Sandwell Aquatics Centre set to be busiest venue at 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Sandwell Aquatics Centre will see more Commonwealth Games medals won than any other venue at Birmingham 2022, competition organisers have revealed.

A total of 40 swimming, 14 para-swimming and 12 diving medals will be up for grabs in the brand-new £73 million facility, which is currently under construction.

The latest competition schedule has been officially revealed by Birmingham 2022 and there will be aquatics action at Sandwell every day of the Games.

Swimming and para-swimming events take place between Friday 29 July and Wednesday 3 August.

The heats are scheduled daily from 10.30am to 12.30pm with the medal sessions being held each evening from 7pm to 10pm.

The diving begins at 1pm on Thursday 4 August with the heats completed at 3.30pm and the first finals held that night between 6pm and 9pm.

Medals will then be won in every diving session between Friday 5 August and the final day of the Games on Monday 8 August – aside from the morning of Sunday 7 August.

All morning sessions will run from 10am until 1pm with the finals between 6pm and 9pm – aside from Sunday 7 August when they will begin at 5.30pm.

The new schedule, which has been finalised following detailed conversations with Games Partners, international federations and broadcasters, has been added to the Birmingham 2022 website, with a dedicated new section allowing eager sports fans to start planning their visit to the West Midlands for the Games.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “We’re very much looking forward to seeing swimming, para-swimming and diving being at the forefront of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in a wonderful new facility.

“It promises to be a fantastic 11 days of competition featuring many of the world’s best athletes.

“The opportunity to be part of a major home Games doesn’t come around very often and I’m sure it will be an amazing experience for those competing, volunteering or spectating.”

Significant milestone

Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage,said:“There will be a series of stand-out sessions in this exciting sports programme.

“The Birmingham Commonwealth Games will provide some of the most memorable moments in what is set to be an incredible year of celebration for the UK in 2022.”

CGF President, Dame Louise Martin, DBE,said: “This is another significant milestone as we move closer to Birmingham 2022.

“We are fortunate to showcase two full weekends of world-class sport, with the event featuring the largest para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history with an unprecedented platform for women’s sport.

“It is a huge source of pride for everyone in the Commonwealth Sport Movement that Birmingham 2022 will be the first major multi-sport event to have more medals for women than men, providing a huge boost for women’s sport.”

Paul Blanchard, Commonwealth Games England CEO, said: “Today’s announcement of the Birmingham 2022 session schedule is incredibly exciting for us as host team.

“We hope to start off the Games with a bang from day one with inspiring moments throughout the 11 days.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Team England athletes to perform on the home stage will hopefully provide countless memorable moments and the session schedule certainly proves there will be no quiet moment.”