Birmingham to bid for 2026 Commonwealth Games
BySportsbeat
Published 30/09/2016 at 10:08 GMT
Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games could generate more than £390m for Birmingham and the surrounding area, it was claimed after the city announced it was joining the bidding process.
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
The announcement means Birmingham join Liverpool in the race, with Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea, and Edmonton, in Canada, also thought to be in contention.
John Clancy, leader of the city council, hoped this bid would be more successful than Birmingham's failed attempt to host the 1992 summer Olympic Games – which eventually went to Barcelona.
"We have proven ourselves to be warm, welcoming and friendly hosts to a number of international events in recent years," he said.
"In addition to the huge economic impact, these events showcase the very best of our city and wider region to the world."
Likely stadia to be used would include the Alexander Stadium, which hosts the British Championships and a Diamond League event every year, Villa Park, The Edgbaston Priory Club, the NEC and the Genting Arena.
And Karen Bradley, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, said hosting the Games could do wonders for the city.
"Birmingham is a city with a fantastic sporting pedigree," she said.
"The Commonwealth Games transformed Manchester in 2002 and did the same for Glasgow in 2014, so it's no surprise that Birmingham is interested in hosting the Games in 2026."
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