Locals first in line for 2022 Games
New questions over funding of event in city
THE Government has given its backing to plans to let West Midlands residents have first pick of tickets to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
West Midlands residents can take part in a ballot for tickets beginning on July 14, to run until July 30. The winners will be announced in August.
The main ballot begins in September, when anyone can apply for a ticket. That includes West Midlands residents who were unsuccessful the first time around.
Although local people get the first chance to apply, the number of tickets on offer in the July ballot will be limited, with the majority held back until September.
Questions were this week asked in the House of Lords about the Games’ finances – and whether facilities would be ready on time.
Speaking in a committee hearing, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath asked: “Challenges, of course remain.
“The funding of the Commonwealth Games overall is complex and includes a substantial contribution from commercial revenues.”
He pointed out that the Government is providing £549 million while Birmingham City Council and other
partners are providing £184 million.
Additional commercial revenue will be raised by the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee and Commonwealth Games Federation Partnerships through ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandising and the sale of broadcast rights.
Lord Hunt said: “Clearly, this is still a major challenge particularly in relation to Birmingham City Council’s finances which are themselves under huge pressure and I wondered if the Minister could update me on budgetary issues both in terms of whether there are any financial overruns and on the projected commercial income?”
And he asked: “I would also like the Minister to confirm that the venues that are either being built or adapted for the Games will all be ready well on time.”
Sports Minister Baroness Barran said: “I am pleased to confirm that despite an extraordinarily difficult period with the impact of the Covid19 pandemic, the games remain on time and on budget.”
She spoke about the delay to the Athlete’s Village in Perry Barr, which had been due to house Commonwealth Games athletes but will now not be ready in time for the event.
“The decision to move away from a single athlete’s village was made as a result of the impact of the pandemic.
“The Perry Bar regeneration scheme, which is bringing more than 1,400 homes to this part of the city, will still be delivered as planned by Birmingham City Council.
“And we believe we have an excellent solution which will provide the 6,500 athletes and team officials coming to the games with best in class facilities at three sites, the University of Birmingham, the NEC and the University of Warwick.”
Athletes from 72 nations will compete in the Games, taking place from July 28 to August 8, 2022. Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium is the main venue, but events will be held across the West Midlands including in Coventry, Leamington Spa and Cannock Chase.
For ticket details go to: www.birmingham2022.com