The temporary extension of the Alexander Stadium’s North stand will be called the Matthew Hudson-Smith Stand with the title in place until the end of the Championships.

The European record-holder and second-most decorated male European athlete in history, Matthew Hudson-Smith is a part of a long legacy of athletics excellence from the West Midlands region. Having trained with Birchfield Harriers and proudly from Wolverhampton, the sprinter has previously stated his wish for the back straight of his home stadium to carry his name.

Matthew Hudson-Smith visited Alexander Stadium to talk about the road to the European Athletics Championships and while there, was surprised by the stand name unveiling in a special moment attended by his family, his first coach Sharon Morris, alongside  former sprinter and Team GB 4x400m Team Coach, Martyn Rooney with representatives of Birmingham 2026, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority also in attendance.

Team GB & NI athlete, Matthew Hudson-Smith, is no stranger to honours, with two Olympic medals (silver in 400m at Paris and 4x400m relay bronze), four European titles, and a World Championships silver medal. He is also the fifth-fastest person in the 400 m event in history.

Thousands of local children will be attending the event this August, the first time the European Athletics Championships has been staged in the UK, and organisers are keen to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Fans from across the West Midlands and beyond will have a chance to see Matthew’s world-class talent up close this summer and can sit together in the Matthew Hudson-Smith Stand to give him a hero’s roar as he races by in the 400m events.

The European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026 will see over 1,600 athletes from 48 nations compete for glory. With 44 gold medals to be won across the seven evening sessions, fans will see history being made under the floodlights. Many of Europe’s biggest names are expected to target their 2026 summer ambitions at Birmingham – making this a superb chance for fans to witness world-class performances on home soil.

Matthew Hudson-Smith, said: “It caught me off-guard walking in to see the stand is going to be named after me, and it was a special moment to share it with my family

“It’s just an indication of all the hard work I’ve put in and to get a stand named after me is the icing on the cake of a great career and now I want to add more to it at Europeans.

“Birmingham for me is home. I miss the people, I miss the food, I miss the environment. I always try and represent home to the best of my ability. It just means the world to me to come back here, run and show my talents to kids from the area to show them that they can do it.”

Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said:  “Matthew is a true homegrown star, and we were delighted to welcome him home by unveiling the Matthew Hudson-Smith Stand for Birmingham 2026 with his family and peers in attendance.
“Matthew’s international achievements are inspiring a future generation to dig deep, and this stand is a celebration of that. We hope to fill the stand with young local fans, and maybe even the next Matthew-Hudson Smith will be in the crowd watching him compete in front of a home crowd this August.”

Chris Jordan, Director of Neighbourhoods, Culture, Leisure & Sport at Birmingham City Council  who took part in the reveal, said: “It’s fantastic to join partners in celebrating local boy Matthew Hudson-Smith and his success on the international stage, and how that journey has been shaped by his beginnings at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.

“As we look ahead to the European Athletics Championships this August, I wish him and all of Team GB & NI the very best of luck. Birmingham is buzzing for the championships, and we can’t wait to welcome athletes, fans and visitors from across the UK, Europe and around the world to experience our warm Brummie welcome first hand.”

Ed Cox, chief executive at West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: “Matthew is a real inspiration to every young person in this region. He has become a top-class athlete thanks to way his natural talent was recognised and nurtured by his local athletics club.

“The Mayor has made improving the prospects and wellbeing of young people a top priority and our job at the WMCA is to make sure they can access the same support, pathways and opportunities Matthew had.

“We hope having his name on the stand at the Alexander Stadium will inspire him to achieve even more success when he competes here later this year and show those sitting in the seats, they can also reach their full potential through a combination of skill, hard work and our support.”

Over 8,000* children from 54 schools across the region today picked up a bat and ball as part of Schools Cricket Day – the largest single-day cricket participation event in UK history.

As part of Schools Cricket day, over 400 children taking part in a dedicated cricket session at Edgbaston, supported by former England star and 2009 World Cup Winner, Lydia Greenway OBE.

Schools Cricket Day marks 50 days to go to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup gets underway at Edgbaston, which is set to inspire the next generation of players

As part of its tournament legacy plan, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is aiming for 500,000 women and girls to play cricket in 2026

The landmark moment marks a major milestone on the road to this summer’s must-see tournament, which gets underway on 12th June at Edgbaston, kicking off with England vs Sri Lanka before Edgbaston hosts a further three fixtures, including Bangladesh vs Netherlands followed by India vs Pakistan just four hours later.

From first-time batters and bowlers in playgrounds, to competitive matches on sports fields, girls and boys across the area came together to play, learn and be inspired, as schools across England and Wales truly catch the spirit of the game.

