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Midlands Hurricanes

6 Jan 2023

Midlands Hurricanes to move to Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium

Midlands Hurricanes to move to Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium

Rugby League is heading to the United Kingdom’s second-largest city after Betfred League One side Midlands Hurricanes secured a tenancy deal for Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.

The new partnership between the Hurricanes and Birmingham City Council will see the club play its home fixtures at the impressive 18,000 capacity Alexander Stadium, the central venue for last year’s Commonwealth Games, starting from the 2023 season.

Due to the impact of the games and its opening and closing ceremonies, the Hurricanes will initially utilise the warm-up arena located adjacent to the main stadium whilst maintenance work is carried out on the venue’s playing surface.

The first Rugby League fixture to be played at the stadium will be the club’s meeting with Cornwall on Sunday 19th February.

Commenting on the move, Midlands Hurricanes CEO, Greg Wood, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have agreed the partnership with the Stadium to make it the home of the Hurricanes going forward.

Our ambition as a club is to grow the sport in the Midlands and by having such a prestigious venue as our hub, it gives a real focal point for the team, community and hopefully the region to get behind.

“We look forward to the growth of the sport and the club and see the Stadium move as a key part of this as it gives us the infrastructure to grow the game within other areas such as women’s and wheelchair rugby.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Midlands Hurricanes to the Alexander Stadium. Rugby League is an exciting sport, as demonstrated by the recent World Cup that was staged here in England.

“The Hurricanes have an ambition to grow the sport in the city and wider region, which is something that reflects our own aims to improve levels of participation in sport and physical activity.

“The stadium will provide the club with a world-class base for their operations, adding to our growing roster of partnerships and I wish them the very best for the season ahead.”