Organisers of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham remain confident of delivering a “special atmosphere”, but have urged fans to buy tickets following criticism over empty seats.
Turnout at the Alexander Stadium has grown daily since the championships began on Monday after the opening morning brought 12,844 fans, with 13,623 present that night as Amy Hunt won the women’s 100m.
On Tuesday, 12,921 attended the morning session, before 16,208 watched Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu secure a British one-two in the men’s 100m final, but this was still some way off a full capacity, as the Birmingham venue holds approximately 23,000 people.
However, European Athletics issued a defiant statement on Wednesday which read: “We are seeing a truly outstanding European Championships, with athletes from the host country Great Britain and across Europe producing performances worthy of this stage – and there is so much more still to come.
“Naturally, we would love to see a full stadium for every session, because nothing compares with the energy of a packed Alexander Stadium and the support it gives to the athletes.
“We are very pleased that demand for tickets to the second half of the championships is strong, and we want to encourage people to come and experience this incredible event for themselves.
“Championships have a way of building momentum as the days go by and we are confident Birmingham will continue to deliver that special atmosphere.”
On Tuesday, the Birmingham26 local organising committee said it was “delighted” by ticket sales, adding: “(Sales) far surpassed our targets. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions are approaching sell-out, with several other sessions close to capacity.”
Yet social media criticism persisted on Wednesday, with onlookers blaming admission costs for the sparse crowds. The cheapest morning tickets from Monday to Wednesday were £10 for adults and £5 for children aged 2-16, while evening sessions began at £26.
Prices rise towards the end of the week as high-profile competitors take to the track, including British Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson and Swedish pole vault world record-holder Mondo Duplantis. The most expensive “category A” tickets cost £150 for Monday night and Thursday through Sunday evening.
