Sport is engrained in Birmingham’s culture, as the city is responsible for grass-roots teams, international football clubs, world-famous golf courses, and jaw-dropping event venues. It doesn’t matter if you love football or rugby union, boxing or basketball; you’ll likely find an event or activity to match your interests in the city.
You only need to look at the city’s history to realise that sport is part of Birmingham’s DNA, as it was the first city to earn the title of National City of Sport by the Sports Council. In addition to its extensive history, Birmingham has recently played host to one of the biggest sports events in the world and has more in the pipeline. For this reason, we’re looking at the most exciting events and venues. Keep reading to find out how Birmingham has become a sports hub.
2022 Commonwealth Games
Birmingham played the proud host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which was the largest sporting event ever hosted in the West Midlands to date. After receiving £778 million in public funding, the city made the UK proud by welcoming 6,500 athletes and officials from 72 Commonwealth nations and territories. Who would win each event was just one reason to tune in, and the event made it more appealing than ever to take advantage of Ladbrokes sportsbook new customer offer and place bets on some of the top athletes and teams. One thing is certain: Birmingham made the whole of the UK proud last year. The city hosted 11 days of non-stop sporting events and sold more than one million tickets to people from all corners of the world. From exciting opening and closing ceremonies to unforgettable sporting performances, few people will forget the exceptional event that showcased the UK, and Birmingham, in the best light on a global stage.
The European Athletics Championships 2026
Birmingham batted away competition in the form of Budapest to be named the host city of The European Athletics Championships 2026. The hotly anticipated event is scheduled to be held at the improved Alexander Venue Stadium, which sets the international standard for athletics venues. The major sporting event will, without a doubt, further cement Birmingham as a sporting hub, as it will follow the huge success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
2003 and 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships
Of course, passionate sports fans may realise that Birmingham has a rich history of hosting major athletics events. For instance, the city started its legacy by serving as the proud host of the 2003 and 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships. The sporting events undoubtedly placed the city on the map for athletics worldwide and gave Birmingham the confidence to host many more respected events in recent years.
2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships
Before Birmingham hosted the worldwide event, the city started a little smaller by playing host to the 2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships. The event took place from 2nd to 4th March 2007 at the National Indoor Arena.
The UK’s PGA HQ, The Belfry
Birmingham isn’t only known for hosting major athletic events, as the city has an extensive golfing history that fills many residents with pride. After all, few golf courses in the UK are more iconic than The Belfry, which is the UK’s PGA headquarters. Also, it has played host to the Ryder Cup four times, as the tournament took place at the golf club in 1985, 1989, 1993, and 2002. Therefore, it has hosted more Ryder Cups than any other city in the world, and it hasn’t been held on English soil since. What’s more, the 2022 Betfred British Masters was hosted on The Belfry’s most famous course, the Brabazon Course, in May 2022, and welcomed some of the best professional golfers onto its green, such as Thorbjørn Olesen, Sebastian Söderberg, and Justin Walters.
Aston Villa & Birmingham City
Of course, you cannot talk about Birmingham’s sporting history and not recognise the role Aston Villa and Birmingham City have played in the city’s success. The football teams have attracted millions of people to the city throughout the years and captured the hearts and minds of football fans across Birmingham and beyond. The teams might leave residents divided over their loyalty, but most would agree that both clubs have helped place the city on the sporting map throughout the decades and will continue to do so.
