Organisers defend European championships ticket prices after sparse crowd in Birmingham

Organisers of the European championships have defended ticket prices in Birmingham after British sprinter Amy Hunt won the 100-meter final at a nearly half-empty Alexander Stadium.

One of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches was among those questioning prices and raising concerns about parking and the cost of food - with bratwurst hot dogs going for 15 pounds ($20).

The category A seats for Monday night’s session - which included Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s victory in the 5,000 meters and Hunt’s gold - cost 150 pounds ($202). The cheapest adult ticket was 26 pounds ($35).

Official attendance Monday night was 13,623, though journalists on hand said the actual figure seemed lower, in a stadium with capacity at 23,000.

“Hearing from fans re high ticket prices, parking issues; even people not knowing it was taking place,” Jenny Meadows, a coach of Hodgkinson, wrote on social media. Commentator Sonja McLaughlan added: “Actually a bit shocked at type of prices being charged. It’s a shame for the athletes who deserve better. The sport has this precious window without football, free-to-air television exposure and it looks flat with such a sparse crowd.”

The morning sessions - during which the athletes compete in qualifying rounds - offer lower prices. Ticket prices for Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s evening sessions top out at 110 pounds ($148), before reverting to the higher prices Thursday through Sunday. Organisers said Tuesday that more than 50 percent of tickets were priced at 30 pounds ($40) and lower.

“Birmingham 2026 is delighted with ticket sales for the championships, which have far surpassed our targets,” they said in a statement.

“Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions are approaching sell-out, with several other sessions close to capacity.”

The widely anticipated women’s 800-meter final is Friday night and is expected to feature Hodgkinson, Audrey Werro and Femke Broeders-Bol.