Schools Cricket Day is part of the ECB’s ambitions to harness the power of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales to build a legacy that inspires the next generation of girls to say cricket is a game for them. This year alone, through various initiatives and programmes, the ECB is aiming to see 500,000 women and girls playing cricket, 300 women taking up key leadership roles within the game’s administration, and 500 Champions of Change created as part of the Young Cricket Collective, which will empower young girls to volunteer and make change at their local cricket clubs.

The day also features bespoke resources and games created by the ICC’s global charity partner, UNICEF through its “Rights in Play” programme. The games, which were integrated into the day’s activities, focused on increasing understanding of child rights through play and participation in cricket. These sit alongside a range of cricket activity ideas on a dedicated schools’ resource hub.

Former England star and 2009 World Cup winner, Lydia Greenway OBE, said:

“Having the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming to England and Wales in just 50 days is incredibly exciting. It’s a real chance to put the women’s game front and center on a global stage, and moments like Schools Cricket Day show exactly why that matters.

“When I think back to my own debut in 2003, the opportunities for girls in cricket were so different. It’s brilliant to see initiatives like this taking the game directly to school children here in Birmingham and across the country – using the opportunity of hosting a home World Cup to leave a legacy beyond the action on the field.”

Organisers of the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026 have today (Thursday 16 April) confirmed that tickets will be released in the popular home straight at Alexander Stadium, as work continues to maximise every available seat for fans at the UK’s first-ever staging of the Championships.

Demand for tickets continues to exceed expectations and, to ensure supporters can be part of this landmark moment for the West Midlands and for athletics, the release of newly unlocked home straight seating now provides additional availability for previously sold-out Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions, as well as across all sessions from 10–16 August.

Packed with medal events, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions will give fans the chance to see some of Europe’s biggest stars in action, including Mondo Duplantis, Nadia Battocletti, Josh Kerr, Femke Bol, Mattia Furlani, Isaac Nader, Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter Bell, among many others.

Timings have also now been added to the Birmingham 2026 Championships timetable, helping fans plan which events they’d like to see, and when.

Cherry Alexander, Birmingham26 Championship Director, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce more home straight seats for fans to be part of history in the making in Birmingham this summer.

“The home straight offers truly unmissable moments, and with just under four months to go until the UK hosts the European Athletics Championships for the first time, fans now have the chance to secure some of the very best views in the stadium.

“Demand for tickets has been huge, and next week’s ticket sales will move very quickly, so I’d encourage fans to sign up for a ticket alert to avoid missing out.”

To help build momentum, former European medallists Darren Campbell and Ashleigh Nelson joined the Birmingham 2026 team at Alexander Stadium to reflect on their careers and share their excitement about Birmingham hosting the European Athletics Championships.

 Darren Campbell, 3x European champion, Olympic gold and Olympic and World Championship silver medallist, said: “I’ve spent much of my career staring down the home straight and it’s the place where dreams can be made or crushed in the blink of an eye. You can’t get closer to the action and it’s fantastic that these seats have been released, giving more fans the opportunity to grab some of the best seats in the house.

“Competing in front of a home crowd is something I know the Novuna GB & NI athletes will thrive on. With the crowd driving them on, it promises to be a truly exciting event, and I’m really looking forward to seeing Europe’s best athletes compete at Alexander Stadium.”
Ashleigh Nelson, European champion, double World Championship medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist said:

“It’s fantastic that the European Athletics Championships are coming to Birmingham.

“Athletes and fans alike will be incredibly excited to experience the championships at Alexander Stadium and having medalled at a European Championships I know what an honour it is to compete at such an amazing event. The team are going to love competing in front of their home crowd and it’s so exciting that there are more home straight tickets coming on sale.”

The council’s in-house landscape architects worked with communities and partners to design and complete the projects.

Calthorpe park, Balsall Heath

In Calthorpe park the children’s play area has been extended, designed to accommodate children with a range of abilities and needs. It provides challenging, active equipment and calm social space for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities – using the Make Space for Girls ethos.

Senneleys park, Bartley Green

Six sports pitches at Senneleys park have been finished as part of the Long Nuke Road housing development, which includes 65 new homes.

The three refurbished senior pitches and three new junior pitches are funded through the council’s Housing Revenue Account, which is ring-fenced money for housing services.

Construction of a new pavilion to support the upgraded pitches also forms part of the wider scheme, with work due to start later in the year. Once the grass on the pitches has fully established they will be ready for use by the community.

Queen’s park, Harborne

In Queen’s park the council team worked with Friends of Queens Park, ward members and the local parks team on a scheme that has improved tennis courts with new boundary fence and surfacing, installed new play equipment and safety surfacing and new recycled plastic retaining wall.

It was funded through section 106 monies and is open to the local community.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’re working really hard to ensure our parks have the sports and play areas they need for the local communities.

