Organizers of the European championships have defended ticket prices in Birmingham after British sprinter Amy Hunt won the 100-meter final at a nearly half-empty Alexander Stadium.One of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches was among those questioning prices and raising concerns about parking and the cost of food — with bratwurst hot dogs going for 15 pounds ($20).The category A seats for Monday night’s session — which included Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s victory in the 5,000 meters and Hunt’s gold — cost 150 pounds ($202). The cheapest adult ticket was 26 pounds ($35).Official attendance Monday night was 13,623, though journalists on hand said the actual figure seemed lower, in a stadium with capacity at 23,000.“Hearing from fans re high ticket prices, parking issues & even people not knowing it was taking place,” Jenny Meadows, a coach of Hodgkinson, wrote on social media.
Commentator Sonja McLaughlan added: “Actually a bit shocked at type of prices being charged. It’s a shame for the athletes who deserve better. The sport has this precious window without football, free to air television exposure and it looks flat with such a sparse crowd.”The morning sessions — during which the athletes compete in qualifying rounds — offer lower prices. Ticket prices for Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s evening sessions top out at 110 pounds ($148), before reverting to the higher prices Thursday through Sunday.
