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The World Games Boulevard — Big development for one of Birmingham’s most iconic streets. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

The countdown for The World Games 2022 (TWG 2022) is on, and we’ve got major news—the new and improved 20th Street North is now open and ready to host the world! To celebrate 11 days of fun and visitors from around the world exploring our city, you can find TWG 2022 sculptures around the different venues. Check it out!

20th Street North readies to welcome the world 🌎

If you’ve walked around downtown Birmingham lately, you’ve probably noticed construction. On 20th Street North, the City of Birmingham and REV Birmingham are wrapping up almost a year of projects!

Here’s a look at some of the improvements:

Improving the streets + sidewalks
Planting native landscaping
Updating signage
Adding new furnishings

20th Street is already home to Birmingham’s first “flex” lanes that are designed to serve pedestrians, cyclists, tourists and businesses. The street will continue to be a home of innovation as it welcomes international visitors this July.

PS—REV Birmingham is holding a party to celebrate 20th Street. Enjoy a block party with entertainment, art, shopping and dining.

When: Friday, May 20 | 4-8PM
Where: 20th Street North between 2nd Avenue & 4th Avenue North

With TWG 2022 coming to town, there are art pieces throughout the Greater Birmingham area for some of the sports you’ll see.

“Everyone can speak with the language of art and can appreciate it. Plus, I think it’s one of the things that has a chance to live beyond The World Games and hopefully be a positive reminder of what everybody experienced during the Games.”
Jay Kasten, COO, The World Games 2022

Ready to see history made in Birmingham? Get your tickets for The World Games 2022 today.

A scavenger hunt of TWG22 art sculptures

TWG22 statue — How many sports can you name? (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Have you noticed fun art pieces around town that seem like strips of metal from one angle, but show athletes in motion when you look at them just right? These sculptures will welcome people in when they visit Birmingham, but for those of us who call The Magic City home, they serve as a reminder of the community we have here.

The different sculptures are a true collaborative effort of local Birmingham companies and partners of The Games:

Brasfield & Gorrie: installation
bDot Architecture: design
O’Neal Steel: fabrication
Altec, Inc.: painting

“We feel like the installations add an element of authenticity to The Games. They are steel statues made by industrial companies in an industrial town. This was a collaboration between several of the largest employers in Birmingham and is representative of the community where we work and live.”
Grant Gardner, Internal Communications Specialist, Altec, Inc.

You can find the sculptures throughout Birmingham, with a majority now located on 20th Street North! Other locations include Sloss Furnaces, Avondale, Birmingham Crossplex and Hoover.

TWG22 art sculptures — A look at the sculptures from a different angle. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

“The genesis of the design is rooted in the individuality and uniqueness of humanity, and how great things can be achieved with unity. Metaphorically applying this to the design of the sculptures, we began creating concept prototypes which would both celebrate the individual components as well as the entire sculpture. When working together, they accomplish a common goal, or in our case, the silhouette of different athletes and events at the World Games.
Brian Roberson, Founder, bDot Architecture, Inc.

Even after the Games end, the sculptures will stand as a reminder of Birmingham’s time in the international spotlight.

“The sculptures and the sports they represent truly capture what TWG is all about. The fact that they are made of steel is of significant relevance to the history of our city. Back in 1871, our city’s founders recognized the distinctive geological profile of our state; the abundance of iron ore, coal, limestone and dolomite provided the necessary raw materials for iron and steel production, and so began our great city.”
Tanya Beck, Director of Marketing, O’Neal Steel

Be a part of history in Birmingham—get your tix now

In just a few short weeks, the world will officially be watching Birmingham. Grab your tickets today, and follow The World Games 2022 on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

When: Thursday, July 7 – Sunday, July 17
Where: Discover the venues.

“Birmingham’s long, rich sports history made it a natural choice for The World Games. From the SEC headquarters to Lakeshore Foundation, Protective Stadium to the Hoover Met, our region offers great enthusiasm and venues for a variety of sports.
The benefit to our community is also clear, with tremendous economic development opportunity in hosting athletes and fans from around the world. The World Games will be an incredible opportunity to showcase Birmingham on a global stage.”
Jim Gorrie, CEO, Brasfield & Gorrie

What sport of The World Games 2022 are you looking forward to most? Tag us on social @BhamNow and let us know!

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