Athletics fans have made their feelings clear about the disappointing crowd turnout for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. The BBC has been airing the event and its coverage has shown sparse crowds at the Alexander Stadium.
Tournament organisers have faced backlash for the lack of sold-out competitions. Official attendance figures stated there were over 13,000 spectators in the 23,000-capacity venue on Monday as Team GB’s Amy Hunt won 100m gold, with BBC commentator Steve Cram discussing the crowd size.
Commentator and Fans React
“A little disappointing in terms of spectators, I have to say that,” he said. “Particularly down the back straight there. There’s not very many people at all in those stands.”
The broadcaster was not alone in voicing his concern about the lack of fans in attendance. Various social media users have also raised the issue on X throughout the first few days of the European Athletics Championships.
One fan wrote: “Shocking crowd in Birmingham for the European Athletics Championships. Not a good look.” A second posted: “It’s so odd seeing a major sporting event in England with such a small crowd. Were the prices for the European athletics champs ridiculous? In recent times (post 2012) pretty much every event has welcomed great crowds. Birmingham isn’t close to being half full!”
A third added: “What a shockingly poor crowd at the European Athletics championships.” A fourth said: “It takes some doing to hold an athletics event in the UK and not fill the stadium. The organisers should be held to account for the shamefully small crowd.”
A fifth argued: “Whether it’s marketing to blame, or prices or anything else, if this is the biggest crowd athletics can draw, when the Euro Champs are being held in the UK, it’s got problems. Sad to see such an empty stadium.”
Ticket Prices and Costs Under Fire
While there are various potential reasons for the lack of capacity crowds, many have pointed to the ticket prices. The Category A price for early sessions in the main stand is £110, with Category D prices falling to £40. However, the Category A price will rise to £150 for the last three days of the Championships.
In response to the ticketing costs, Hunt’s agent Nick Hartweell wrote on X: “Crazy prices. Such a shame.” Jenny Meadows, who coaches Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, also said on social media: “Hearing from fans re high ticket prices, parking issues and even people not knowing it was taking place.”
Moreover, concerns have been raised about the cost of food available to fans in the stadium. The Guardian reports that a barbecue pork roll costs £18.50, with a bratwurst hot dog available for £15, and a bottle of water being sold for £3.95. One social media user wrote on X: "Food and drink prices at the European Athletics. BBQ pork roll £18.50. Unbelievable. Doubtless Wembley will use this as a new benchmark..."
Parking Costs and Organisers' Response
The same report highlights car parking costs, with spectators paying £22.50 for the park‑and‑ride scheme. Alternatively, fans can pay £17.50 for a park‑and‑walk option, which involves a 45-minute walk to the stadium.
A Birmingham 2026 spokesperson has defended the ticket pricing, highlighting that 170,000 tickets have been sold and bigger crowds are expected later in the week. Tournament organisers also emphasised that half of the tickets were priced at £30 or lower, with adult tickets starting at £10.
A spokesperson said: “Birmingham 2026 is delighted with ticket sales for the championships, which have far surpassed our targets. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions are approaching sell-out, with several other sessions close to capacity.
“There are still opportunities to be part of the championships at incredibly good value, including the ‘Mondo’ £6.31 children’s ticket for Friday morning — named in honour of [pole vaulter Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis’s] world record — while a family of four can attend for as little as £30.”
