The World Games 2022 to hold opening and closing ceremonies at Protective Stadium

Mark it down Birmingham.

Protective Stadium will serve as the host venue for the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony of The World Games 2022.

The announcement was made today by officials from the Birmingham Organizing Committee, City of Birmingham, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), and Protective Life Corporation (Protective).

The World Games 2022 Birmingham will take place July 7-17, 2022.

Beautiful New Stadium

“Being able to open and close The Games in this beautiful new stadium adds yet another layer of excitement and anticipation,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “We’ll be putting Birmingham on a global stage, and people across the world are going to be impressed with this venue.”

The new $180 million Protective Stadium, will have a seating capacity of 47,100 and is scheduled to be completed in 2021. In addition to Protective’s role as the naming rights sponsor of the new stadium, the Birmingham-based insurance company is also a Foundation Partner of The World Games 2022, sponsoring the Athlete of the Day, Athlete of the Month, Athlete of the Year and Athlete of The Games programs.

Rich Bielen, President & CEO, Protective added, “The World Games 2022 will showcase Birmingham as the dynamic city we know and love, and I’m proud that Protective Stadium will play such an important role in welcoming athletes, fans and visitors from across the globe.”

Past, Present and Future

The World Games 2022 Birmingham spotlights elite athletes competing in 34 different sports. The Magic City will welcome 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries. More than 25 venues will host competitions around the greater metropolitan area.

Slated for July 7, 2022, the Opening Ceremony Presented by Alabama Power will feature live entertainment and special effects. The program will also include remarks from key dignitaries and the official Parade of Athletes, representing more than 100 countries. 

The opening ceremony will be produced by Birmingham-based LRY Media. The theme will celebrate Birmingham’s past, present and future, 

Rashada LeRoy, CEO of LRY Media Group shared, “The Opening Ceremony will invite attendees to travel along as we unlock the magic of the Magic City – a city known for its revolution, activism and innovation.” 

The Closing Ceremony of The World Games 2022 will feature live entertainment and an opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham, Ala. and feature the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives from Chengdu, China, the next host city of The World Games.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin concluded, “The decisions being made now will lead to a world-class, unforgettable experience for both our international guests and the people of Birmingham. This event will provide a chance to bring each of us closer together – to understand collectively where we have come from and where we are going. Let the world know, Birmingham is ready to deliver a once in a lifetime experience.”

World Games Birmingham 2022

Established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee, The World Games 2022 Birmingham will take place July 7-17, 2022. For more information visit TWG2022.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.