Athletics fans upset about the high prices of food and drinks at the European Championships
Athletics fans at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham have been speaking out on social media about how expensive the food and drinks are at the event.
This is the first time the European Athletics Championships are being held in Great Britain, taking place at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium from August 10-16. Over 1,500 top athletes from around 50 countries are competing, including big names from Team GB like Olympic 800m champ Keely Hodgkinson, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
The stadium can hold up to 23,000 fans, but some are worried that fewer people are showing up than expected. For those who can’t make it, the event is available to watch from home.
When fans arrive, one of the first things they want to know is where to get food and drinks — and how much it will cost. At big events like The Masters golf tournament in the USA, food is kept affordable, with items like chicken salad sandwiches costing just $3 (£2.20).
Sadly, the prices at Alexander Stadium are much higher. A photo shared on X shows that a BBQ Pork Roll costs a whopping £18.50, with chips costing another £5. The cheapest drink is a cup of tea for £3, while an energy drink goes for £4.90, and water costs £3.95. The least expensive item on the menu is candy at £2.20.
Fans didn’t hold back sharing their thoughts online. One fan posted, “Sorry, but this is disgusting and will turn people away from a sport that only gets a few chances to shine each year. The organisers need to be called out for this price gouging.” Another said, “£15 for a Bratwurst is insane! We were just in Berlin where a similar item cost only 4.5 euros.”
Someone else mentioned that ice creams were £7.50 and blamed the high prices for the lower attendance. They said, “Ice cream £7.50!! It was all over the top, so we didn’t buy anything. It really spoiled the day. The stadium had lots of empty seats because prices were too high. Myself and my daughter paid nearly £200 for one day. The stadium should have been full.”
Despite the complaints about the food prices, fans have been impressed with Team GB’s performances. After the first two days, Britain is leading the medal table with two golds and two silvers. The mixed 4x400m relay team won Britain’s first medal, a silver, on opening night. Amy Hunt and Romell Glave both won gold in the 100m on back-to-back days, and Jeremiah Azu took silver on Tuesday.