales surpassing their targets, with weekend sessions nearing sell-outs.
- The event is Britain's first time hosting the European Athletics Championships in its 92-year history.

Criticism emerged over a significant number of empty seats at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium during the European Athletics Championships, with attendance figures falling short of capacity on several occasions.

## What Happened

On Monday evening, an estimated 10,000 seats were unoccupied at the 23,000-capacity Alexander Stadium for events including the women's 100m final, where Britain's Amy Hunt secured her first senior international title. Figures provided by organizers indicated that the stadium was 55% full on Monday morning, 59% full by the evening, and 56% full on Tuesday morning.

## Key Facts

- Nearly 10,000 seats were empty at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium on Monday evening.
- The stadium has a capacity of 23,000, with 13,623 spectators attending on Monday evening.
- Category A tickets for the home straight on Monday cost £150, with no junior concessions.
- Similar tickets for the men's 100m final on Tuesday were priced at £110.
- A comparable ticket for the men's 100m final in Rome two years prior cost 88 euros (approximately £75).
- Official stadium vendors were selling pork rolls for £18.50 and hot dogs for £15.
- The Alexander Stadium was 55% full on Monday morning, 59% full by the evening, and 56% full on Tuesday morning.
- The cheapest tickets were priced at £26.
- Ticket prices for weekdays were criticized as potentially being too high.
- One attendee paid £120 for two tickets for Saturday's evening session and did not feel it was value for money.
- The event marks Britain's first time hosting the championships in its 92-year history.

## Why It Matters

Athletics supporters and commentators attributed the low spectator numbers to high ticket prices, with some describing them as "extortionate." BBC commentator Steve Cram noted that spectator numbers were "a little disappointing." Concerns were also raised about the cost of food and drink within the stadium, with an £18.50 price tag for pork rolls and £15 for hot dogs being cited as examples. One ticket holder expressed dissatisfaction with the value for money and considered seeking a refund. The disparity in attendance was highlighted against the backdrop of the event being the first time Britain has hosted the championships in 92 years.

## Background

Organizers of the Birmingham 2026 championships stated they were "delighted" with ticket sales, claiming they have "far surpassed" their targets, with weekend evening sessions approaching sell-outs and other sessions close to capacity. British Olympian Sharron Davies suggested that while bidding for events is important, affordability is key to filling stadiums, supporting athletes, and inspiring future generations. Another factor potentially impacting attendance suggested by an attendee was the proximity of the Commonwealth Games, held within the UK during the same fortnight.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/empty-seats-high-prices-european-athletics-championships-tqk1i
Reported from: Multiple Sources