Denise Lewis, the former Olympic heptathlon champion, has said it is too soon to judge the success of Birmingham 2026 despite empty seats at some early events. Speaking during the Games, Lewis, who is part of the organising committee, stressed that ticket sales are still in their early stages and that the full picture will only emerge as the event progresses.
Early Ticket Sales and Venue Atmosphere
Lewis acknowledged that some venues have not been filled to capacity, but she attributed this to the fact that many events are still days away. "We are only a few days in, and the public are still getting used to the schedule," she said. "It's natural for there to be a slow start, but we are confident that as the Games go on, the seats will fill."
She pointed out that the organising committee has been working for years to ensure the Games are a success, and that early indicators such as volunteer numbers and community engagement are positive. "The volunteers have been fantastic, and the local support has been overwhelming," Lewis added.
Comparison with Previous Games
Lewis compared the situation to previous Commonwealth Games, noting that early empty seats are not unusual. "If you look at history, many Games have had a slow start in terms of attendance, but by the end, they are packed," she said. "It's too soon to make any judgments."
She also highlighted that some events, such as the athletics, are scheduled for later in the Games, which are expected to draw larger crowds. "The athletics is always a big draw, and we have some fantastic athletes competing," she said.
Long-Term Legacy and Public Engagement
Lewis emphasised that the success of Birmingham 2026 should not be measured solely by ticket sales. "The legacy of these Games is about more than just the two weeks of competition," she said. "It's about inspiring the next generation and leaving a lasting impact on the city."
She called on the public to get behind the Games, saying: "I would urge everyone to come out and support the athletes. The atmosphere will be incredible, and you won't want to miss it."
As the Games continue, organisers will be monitoring attendance and adjusting their approach to engage more spectators. The full impact of Birmingham 2026 will only be known in the coming weeks.
