European Athletics Championships under fire with thousands of seats left empty as ‘shocking’ cost of attending revealed

THE EUROPEAN Athletics Championships have come under fire for the “sparse” crowd that marred night one in Birmingham. Amy Hunt was crowned the women’s 100 metres champion for the first time following a stunning victory on Monday night at the Alexander Stadium. There have been thousands of empty seats at the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium Credit: PA Amy Hunt won 100m gold in front of a half-empty stadium Credit: Getty Yet the sprinter, 24, performed her victory lap in front of swathes of empty seats at the arena in Perry Barr, which is north of the city, and close to the M6. The official session attendance for the evening was 13,623 in a stadium that has been boosted to 23,000 per session for the seven-day event, the first time the Euros have been held in the UK. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Yet glancing an eye across the four stands, particularly the newly-christened Matthew Hudson-Smith Stand, it looked less than half full in terms of bums on seats. Hunt’s agent Nick Hartwell summed the view of many by saying on social: “Crazy prices. Such a shame.” Steve Cram, the BBC’s main athletics commentator and former world 1500 metres champion, acknowledged the low figures live on television last night. Cram, 65, said: “A little disappointing in terms of spectators, I have to say that. “Particularly down the back straight there. There’s not very many people at all in those stands. “But I am sure Birmingham is going to get to grips with these Champs pretty quickly. (It’s the) first night. Hoping for some British success.” Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Top tickets for Tuesday night at the Euros cost £110 – and are even more for Friday Credit: AFP For the evening session on Tuesday August 11, the top Category A tickets cost £110 and Category B (which are in front of the long-jump pit) are going for £90 – while fans can get cheaper seats for £60 (Category C) and £40 (Category D). The Alexander Stadium is not the most accessible stadium to visit and driving there has been discouraged with punters expected to use public transport – the nearest station is a mile away – or park-and-ride schemes. Birmingham 2026 are trying to encourage “greener travel” with “sustainable transport” being at the “forefront of planning”. It is understood that the crowds will improve later this week, particularly on Friday night when Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic 800 metres champion, is in action. Yet the best seats in the house for that event will be about £150. Sonja McLaughlan, a respected British sports broadcaster, who works for BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, said: “Shame to see such a sparse crowd at European Athletics. “Just checked ticket prices. Category A for Friday night when it’s big women’s 800m is £150. That’s mad.” She added: “Category A, Monday to Wednesday, £110. Thursday to Sunday, £150. Who’s got that kind of money right now? “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. “Don’t think athletics can justify £150 each for top tickets. The demand isn’t there. “Yes, there are cheaper seats and those are the ones that have sold. “Better to have cheaper across the board and fill the stadium.” Unlike the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games which were on TNT Sports, a subscription-based channel, the athletics this week is being shown live on terrestrial TV. Jakob Ingebrigtsen was asked if he wished the crowd was bigger as he won the men’s 5,000 metres title for a record fourth time. The Norwegian two-time Olympic champion, 25, said: “Of course. But I think we made the most out of it. “The people that show up are very enthusiastic. I think that’s the most important. “If the seats are packed with people who don’t care about anything, that’s maybe not that great either. “The people that’s here really live for the sport of athletics. They are here to watch and cheer everyone. I think that’s the most important part.” It comes as London prepares its presentation to World Athletics to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships – a main part of their bid will be the sold-out crowds in the capital for the sport’s flagship event. A Birmingham 2026 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, while a family of four can attend for as little as £30. “After a fantastic opening day of competition, we’re looking forward to welcoming many more spectators to Alexander Stadium throughout the week and sharing more memorable moments of world-class athletics.” Comment now