19 October 2016

Following a site visit from IAAF Competitions and Technical Delegates, the IAAF have confirmed that they are pleased with the city’s preparations for the IAAF World Indoor Championships, Birmingham 2018.

On 2-4 March 2018, over 400 athletes from around 150 countries will compete at Birmingham’s indoor arena over three action packed days of athletics, as the IAAF World Indoor Championships come to the city.

Birmingham has previously been the venue for the World Indoor Championships in 2003 and also held the 2007 European Indoor Championships and 2009 World Half Marathon Championships, the city also hosts the British Championships, Birmingham Diamond League and Indoor Grand Prix.

The IAAF received updates from the Local Organising Committee (made up of representatives from Birmingham City Council, British Athletics and the NEC Group) on all elements of the Championships and visited the recently redeveloped indoor arena, which will play host to the championships in 2018.

Paul Hardy, IAAF Competition and Events Director, said:

“The IAAF Delegation came with high expectations and we were not disappointed. Knowing what the City of Birmingham and UK Athletics have delivered in the past, already gave us confidence in the organisation and our two days in Birmingham confirmed these expectations. We were particularly impressed with the refurbishments to the indoor arena. With expected full crowds over the five competition sessions, the stunning arena will showcase to the world, the best in global athletics. Together with the local organising committee, we discussed ideas to continue the innovations and momentum coming from the World Indoor Championships in Portland earlier this year. Birmingham is shaping up to be an extremely well organised and exciting World Indoor Championships.”

Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, was part of the team that welcomed the IAAF to the city and said: “We were delighted to welcome delegates from the IAAF and it was great for them to see the fantastic redevelopments that have taken place at the indoor arena since we last hosted a major indoor athletics championship.

“One of the advantages that we have in Birmingham is that the arena is located in the heart of the city centre, so the teams, the IAAF family, media and of course spectators can stay just a few minutes’ walk from the venue and can make use  of the great bars, restaurants and attractions which surround it.

“The Birmingham team has a great deal of experience when it comes to organising sports events and the IAAF World Indoor Championships provides us with the perfect opportunity to remind everyone of how well this city can rise to the challenge of hosting major world sports events.”