“Our in-house landscape architects do great work in consultation with parks friends, ward members and the community to design these fantastic projects that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“Well done to all involved.”

The project strengthens opportunities for residents to get active, get involved with sport and live healthier, happier lives, with a particular focus on supporting a variety of sports and improving facilities in some of Birmingham’s most deprived communities.

A total of £966,000 was allocated to improvements across Birmingham’s six wellbeing centres and Linden Road Swimming Pool, with a further £966,000 supporting sports clubs and facilities citywide.

Upgrades to Birmingham’s Wellbeing Centres

Investment in the Wellbeing centres follows feedback from both residents and staff to ensure priorities of the communities who rely on these facilities most are reflected in the investment.

Facilities upgrade across the city includes gym improvements at Small Heath, Nechells and Kingstanding, new boilers at Saltley and toilet works at Handsworth.

At Linden Road Swimming Pool, investment has enabled the creation of new changing spaces, including a dedicated baby changing room and new shower area. The funding has also enabled investment in specialist equipment including new toning tables at Shard End and new LED lighting for the astro pitch at Small Heath.

The funding has also created additional spaces for Be Active + (Exercise on Prescription) programme at Handsworth and Kingstanding, which provides tailored physical activity programmes to residents with long term health conditions.

Supporting Birmingham’s grassroots sport

Seven Birmingham sports clubs were supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund, with investment focused on improving infrastructure, reflecting community needs and creating more opportunities for people to get involved in sport.

This funding strengthened a wide range of grassroots sports across the city, including the creation of new cricket bays at Sparkhill Cricket Club and the development of a new all‑weather outdoor volleyball court at Ward End Park, ensuring residents have access to high‑quality facilities all year round.

Funding has enabled Midland Sailing Club to purchase of two disability‑accessible Hansa 303 boats and a new safety boat to support with the expansion of their popular Sailability programme. Whilst Birmingham BMX Club used their funding to build a new front-of-house reception and first aid facilities, to complement their racetrack and provide a welcoming space for participants, volunteers and spectators.

At both Wyndley Leisure Centre and Alexander Stadium funding delivered through Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT) enabled track cleaning and line markings at both, alongside new junior hurdles at Alexander Stadium.

The new hurdles will support both training and competitive events, with the improvements set to benefit Birmingham’s athletics community, including local clubs Royal Sutton Coldfield AC and Birchfield Harriers.

Investment also supported Ackers (BYSA) with the construction of two new floodlit cricket bays and a levelled multi‑sport area, increasing opportunities for hundreds of young people who regularly use the site.

Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “This investment has delivered real improvements for communities and residents across Birmingham. I am really pleased to have targeted this investment in both our wellbeing centres which are a vital part of our service, helping our most vulnerable residents to improve their health and wellbeing in areas with high levels of health inequalities, as well as investing in our diverse array of grassroots sports clubs which play an essential role in promoting both physical and mental health. By upgrading facilities and expanding opportunities, this investment continue to support of our aims of helping people across Birmingham stay active, and lead healthier, happier lives.”

Mark McKeever, from Midland Sailing Club said: “We’re extremely grateful for this funding. ‘Sailability’ is a core part of what we do, it gives people with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy all aspects of dinghy sailing. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience; we have all the necessary equipment and specially trained instructors and volunteers to assist people.”

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.

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 www.Birmingham26.com.

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.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“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.”

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.”

Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sprinter, Zharnel Hughes, who competed in Birmingham in 2022, added:

“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.”

Ticket Information: 

• All sessions back on sale: 10am on Wednesday 4 March
• For priority access, sign up at www.birmingham26.com to join the pre-sale on Monday 2 March
• Event dates: 10-16 August 2026

 

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.

Across two action-packed days, national champions will be crowned in front of passionate home crowds, as Birmingham once again plays host to one of the biggest dates in the domestic athletics calendar.

The Alexander Stadium welcomed the Championships back to the West Midlands in 2025, attracting more than 12,000 fans who created a brilliant atmosphere as Britain’s top track and field stars took to the track. That energy is set return this summer, as the city gears up for a standout summer of athletics.

The Championships will be the first of two major track and field events at the Alexander Stadium this summer, with Birmingham also set to host the European Athletics Championships from 10–16 August. The European Athletics Championships will be a landmark moment for the sport, being the only major global outdoor track and field championships never to have been staged in the UK.

As well as deciding national titles, the Novuna UK Athletics Championships will play a crucial role in selections for the Novuna Great Britain & Northern Ireland team for the European Championships, giving athletes a key opportunity to perform on the same track where they will look to shine later in the summer.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader at Birmingham City Council said:

“We are thrilled to welcome the Outdoor Athletics Championships back to Birmingham and the Alexander Stadium this June.

