Some 40-plus specially invited guests we amongst a large, exciting yet tearfully emotional, crowd as the ‘Pre Knockdown Game’ saw some of footballs former star names turn out to say their final ‘Good Bye’ as the bulldozers laid in wait to begin redeveloping the aging athletics venue in time for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
The Birmingham Commonwealth Association (BCA), partnered by United Community Activity Network and supported by Birmingham City Council, held the Commonwealth event prior to its partial demolition and redevelopment with footballing hierarchy including; David Barnett, Tony Daley, Paul Devlin, Darren Byfield, Dennis Bailey, Darren Carter and Deon Burton just some of the star names who turned out for this absolutely ‘final’ sporting event before the diggers roll in.
With a barnstorming parade, by the Warwickshire and West Midlands Army Cadets to excite and make proud a large turn-out, the ‘kick about’ hosted by the legendary ‘Voice of Midlands Football’, Tom Ross, ‘kind of’ assisted by Ethics Committee Member at Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Rebecca Hemmings and bespoke poet Dave Wilks, all was set fair for a day of fun and frivolities at this, the very last ‘hurrah’ at the home of British Athletics.
Keith Stokes-Smith, chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, said: “This free multi sports day was an opportunity for everyone to say their last ‘good-bye’ before the big redevelopment.
The event, with a commonwealth twist, was an ideal way for all to say their last ‘good-by’ and ‘hello’ to a new dawning for the Alexander Stadium as we move ever closer to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games”.
The Games are expected to take place between July, 27and August 7.
