As we begin 2012 and Olympic fever hits the country, the National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Birmingham is gearing up to host a whole series of Olympic sports ahead of the Games. During its 20 year history, the venue has been the home of more World Championship sports events than any other arena in Europe, and 2012 will be no different. The arena will be abuzz with three qualifier events as well as other featured sports, ranging from world class athletics to the UCI BMX World Championships. What: Aviva Grand Prix Athletics
When: 18th February 2012
Price: SOLD OUT
What: Yonex All England Open Badminton Championship 2012
When: 6th - 11th March 2012
Price: Ticket prices vary, with a day ticket costing around £13 up to £76 for seats for the whole championship (plus booking and transaction fees)
What: BBL Playoff Final
When: 12th May 2012
Price: Tickets £55, £25, £20, £15 plus concessions (plus booking and transaction fees)
What: UCI BMX World Championships 2012
When: 24th - 27th May 2012
Price: Ticket prices vary, with family passes (two adults, two children) ranging from £56-£66 and adult tickets priced at £21-£25 for the Friday and Saturday evenings (plus booking and transaction fees)
All tickets available from The Ticket Factory: www.theticketfactory.com or 0844 338 8000
The qualifying events kick off with the ever popular Aviva Grand Prix Athletics, which returns to Birmingham on Saturday 18th February. Some of the best athletes from across the globe will be heading to the venue for what is widely regarded as the world's best indoor athletics event.
March 6th sees the beginning of the six-day Yonex All England Open Badminton Championship, where top international players will be competing to gain the coveted "champion" title in the world's fastest racquet sport.
The BBL Final, British basketball's biggest annual event, will be dribbling into town on Saturday 12th May. The one-day event is the culmination of a gruelling 30-game season, during which the top teams in the country will participate in the playoff quarter finals and semi finals before the top two compete for the crown of 2012 BBL Playoff Champions. There will also be an international game between England and Scotland, which is a first for the finals and the infamous BBL Babes cheerleaders and Foxy, the dunking mascot will be entertaining the crowds during matches.
The UCI BMX World Championships will be finishing the Olympic qualifier line-up with the biggest and best BMX show outside of the Games themselves. The fast-paced event will host over 2,000 riders from across the world, including some of the best names in the sport. Olympic GB hopefuls, Shanaze Reade and Liam Phillips will be competing during the four-day Championships, hoping to achieve world titles in their last major competition and gain those final qualifier points before the Games begin.
Tickets for all of the events are available from www.theticketfactory.com.
