Alabama’s Magic City is set to showcase its culture-rich offerings to a global audience as The World Games 2022 will commence in an opening ceremony Thursday night at Protective Stadium.
Birmingham’s Southern hospitality is sure to be on display as preparations for the games began when the city was selected to host the events in 2015.
According to The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers, the global competition will serve as “the biggest sports party” of the city’s 150-year history.
“This will be the biggest sports party in Birmingham history, and we don’t want anyone to miss it,” Sellers stated in a release. “If people arrive early, they can visit World Games Plaza at CityWalk BHM or visit the Uptown entertainment area.”
“We have been preparing for The World Games 2022 for years, and it’s now time for Birmingham to shine on the international stage,” Sellers added. “We want spectators to enjoy the Opening Ceremony, followed by 10 days of world-class athletic competition right here in the Magic City.”
The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremony, which is expected to be a sellout, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Protective Stadium. Gates are scheduled to open Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
The opening ceremony will feature music performances from hit country artists Sara Evans and Alabama, as well as rapper Nelly.
Event officials are encouraging the public to arrive early in anticipation of the large influx of patrons that are expected to attend the opening ceremonies.
Road closures
- 12th Avenue North from 16th Street North to 25th Street North
- Rev. Abraham Woods Boulevard from 17th Street North to 25th Street North
- 6th Avenue North from 18th Street North to Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard
Event logistics
Officials encourage the public to ride the transit line and utilize the color-coded shuttle service that will transport fans around the city throughout the course of the competition.
The free shuttles begin service on Thursday and allow spectators to park at various locations, including downtown Homewood, Legion Field, the Birmingham CrossPlex and the World Games East Parking, and use the shuttles to get to the BJCC. Shuttles are expected to run every 15 to 20 minutes.
For spectators who choose the transit line, the shuttle service will drop off passengers at the front door of The World Games Plaza presented by Regions.
Full information regarding the transit line can be found here.
Other parking options include:
- The Blue Lot at the BJCC, which has approximately 1,800 parking spaces and is located one block east of Protective Stadium
- Parking south of 7th Avenue/Park Place, which requires a four-block walk to access the secure perimeter. Additional on-street parking is also available to the north of the stadium beginning at 3rd Avenue North
- 6th Avenue North from 18th Street North to Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard
- Other transportation, such as ride-sharing and scooters
Officials advised that a clear-bag policy will be in effect, and there is also a list of prohibited items.
How to watch
For those opting to watch from the comfort of home, local affiliate WIAT CBS-42 will broadcast The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremony presented by Alabama Power Thursday night without commercial interruption.
CBS-42 will broadcast a one-hour preview show beginning at 7:00 p.m., serving as a prelude to the commercial-free Opening Ceremony from Protective Stadium scheduled to run until 10:00 p.m.
[I]t’s gratifying to know local residents who can’t be inside Protective Stadium can still see this amazing show,” Sellers said of the TV viewing option. “The world’s eyes turn to Birmingham and the Opening Ceremony will showcase the city and state of Alabama in epic fashion.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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