UK targets a decade of sporting ‘mega events’ and seven million spectators

A £200m masterplan to host a decade of the finest sporting events in the international calendar has been revealed by UK Sport.

So-called ‘mega events’ such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2021 UEFA European Women’s Championships are among the list of targets, with UK Sport stating today that it is “actively considering the feasibility of mega events in a number of other sports”.

Other prospects are believed to include the Champions League Final in 2023, parts of the Tour de France in 2021 and athletics' World Championships in 2027 or 2029, according to the BBC which claims to have seen confidential documents from UK Sport.

Bids for the events before 2025 will be supported by almost £30m of National Lottery funding over eight years, building on the UK’s success in securing the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, 2018 Boccia World Championships, 2019 Netball World Cup and 2019 World Road Cycling Championships.

The government estimates the programme will attract more than seven million spectators and generate a direct economic impact of more than £440m to host cities and regions. The total cost of staging both secured and targeted events is estimated at £194m.

Minister for Sport and Civil Society Tracey Crouch said: “The UK has an incredible track record of hosting some of the biggest events in sport that help showcase the best of Britain to the world, make a significant contribution to the economy and encourage people to get involved in sport as volunteers and participants.

“We want to keep up our standing as a world leader in this area and UK Sport's ambitious events strategy over the next eight years will help us do just that."

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, UK Sport chief operating officer Simon Morton said: “From London 2012 and Glasgow 2014, through to the World and European Championships we host, and the annual World Circuit events that have their home here, the UK continues to demonstrate why it is globally recognised as one of the best places to host the biggest sporting events.

“With passionate spectators, a fantastic portfolio of international sporting venues, and the drive to keep improving and innovating, the UK offers the complete package. Our strategy and ambitious hosting targets will help us ensure we maintain our international reputation into the 2020s and beyond.”