England's Third Test Match with India at Edgbaston is expected
to generate a £5.5 million economic boom for Birmingham,
according to figures released yesterday by Marketing Birmingham,
the city's strategic marketing partnership.
The prestigious five-day match with India, the leading Test
nation and current World Champions starts on 10th August and will
be the first Test to be played at the city's new, expanded
Edgbaston Stadium following its £32 million redevelopment.
The venue is expected to welcome up to 25,000 national and overseas
fans each day, who will witness Indian cricketing legend Sachin
Tendulkar take on local heroes Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell.
The revamped Edgbaston Stadium, featuring a brand new Pavilion
End, floodlights and improved conference facilities, is one of a
number of projects currently being completed as part of
Birmingham's 'Decade of Delivery'.
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:
"The £5.5 million economic boost the city is expected to
receive, on the back of the Third Test Match with India at
Edgbaston goes to show how powerful sporting events can be in
supporting our economy, and raising the city's international
profile.
"Birmingham's reputation as the UK's sporting city has been
further strengthened thanks to investment in key sporting venues
like Edgbaston. The new stadium looks spectacular - and will be a
major asset for the city and, in turn, will continue to play an
important role in driving our visitor economy, which has already
seen a strong growth in recent years.
"The £32 million redevelopment of Edgbaston, together with
other high profile ventures including the £600million
transformation of New Street Station and construction of an iconic
£188 million Library of Birmingham, will help to attract even
more visitors and ensure that the city becomes one of Europe's
leading tourist destinations."
Colin Povey, Chief Executive, Warwickshire County Cricket Club,
said:
"Edgbaston is now a world-class cricket stadium and a fantastic
showcase for the city - the media stand, for example, shows a
stunning vista of Birmingham, highlighting its greenery with a
panoramic view of the ground.
"We are expecting a record number of fans to visit the ground
for a non-Australian Test, as they take the opportunity to see
Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run scorer in the history of Test
cricket, and India, current World Champions, in our brand new,
cutting edge stadium."
Ahead of the Third Test Match at Edgbaston, the city's Victoria
Square will welcome England players past and present for Cricket in
the City on 8th August, a celebration of one of the country's
favourite summer sports. The all-day event, in association with the
England and Wales Cricket Board, will also feature appearances from
the Indian touring squad, cricket masterclasses and
competitions.
England, led by captain Andrew Strauss, go into the India Test
series on the back of an encouraging start to the summer. A 1-0
Test series victory over Sri Lanka was followed by a One Day
International series win over the same opponents.
David Collier, Chief Executive, England and Wales Cricket Board,
said:
"Edgbaston is an iconic cricket ground and over the years has
played host to many historic matches, including the 2nd npower Test
in the 2005 Ashes Series.
"With England looking to replace India as the number one ranked
Test team in world cricket, this forthcoming npower Test Match
promises to be a great occasion for the city of Birmingham. With
the redevelopment now complete, Edgbaston has become a real jewel
in Birmingham's sporting crown and we are confident it excellent
facilities will inspire visitors from across the world to
visit the city for many years to come. "
Birmingham attracted an additional 154,000 visitors last year.
Visitor numbers rose to 32.8m in 2010, from 32.6m in 2009 -
bringing an additional £18m into the city. The overall value
of the city's visitor economy is now £4.6bn.