University News Last updated 25 August
The first UK-based European Athletics Championships delivered a spectacular week of world-class sport in Birmingham, with millions watching, over 200,000 people spectating and almost 100 students from Birmingham City University (BCU) making it happen.
As Official University Partner, BCU used the Championships to create opportunities for its students, showcase its expertise and facilities, engage thousands of visitors, and strengthen its connections across the city and beyond.
Thousands of spectators visited BCU’s stand in the official fan zone at Alexander Stadium, home to BCU’s sports courses and facilities, taking part in a range of fun activities that tested their physical skills, whilst learning more about the courses and activities the university offers.
Thousands more visited BCU’s stand in the Champions Square fan zone in Centenary Square, with live entertainment and the athletics screened across four days to 39,000 visitors to Birmingham city centre.
The Championships also reached an audience of more than 17 million people on BBC in the UK, with millions more across 30-plus countries in Europe watching to cheer on their national athletes.
BCU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor David Mba, reflected on the Championships, saying: “As Official University Partner, teams across BCU have been working hard for many months to support the delivery of the 2026 European Athletics Championships.
“I want to thank all the students and staff who have made this partnership a success, and I know everyone will be very proud to see that all their efforts have helped create such an unforgettable week of sport.
“Collaborations like this help us meet our objective of being an exemplar anchor institution in Birmingham, and I am excited to look forward to future partnerships that similarly champion this city and the wider region.”
Significantly, almost 100 BCU students got involved in a range of volunteer and paid roles across communications, social media, event operations, and other Team (athlete) services, working tirelessly throughout the week and powering the event behind the scenes to ensure it was a memorable experience for all.
20-year-old Jacob Tuffield, who studies BA Media Production, spent the week working with the content team, capturing fan reactions and athlete celebrations for the Birmingham 26 social media channels. He said: “I found the whole experience amazing and being able to do something that I love in more of a professional setting was enjoyable.
“What I have learnt from this opportunity will definitely reflect in my studies and will hopefully allow me to go further in a career in the industry.”
There was student representation on the track too as Sam Lunt, a third-year student in BSc Sport and Exercise Science, helped the Great Britain & Northern Ireland men's 4x400m relay team reach the finals, where they won Silver.
BCU also hosted the 20th European Athletics Future Leaders Forum, welcoming European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov and World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe to their City Centre Campus.
The four-day forum empowered future generations of sports leaders from across 44 European athletics federations, giving them the knowledge to shape the future of athletics.
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said: "Birmingham City University was a valued University Partner for the 2026 European Athletics Championships, providing expertise, support and opportunities for students to gain practical work placement experience at a major international event.
“We were also pleased to host the European Athletics Future Leaders Forum at the University, whose modern facilities helped create a successful environment and engaging programme.
“We thank Birmingham City University for its outstanding partnership and contribution to the Championships.
Image caption: BCU staff and students at the Alexander Stadium.