The Stadium continues to shine as a world‑class venue, and Birmingham remains a proud host city for major sporting events.

With the European Athletics Championships also coming to the Stadium and the city in August, we are gearing up for a spectacular summer of sport.

We can’t wait to give everyone a warm Brummie welcome at the Alexander Stadium for a fantastic weekend of athletics.”

Cherry Alexander, Head of Events at UK Athletics and part of Athletics Ventures, said:

“We’re really excited to be bringing the Novuna UK Athletics Outdoor Championships back to Birmingham in 2026. The Alexander Stadium has proven to be a fantastic home for our sport, and the atmosphere there last summer was brilliant.

“With the European Athletics Championships also taking place in Birmingham later in the summer, this creates a special moment for athletes and fans alike, and a great opportunity to showcase the very best of athletics on home soil.”

Be first in line for tickets

The Novuna UK Athletics Championships promise another memorable weekend of top-class competition, as Birmingham takes centre stage in a huge summer for athletics in the UK.

Register for British Athletics updates at https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/events-and-tickets/novuna-uk-athletics-champs-2026/ and gain access to a special priority window to secure tickets first. 

The bid features 16 host cities and 22 stadiums across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and represents a commitment to delivering the most inclusive, inspiring and globally-connected FIFA Women’s World Cup.

If the bid is successful, the World Cup would bring thousands of visitors to Birmingham, boosting the local economy and creating jobs, skills and volunteering opportunities for citizens. Initial assessments indicate a £65m socio-economic benefit to the city with 300,000 visitors excepted.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council said:

“As the proud host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as hosting the upcoming ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2026, European Athletics Championships 2026 and UEFA EURO 2028, Birmingham has a proven track record of successful selection for and delivery of mega sporting events.

We are delighted to be part of the UK’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 and to have the opportunity to showcase our Brummie warmth and hospitality to the world.

If chosen we will work hard to realise the opportunities this present for our residents, communities and businesses.

Sitting at the heart of the UK, with excellent transport links and with two stadium options, the historic Villa Park and The Powerhouse, BCFC’s recently revealed new stadium, Birmingham has a very strong proposition for FIFA to consider.”

If the bid is successful, FIFA will make the final selection of the stadia that will be part of the tournament.

It will be the biggest single-sport event in UK history and, if chosen, will give Birmingham and the West Midlands another unique opportunity to use a mega sporting event to drive economic growth and prosperity, alongside further strengthening grassroots girls’ and women’s football provision, demonstrating there is a place for everyone in women’s football.

The area has four practice spaces for use by residents, schools and clubs.

The site of the former cricket cage will be transformed into a nature area with flowering trees and wildflowers which will contribute to the 10% biodiversity net gain for the project.

The project was funded through the England and Wales Cricket Trust’s Strategic Inclusive Facilities Fund (SIFF) and Birmingham City Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund at a total cost of £130,987.

Cllr Mariam Khan, cabinet member for health and social care, added: “The new cricket nets in Sparkhill Park are a fantastic example of what strong partnership working and targeted investment can achieve. Cricket is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages in this community, and by securing resources for projects like this, we’re promoting grassroots sport, encouraging physical activity and creating opportunities for local people.”

Fideles Navas, community director at Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, said: “We know that with the popularity of cricket, these nets are going to be really well used and we can’t wait to host groups, schools and clubs here. For example, we’re excited to be setting up a weekly nets session for young people as this facility will a brilliant base to develop skills and drills.”

IG, the global investing and trading platform and Official Investment Platform of the England Cricket team, provided the grassroots cricket net facility in to help grow the game of cricket across England and Wales.

Their Net Gains initiative outlines the brand’s commitment to invest in new public cricket net facilities across the country, giving local communities access to invaluable practice facilities which are integral to their development.

Elise Ash, Director of Brands and Communications, IG, said: “Net Gains is a fantastic initiative we have been working on with the ECB for the last few years. It’s brilliant to see all the planning and hard work finally come to life with these new net facilities. At IG, we’re really passionate about the next generation of cricketing talent so we want to support the growth of young players and grassroots cricket across the country. We can’t wait to see even more net facilities open this year.”

Dan Musson, Head of Facilities Planning at the ECB said: “We are delighted to see the new facility open at The Sparkhill Park Nets in Birmingham, addressing the huge demand for cricket in these areas. Local authorities are under increasing financial pressure on a number of fronts, making collaborations and partnerships vital for developing sports facilities.

“Working with an engaged commercial partner in IG, progressive local authorities, and community focussed County Cricket Clubs has enabled us to develop an elite-quality practice facility that will be accessible to people locally.

“The new facilities will benefit a range of organisations ensuring the next generation of players has the opportunity to develop through cricket.”

The cricket facilities will be open for bookings from March 2026.