Nearly 10,000 seats were empty at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium for the European Athletics Championships on Monday evening. A crowd of 13,623 watched as Britain's Amy Hunt won the women's 100m final, in a stadium with a capacity of 23,000.\n\nAthletics supporters blamed ticket prices, with some describing them as 'extortionate'. Category A tickets for the home straight cost £150 with no concessions for juniors. Chris Brown photographed rows of empty seats and said pricing for weekdays was 'a little off'. Adam Hilton paid £120 for two tickets and said he did not feel it was value for money, especially with transport issues and limited parking.\n\nFood prices also drew criticism, with pork rolls at £18.50 and hot dogs at £15.

Social media users and former athletes expressed disappointment that the stadium was not fuller, particularly given it is Britain's first time hosting the championships in their 92-year history.\n\nHowever, Birmingham 2026 organisers said they were 'delighted' with ticket sales, which have 'far surpassed' targets, with 'Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening sessions approaching sell-out'.