Birmingham bid for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Birmingham City Council have announced their intention to officially enter the race to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

Cllr Ian Ward, therapy Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, ask said: “We’re calling on the entire region to get behind this bid. The economic benefit, price not to mention the excitement and legacy of such an immense sporting event would have on this area, is massive. We are the perfect choice to host the Commonwealth Games.”

As well as being hugely prestigious and showcasing sporting talent from across the globe, the Games have a tangible economic benefit. The Glasgow Games in 2014 generated nearly £740 million worth of GVA for Scotland, and attracted 690,000 additional visitors. The Games in Durban in South Africa in 2022 are expected to create 1,000 jobs directly and a further 4,500 in supply chain businesses.

Birmingham has a track record of delivering large international sporting events, recently hosting The Ashes at Edgbaston, Rugby World Cup fixtures at Villa Park, while in addition, the NEC, Genting Arena and Barclaycard Arena as well as the ICC, all routinely host high-profile concerts, conferences and shows.

Stuart Cain Managing Director of the NEC Group said: “Birmingham can put together a really strong bid based on experience, credentials, reputation and capability in the market. The city also has significant infrastructure in place and the proven ability to deliver world class events as we’ve done in our venues year after year.

“The Commonwealth Games would be a perfect celebration of Birmingham’s sporting culture and excellence and a springboard for the next phase of economic development and investment opportunities for the city, and importantly, for its people.”