Birmingham City Council has struck a new licence agreement for Birchfield Harriers Athletic Club to continue using Alexander Stadium.
The new arrangement between the council and the club updates the original licence signed in 1975. Birchfield Harriers, one of the most successful athletics clubs in the UK, played a key role in the original relocation and construction of Alexander Stadium.
Alexander Stadium underwent a £72m (€84.2m/$92.1m) revamp ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with its permanent capacity increasing from 12,700 to 18,000. Temporary seating meant that the stadium could host up to 30,000 spectators during the Games.
The stadium hosted a sold-out athletics programme during the Games, and since the event Birmingham City Council has sought to give the venue a year-round purpose. The stadium serves as the home of the Midlands Hurricanes rugby league team and is also used by Birmingham City University and UK Athletics.
Birmingham City Council, which owns and operates the stadium, said the signing of the new agreement with Birchfield Harriers will secure the club’s position as a “fundamental part” of the stadium and partnership with the city.
Councillor Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, said: “The investment that continues to be put into the stadium will provide a lasting Commonwealth Games legacy. The city council is committed to working in partnership with the club to promote athletics and grow the sport further in a stadium with the very best of facilities and support for the whole community to enjoy.”
In November 2022, Alexander Stadium was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 edition of the European Athletics Championships. It will mark the first time that a British city has hosted the event.
The event will be delivered by Athletic Ventures, a new company launched earlier this year by UK Athletics, The Great Run Company and London Marathon Events. Athletic Ventures will also deliver the annual Diamond League event in the UK and will lead the potential bidding process for the World Athletics Championships to return to the UK in 2029.
