would be earmarked to transform the Alexander Stadium into a world-class athletics venue for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, during which it will seat 40,000 spectators. In October 2018, British engineering and designing firm Arup was chosen by the Birmingham City Council to redesign the stadium. British construction firm Mace was chosen to manage the stadium renovation project. On 21 June 2019, Birmingham City Council released the images and plans for renovating the Alexander Stadium and claimed that it would create a legacy asset for the Perry Barr area. On 30 January 2020, Birmingham City Council's planning committee approved the renovation plans of the Alexander Stadium which would cost £72 million. After the games, the temporary stands around the track bends will be removed, leaving the two permanent stands seating 18,000, with the option of extending to 40,000 for major events. In March 2020, the city council chose the Northern Irish firm McLaughlin & Harvey to redevelop the stadium. Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Alexander Stadium was the main venue for athletics, para-athletics as well as holding the opening and closing ceremonies. The redeveloped stadium included temporary seating and facilities to accommodate the games. Birmingham City Council will remove these and reopen the stadium in legacy format by April 2023. Future use Following the awarding of the 2026 European Athletics Championships to Birmingham, Alexander Stadium will serve as the venue for the championships. Incidents On 22 March 2016 fell-runner Lauren Jeska from Lancaster attacked UK Athletics official Ralph Knibbs at the stadium, stabbing him multiple times. Jeska had feared her records in women's events would be quashed due to her transgender identity. She later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment. She was also convicted of causing actual bodily harm to two bystanders who tried to defend Knibbs. References External links Birmingham City Council page on the stadium Runtrackdir.com Sports venues in Birmingham, West Midlands Athletics (track and field) venues in England Sports venues completed in 1976 Birchfield Harriers 1976 establishments in England Perry Barr American football venues in England Diamond League venues 2022 Commonwealth Games venues Athletics at the 2022 Commonwealth Games Rugby league stadiums in England