A public basketball court in a city park has been transformed with a new street art design to mark the launch of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games West Midlands ticket ballot.
West Midlands residents can now apply for tickets to be part of the action at Birmingham 2022 which will take place between 28th July and 8th August next year.
Tickets start from £8 for under 16s and £15 for adults. There will also be £22 tickets available for every session of the Games, including medal sessions, and for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Instead of a first come – first served ticket rush, residents will be able to apply for the tickets they would like to buy until the West Midlands ballot closes on 30th July. Tickets will then be allocated within 30 days.
A general ticket ballot will open in September.
To mark the ballot launch, the revamped basketball court in Summerfield Park, Ladywood was officially opened yesterday (Wednesday 14th July). The court was designed and painted by Team England basketball player Kofi Josephs and local graffiti artist Zuke.
Team England players, including team GB captain Myles Hesson, took to the court alongside local residents, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Leader of Birmingham City Council Ian Ward, the deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 board Geoff Thompson, Councillor Sharon Thompson and Councillor John O’Shea and Birmingham born athletics legend Mark Lewis-Francis.
The new design with vibrant colours has created a landmark within the park, open for everyone to use and leaves a lasting legacy of the Games in the heart of the West Midlands community.
Matt Kidson, Director of Sport for Birmingham 2022, commented: “Birmingham 2022 is a once in a lifetime opportunity for residents of the West Midlands, with the Games being held, essentially, in their backyard. We want to make sure that everyone who lives locally has a chance to experience the Games, through volunteering, spectating, or soaking up the festival atmosphere – that’s why we are launching a priority access ticket sale today for people with a West Midlands postcode. This is your chance to experience the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK for a decade.”
Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport and Tourism, said: “Birmingham 2022 will be the greatest show ever staged in the West Midlands and I am thrilled that local residents have the first chance to secure their tickets.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for fans to see the best athletes in the world compete on their doorstep. I encourage everyone to take a look at the exciting sports on offer and apply for their tickets.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is going to be an absolutely phenomenal spectacle, and we want as many people as possible from across the West Midlands to enjoy the world-class sport and soak in the atmosphere.”
“That’s why the Games are offering priority access to tickets for those who live in the region, ahead of the main ballot opening in September. This really will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don’t miss out.”
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “With the opening of the priority ticket ballot, Birmingham 2022 is firmly within our sights on the horizon. I am delighted the people of Birmingham will be amongst those getting the first opportunity to buy tickets for 11 days of fantastic sporting action, taking place at a range of superb locations in their city and further afield. The Games will show off the best of Birmingham as the Proud Host City and this is your chance to secure your attendance at the largest event to be staged in our history.”
If you are a West Midlands resident, apply here for tickets to be part of the action at Birmingham 2022.
