About the Event
The 2026 European Athletics Championships bring the continent’s finest track and field athletes to Birmingham for the first time ever, running from 10 to 16 August 2026. Around 1,600 competitors from 49 nations will battle for 50 gold medals across sprints, distance running, jumps, throws and multi-events at the newly redeveloped Alexander Stadium. It is the 27th edition of the championships and the first time a British city has staged the event.
Birmingham earned its place on the European athletics map by delivering a spectacular 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 18,000-capacity Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr provides the perfect stage. Fans can expect world-class competition, dramatic finals under the floodlights and the unique atmosphere that only a home crowd in a packed athletics arena can create.
What to Expect
The championships run across seven days with morning and evening sessions, culminating in the showpiece finals each night. The programme covers every athletics discipline: the explosive 100m sprints, the tactical 1500m and 5000m battles, the technical drama of the pole vault, long jump, shot put and hammer, plus the gruelling decathlon and heptathlon. British fans will have plenty to cheer, with the home team expected to field a full-strength squad of medal contenders.
Off the track, the stadium concourse features food and drink concessions, merchandise stands and big screens, while the surrounding campus offers space to soak up the atmosphere between sessions. Evening sessions are the highlight, with finals, medal ceremonies and floodlit drama every single night.
Getting There
Alexander Stadium is at Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2LR. Perry Barr railway station is a ten-minute walk away with frequent services from Birmingham New Street, and buses 33 and 51 stop nearby. For drivers, event-day parking is limited and pre-booking is recommended, with park-and-ride options operating for the championships. Find the full travel guide on our Alexander Stadium location page or explore everything happening in the city on the Birmingham events page.
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets are available in day passes and full-event packages, with morning and evening session tickets sold separately. Prices vary by session and seat location, with discounted rates for juniors and family groups. Booking in advance is strongly recommended — evening finals sessions sell out quickly. Get the full programme and secure your seats on the official championships website.
More Events in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city that loves live sport and entertainment. Whether you are in town for the athletics or planning a longer stay, browse the full Birmingham events calendar or see everything across the UK on the What’s Happening events hub.
