The Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships are set to get even bigger as they announce additional seating.
Following extraordinary early interest in this summer’s European Athletics Championships, organisers today confirmed that additional seating structures will be installed at the Alexander Stadium, allowing more fans than ever to experience Europe’s finest athletes competing for continental glory.
Demand for tickets has exceeded all expectations, with allocations for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening sessions already sold out, and many other sessions approaching capacity.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sprinter, Zharnel Hughes, who competed in Birmingham in 2022, knows exactly what a packed home audience can bring to athletes.
He said: “Anyone who raced here during the 2022 summer will never forget the noise. When a full stadium gets behind British athletes, the atmosphere is electric - it lifts you in a way that’s hard to describe.
"Knowing the stands will be even bigger next August is incredible. UK fans are the best in the world, and I can’t wait to feel that roar again at the European Championships.”
To ensure more supporters can be part of this landmark moment for the West Midlands and for athletics, the expanded capacity means every session will return to General Sale at 10am on Wednesday 4 March — just over five months before the UK hosts the European Athletics Championships for the very first time.
Fans can secure priority access ahead of the crowds by signing up for the 24-hour pre-sale on Monday 2 March at Birmingham 2026 Sign Up.
The European Athletics Championships will bring world-class athletes from across the continent to Birmingham from 10-16 August 2026.
With European titles on the line, the competition is set to be one of the most exciting and prestigious sporting events of the year.
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be able to open up even more seats for fans. The Alexander Stadium is already a world-class venue and knowing it will be even more packed out for some of the best athletes on the planet is truly special.
"The energy that Birmingham brings to major events is unmatched, and these additional seats mean thousands more people can be part of what will be an unforgettable, history-making week of athletics.”
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium is the UK’s largest dedicated athletics venue, and with even more seats now being released for the upcoming European Championships, we are thrilled that more Brummies and visitors will be able to experience the excitement of a buzzing Alexander Stadium this summer.
"It is championship year, and this year Birmingham is looking forward to giving a warm Brummie welcome to everyone.”
For the home crowd, there is even more to shout about: Great Britain & Northern Ireland are the most successful nation in European Athletics Championships history, and the class of 2026 promises to deliver another unforgettable medal haul.
This is the perfect chance to ‘Catch Greatness’ - to roar on your favourites, witness history in the making, and be part of an atmosphere only a major championship can bring.
Simon Morton, Deputy CEO and Events Director at UK Sport, said: “It’s fantastic to see this level of interest in the European Athletics Championships.
“The demand for tickets shows just how much reach and relevance this championship has with the British public, and the impact major sporting moments like this can have in capturing public attention.
“It is also further proof that the UK is a world-class host of international athletics, with knowledgeable, committed, and passionate crowds who play a huge part in bringing major events to life.
“We are delighted to be playing our part in bringing this event to our shores for the first time, with Birmingham set to be an outstanding stage for athletes and fans alike this summer.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “What a time to be a sports fan in the West Midlands. The European Athletics Championships is one of seven major events we’re hosting over the next three years, and with extra tickets available even more people will get the chance to see world-class stars up close.
“These are great moments to enjoy, but they’re also bringing major investment into top venues like Alexander Stadium, Edgbaston Cricket Ground and Villa Park. That means more jobs, more visitors supporting local businesses, and better facilities for local people.
"The West Midlands is showing once again why we’re a world-class sporting destination and the benefits of that are being felt right across the region.”
Ticket Information:
· All sessions back on sale: 10am on Wednesday 4 March · For priority access, sign up at Birmingham 2026 Sign Up to join the pre-sale on Monday 2 March
· Event dates: 10-16 August 2026
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