Sport in Birmingham
Explore Birmingham’s vibrant sporting scene from football and cricket to darts and athletics and discover exciting events and activities beyond campus life.
There is no denying that sport at the University of Birmingham is a big part of the university’s student culture. However, did you know that there is a plethora of sporting events that you can throw yourselves into in the wider Birmingham area. From football to athletics with a huge sprinkle of cricket, there's lots to explore when it comes to Birmingham’s brilliant sporting space!
Birmingham City Football Club
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way! We have a partnership with BCFC, which offers students a multitude of opportunities to work with or be associated with the club across multiple disciplines of study.
However, if you simply want to go and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the Midlands’ biggest and fastest growing clubs as they attempt to return to their former glory, then you can watch [Tom] Brady’s Blues for a student friendly and affordable price. Simply go onto BCFC’s ticket website to see the options available for both men’s and women’s football at the enigmatic St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park (whose below ground heating were responsible for the Purple Brummy glow during the winter of 2025/26!).
Not only do BCFC play their home games here, but in 2025 Englands u21s played Ireland in a friendly right here in Birmingham! The young lions won 2-0 in an impressive display, and it was a great day our for me and my football society, with tickets costing us just £10!
If, however, you prefer a more claret aesthetic, Premier League club Aston Villa is also accessible via train from the university station. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a blue nose, a villain or just want a weekend full of unpredictable drama with plenty of goals, there are very few cities in the UK that ignite the passion of football fans quite like Birmingham!
Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Returning closer to campus, if you’d rather swap out the boots and shin pads for a bat and ball, Edgbaston Cricket Ground is a simple bus journey or affordable Uber trip away from the university.
The cricket ground is opposite the beautiful Canon Hill Park (a brilliant running spot when the sun is out) and has hosted indoor cricket finals which both our men and women's cricket teams have competed in. It is also home to Birmingham Pheonix when they compete in ‘The Hundred’.
It can be a brilliant summer day out for you and your friends and it is in a very convenient location meaning you can return back to your houses/ accommodation once the 2 matches (men and women's) have concluded. With its brilliant facilities for competitors and spectators alike, it is a summer/early Autumn sporting day out that you don’t want to duck out on!
Darts
Speaking of convenience, if you follow the canal outside of the Vale all the way down into the heart of the city, you will encounter the Utilita Arena. While it is mainly known for its concerts and live events, the BetMGM Darts Premier League pay a visit to the city once a year, where you and your friends can put on your best fancy dress costumes and watch as Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price, Luke Humphries and more battle it out over a night of epic checkouts and high flying darts! It's being called the greatest show on Earth at the moment, so why not be a part of it?
Athletics
If however, you prefer your points to be on the bottom of a running shoe than on the end of a dart barrel, then I implore you to check out the Alexander Stadium. Since Birmingham hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022, it has become a cornerstone of British athletics and is home to Birchfield Harriers Athletic Club.
Speaking of athletics and running, have you ever wanted to try it for yourself? Then sign up to the Great Birmingham run, where you and your friends can take part in a 10km or Half Marathon as you race around Birmingham with other students, locals and social runners.
We hope to see you in Birmingham for your studies very soon, and we hope to see you in the crowd for some of the many sporting events on offer fight here in Birmingham. Whether it’s goalposts or wickets, dart boards or distances, I hope this blog has helped you to find the next sporting adventure you and your friends will embark on!