Birmingham named as host for 2022 Commonwealth Games

December 22, 2017

Events / Sport / Venues /

The English city of Birmingham has been confirmed as the hosting city for the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games.

Announced overnight, Birmingham replaces Durban as the host of the event for the multi-sport event - the South African city having been stripped of the Games earlier this year amid financial concerns.

Birmingham was selected as the UK’s bid ahead of Liverpool back in September, and in October became the sole bidder for the event after Melbourne and Perth, along with Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Victoria in Canada did not confirm apparent initial interest in hosting the event.

Announcing the Midlands city’s hosting, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Marin stated “we warmly congratulate Birmingham and England on today’s announcement - it is a defining moment for this truly Commonwealth city “With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth, and so the Commonwealth Sports Movement looks forward to collaborating with all the Games partners to showcase the city’s humanity and pride to a global audience over the coming months and years.

“The vast majority of the Games venues are in place, and with extensive experience in the UK of hosting successful major events - including Manchester 2002, London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 - the CGF looks forward to a truly spectacular Games.”

Martin said that the Commonwealth Games Associations of Canada, Malaysia and Australia have expressed an interest in bidding for the 2026 or 2030 editions of the event, with the Gold Coast due to host next year’s Games.

Birmingham’s bid was backed by 95% of the venues identified for the event having already been built.

Venues that are set to host competitions include Alexander Stadium (which will be significantly expanded ahead of the Games), Arena Birmingham and the Genting Arena.

The UK also staged the most recent edition of the Games in 2014, when the Scottish city of Glasgow hosted.

Birmingham 2022 is expected to take place from 27th July to 7th August with the official handover set to take place at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony on 15th April 2018.

Images: Birmingham's Commonwealth Games bid proposes events being held at the city's historic Town Hall (top) and Genting Arena (below). Middle image shows the bid logo.

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