Where
Alexander Stadium, Walsall Road, Perry Barr.
When
- Dates: Tuesday 26 July
- Times: From 19:15 – 22:30
- Gates Open: 17:00
The Opening Ceremony show will be tested and rehearsed in front of a live audience on Sunday 24 July, and Tuesday 26 July and we’re thrilled you are joining us for this unique experience. Expect an amazing theatrical experience that celebrates the diversity and talent of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Before you leave home
- Plan and book your travel to and from the venue: Use the Games Journey Planner (select your dress rehearsal session for the 24th or 26th from the dropdown menu) and make sure you allow plenty of time for travelling to and from the venue. Return travel to some locations may be limited after the rehearsals so please check with transport operators before you leave home.
- Arrive Early: Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the venue (Gates Open 17:00), go through security, bag checks and to find your seat. The Alexander Stadium opens two hours and fifteen minutes before the rehearsal start time.
- Don’t forget your ticket: You will have been issued either a printed or digital e-ticket. Check the details, download your e-ticket if you have one, and be ready to show it on your phone or print it out. Tickets will have reserved seat numbers. If you do not have a ticket, you will not be allowed to enter the venue. Screenshots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
- Accessible Seating & BSL Interpretation: If you have accessible seating requirements including BSL Interpretation, please contact ticketingfacc@birmingham2022.com in advance. Accessible seating will be offered on a first come first served basis.
- Avoid Bags: It will be much quicker for you to enter the venue if you do not bring a bag. If you do need to bring a bag, please make sure it will fit under your seat (maximum size 25 litres or 50cm x 30cm x 20cm), as there are no cloakrooms at the venue.
- Know your limits: You will pass through security screening either via a bag search or an airport style screening process as you enter the venue. Restrictions apply to certain items, such as food and water, so please check the Prohibited & Restricted items and Venue Entry Conditions before you leave home.
Getting to the Alexander Stadium
There will be no parking at or near the venue, except for limited pre-bookable blue badge spaces. Your Games ticket includes access to public transport within the West Midlands area on the day of the event, so it's the best way to travel.
Follow @GetSet2022 for live travel updates on the night of the rehearsals.
Get Active
If you’re travelling locally, walking or cycling will be the easiest way to get to the venue. Cycle parking is available at Perry Hall Park. The designated walking route from Perry Bar station to the venue is shown on the map below.
There is a designated blue cycle route which runs along the A34 and provides direct access to Birmingham City Centre from the stadium. The route is approximately 6km long and takes approximately 25 minutes to cycle.
Take the Bus
There are several bus services which serve the stadium and Perry Barr from across the region.
A shuttle bus service will be provided and is included with your event ticket. The shuttle bus will be in operation from 16:00 until 00:30. This departs from James Watt Queensway (bottom of Corporation Street by the Children’s Hospital) in Birmingham City Centre and dropping off at the new transport mall, which is a 50-150m walk to the stadium entrance.
There will also be an accessible shuttle bus from Birmingham New St Station - pick up point on Smallbrook Queensway (adjacent to TK Maxx).
Please check the Games Journey Planner for more detail on the best bus route to use for the venue. We aim to ensure all shuttle bus services are fully accessible and there will be assistance available for those requiring it.
Catch the Train
Catch the train to Perry Barr station. From there, it is a 25-minute walk to the venue.
Perry Barr station has step free access to all platforms. If you require assistance, please book this via the relevant train operator in advance of your journey.
Taxi and Private Hire
There is no drop off or pick up points directly outside the venue and road restrictions mean that they may have to drop a distance from the venue.
There will be an accessible taxi drop off and pick up on Perry Avenue (opposite the venue entrance) for those with accessible requirements.
Travel by Car
There are temporary road restrictions and no parking, pick-up or drop of facilities at this venue.
A limited number of Blue Badge parking spaces are available in close proximity to the venue. A golf buggy shuttle service will run to the venue. Due to the limited number of blue badge parking spaces, we would advise using public transport wherever possible.
The only parking available for spectators are the designated park and ride sites, which must be pre-booked. Please visit www.parkthecarhere.com/brimingham2022 to pre-book.
On Tuesday 26 July, Park and Ride will be available at:
- Bescot Park and Ride
- Fort Park and Ride
- The NEC Park and Ride
Blue Badge parking must also be pre-booked and is available at:
- The NEC, North 5 Car Park
Please book at www.parkthecarhere.com/birmngham2022
Food & Drink
There will be a range of hot and cold food available to buy, including produce sourced locally from the West Midlands. This will be accompanied by a selection of hot and cold beverages, including alcohol and soft drinks. Wherever possible, the packaging will be biodegradable, to assist us in achieving our sustainability goals for the Games. Please check the Prohibited & Restricted items for guidance regarding food and drink for personal consumption.
Payment Options
Card payments are the preferred method of payment. However, if required, there will be limited facilities to pay by cash at selected points around the venue. Please note there is no facility to withdraw cash at the venue.
BSL Interpretation
BSL Interpretation will be available at both our Opening Ceremony rehearsals.
If you wish to use this service, please contact ticketingfacc@birmingham2022.com in advance.
Changing Places Toilets
Changing Places toilets, with adult change facilities with a changing bed, hoist, toilet, and sink will be available.
To find additional Changing Places facilities along your journey please www.changing-places.org/find
Artists Performing
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical spectacle. A selection of the artists will be performing during the rehearsal nights – these details will not be confirmed until the night.
