West Midlands residents offered exclusive access to 2022 Games tickets

West Midlands residents can apply for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games tickets in an exclusive ballot from this week.

The ballot will run until 30 July and people who live in the region can apply for tickets by registering for an account here.

There are more than one million tickets available for the Games, with ticket prices starting from £8 for under 16s and from £15 for adults.

There will also be £22 tickets available for every session throughout the Games, including all medal sessions and the opening and closing ceremonies.

The ballot is open to the residents of the West Midlands, as defined by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

This includes people living in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Worcestershire.

To check eligibility, use the postcode checker at birmingham2022.com/tickets.

Tickets will also be available in the main ballot in September, which is open to everyone in the UK.

A landmark event, Birmingham 2022 will boast the largest sports programme in Commonwealth Games history, with venues hosting sport right across the region, including in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Cannock Chase.

To coincide with the West Midlands ballot, Birmingham 2022 unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court in Summerfield Park in Ladywood, Birmingham.

The court has been designed by Team England basketball player Kofi Josephs and local graffiti artist Zuke, who painted a bespoke, colourful mural onto the court.

The revamped space aims to inspire participation in the sport and is part of a wider to plan to ensure the Games leaves a lasting legacy in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Joining Kofi Josephs and Zuke at the launch were Team England basketball players and representatives from local basketball clubs, as well as West Midlands mayor Andy Street, leader of Birmingham City Council councillor Ian Ward, the deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 board Geoff Thompson, Councillor Sharon Thompson and Councillor John O 'Shea.

Matt Kidson, director of Sport for Birmingham 2022, said: “Birmingham 2022 is a once in a lifetime opportunity for residents of the West Midlands, with the Games being held, essentially, in their backyard.

“We want to make sure that everyone who lives locally has a chance to experience the Games, through volunteering, spectating, or soaking up the festival atmosphere - that 's why we are launching a priority access ticket sale today for people with a West Midlands postcode.

“This is your chance to experience the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK for a decade. ”

Andy Street said: “The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is going to be an absolutely phenomenal spectacle, and we want as many people as possible from across the West Midlands to enjoy the world-class sport and soak in the atmosphere.

“That 's why the Games are offering priority access to tickets for those who live in the region, ahead of the main ballot opening in September. This really will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don 't miss out. ”

Apply for tickets here.