Alexander Stadium will buzz with activity during the Commonwealth Games as a major sports venue. The historic stadium will host athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies starting this Thursday, July 28.
With 30,000 spectators expected at the venue visitors may be wondering how exactly to get there. The answer is, you have options.
From shuttle buses to pick ups and drop offs, there are strict rules about travel to the site. Here is everything you need to know about travelling to Alexander Stadium during Birmingham 2022.
What is taking place at Alexander Stadium?
Opening ceremony-July 28 (7pm-10:30pm)
Athletics and para athletics-August 2-7 (different times per day)
Closing ceremony-August 8 (8pm-10pm)
The stadium will open two hours before session start times. British Sign Language interpretation is available for both opening and closing ceremonies.
Driving and parking
Alexander Stadium is located in Perry Barr just off the A34 Walsall Road, opposite the crematorium and allotments.
There are no parking, pick ups or drop offs at or around the venue. Blue badge holders and park and ride however are allowed if they pre-book here, be aware blue badge spaces are limited. You can also find a blue badge and park and ride service at JLR Kingsbury.
Blue badge holders can also use an accessible golf buggy service link to the venue.
Buses and shuttle buses
The stadium is not far from Birmingham City Centre and the following buses stop near the stadium: 11A, 11C, 33, X51, 51, 52, 907, 907A, 934, 935, 936, 937, 937A and 997 . On July 28 and between August 2-8 Perry Avenue stop will be out of service due to shuttle buses, 51, 52, and X51 will also not stop here. X51 will instead stop at Rocky Lane except on July 28 and August 8 where it will call at Perry Park Crescent.
Perry Park stop towards Walsall /Perry Beeches will close on the opening and closing ceremony days between 3pm-12:30pm. Services in general will be affected between July 22-August 10 so plan ahead.
A shuttle bus service will be available picking up from James Watt Queensway in Birmingham City Centre and dropping off at the new transport mall, not far from the stadium entrance. An accessible shuttle service will also ride from Birmingham New Street (exit to Smallbrook Queensway).
Shuttles will start running around 2-3 hours before each event and approximately 90 minutes after. Times will be confirmed closer to the event.
Train
You can catch a train to the newly refurbished Perry Barr Train Station which is only a 25 minute walk from the stadium. There is step free access to all platforms and if you require assistance just book ahead with your train operator.
An accessible shuttle bus service will also run between the station and Alexander Stadium. Check out train timetables here.
Taxi and private hire
There are no taxi pick ups or drop offs at the venue, local roads nearby will also have restricted access so taxis may have to stop a distance from the stadium.
Walking/cycling
Fancy being active and saving on travel fare? According to games organisers this is the easiest way to access the stadium. Cycle parking is available at the venue and will be confirmed closer to the date, meanwhile the walking route from Perry Barr station to the stadium is available on this map.
A blue cycle route runs across A34 and provides direct access to Birmingham City Centre from Perry Barr, the route is approximately 6km long and takes about 25 minutes to cycle.
Cycle hire is available across the West Midlands around the clock, with docking stations at major bus, metro and train stations, landmarks and city or town centres.
Source: Husna Anjum
