British athletes competing at the European Championships in Birmingham have been required to pay full price for tickets allocated to their family and friends, marking a departure from previous events where complimentary access was typically granted. The championships, taking place at the 18,000-seat Alexander Stadium, began on August 10, and some athletes have reported ticket costs of approximately £150 for seating in a reserved section designated for their supporters.

Traditionally, athletes participating in major competitions, including recent Olympics, expect to receive at least one or two free tickets for their entourage. However, UK Athletics (UKA), the governing body responsible for the event, has clarified that no complimentary or discounted tickets are being provided to athletes for this championship. This policy has come as a surprise to many, particularly given the high demand for affordable seating and the rapid sell-out of lower-priced tickets before some athletes were informed of the arrangement.

“We thought it was maybe a mistake at first,” one competitor said. “There are reserved tickets within a space so that your friends or family can definitely get tickets, even if it’s at the last minute, but they’re full price.” Another athlete expressed disappointment, stating, “They could have even offered a discounted rate, so it is a little bit of a surprise, a bit of a shame. It would be good to have more family and friends there.”

UK Athletics, which faced financial difficulties in recent years—including a near-bankruptcy situation in 2023—has implemented cost-saving measures such as staff reductions and reported a financial surplus last year for the first time since 2017. In response to queries about the ticket policy, a UKA spokesperson said that while athletes at national championships typically receive complimentary tickets, this is not the practice for major international championships hosted in the UK. The spokesperson emphasized that the event organizers have reserved a dedicated allocation of seats specifically for friends and family to ensure they can attend despite high demand and quickly selling sessions.

Athletes were notified on July 27 that they would need to purchase tickets for any supporters, including personal coaches who may not have qualified for official accreditation, to gain entry. This has raised concerns among competitors eager for maximum home support during the championships.

The decision reflects a balancing act by UK Athletics as it manages financial recovery while accommodating spectators for a high-profile, multi-sport event held on British soil. Whether this approach will be replicated at future championships remains to be seen.