Excitement is building in Birmingham over the impact that being a 2028 Euros host city could have, with four games set for Villa Park.
UEFA Euro 2028 was officially launched yesterday with celebration events being held across the UK and Ireland. In Birmingham, the host city logo was unveiled and the Library of Birmingham lit up to mark the occasion.
The match schedule for the huge sporting event was also announced, with games set to be held in nine “world-class” stadiums across eight host cities – including Birmingham.
Brum is set to welcome fans for four games at Villa Park in total, with games taking place on June 11, 15, 20 and 27.
Birmingham City Council has said the tournament will create “long-lasting benefits for communities through an amazing celebration of top-class international football”.
Speaking at a launch event at the Library of Birmingham today, Councillor Mariam Khan said local Brummies would feel the benefits from their city hosting the tournament.
“We’re expecting to have around £117m of economic impact coming into the city, whether that’s through jobs, skills or growth that benefits local businesses,” Coun Khan, the cabinet member for health, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“I think all of those things combined is something we’re really excited about, as well as that social impact and benefits to the community in terms of us being on that world stage once again, like we saw in the Commonwealth Games.
“Birmingham was proud [during that event] and we were able to give local people an opportunity to have that sense of pride instilled in them.”
She went on to say that the city hosting major sporting events gives residents a “boost of morale and a reason to be proud of the city”.
“I think we don’t do enough to showcase and shout about how brilliant the city is,” Coun Khan added.
Guy Rippon, Head of Foundation and Community at Aston Villa Foundation, added the “eyes of Europe and the world” would be on Birmingham during the Euros.
“It’s a really good opportunity to showcase what we’re all about as a city,” he said.
“With that comes the economic impact, creation of jobs, volunteering opportunities – there’s a huge amount of benefit for Birmingham.
“From a club perspective, obviously a lot of money is going into developing the infrastructure of the stadium.”
Coun Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of Labour-run Birmingham City Council, added: “This tournament is just not about delivering an unforgettable summer of football on the pitch but creating lasting social and economic benefits for our residents and businesses beyond the pitch.”
Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa Football Club, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Villa Park has been selected as a host venue for UEFA Euro 2028 and today’s celebration events only add to that pride.
“Having previously hosted international tournament matches, we look forward to welcoming Europe’s elite to our home once again.”
The tournament is set to begin at the National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff, on Friday June 9 before reaching its conclusion with the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 9.
Villa Park expansion plans
Aston Villa’s plans to expand the North Stand at Villa Park were given the green light by council planners earlier this year.
A council report said the plans would complete a vision “that ensures Villa Park is not only a top-tier football stadium but also a year-round destination for fans and the local community”.
But the expansion of the stand is also required due to Birmingham being named as a host city for the 2028 Euros.
“There is an ambition for Villa Park (as a host stadium) to reach a spectator capacity of over 50,000 for this tournament,” the report said. “This planning application is key to this being achieved.
“There would be a significant inward investment throughout the Euro 2028 competition.”
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