The chief executive of Aston Villa says the club’s “iconic” home is ready to host the Rugby 7s competition if Birmingham wins the right to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Villa Park has been earmarked as one of the venues to be used if the Brum bid gets the green light.
The city faces competition from Liverpool to be named as the UK’s preferred option for the games in 2022.
But Keith Wyness, chief executive of Aston Villa, believes Birmingham is ready to host the event.
“Being part of Team Birmingham and helping to bring the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham is something we are proud to be doing,” he said. “This will be another first for Villa and we look forward to playing our role. It would just be fantastic to be part of the event.
“Villa Park is a great sporting venue and an iconic Midlands sports institute. It has an amazing sporting history dating back to the 1900s and, as well as our regular football fixtures and the two Rugby World Cup 2015 matches, we have hosted many major events over the years, from boxing matches to concerts for music legends such as Springsteen and Take That.
“Rugby 7s is a fantastic event, providing a great day out for sports fans. I am sure that many Villa fans would want to be there and will be thrilled that Villa Park is playing a role.”
Mr Wyness had previously been involved in roles surrounding the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and a venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
And he believes winning the bid could provide a long-term boost for Birmingham.
“I have seen multi-sport events close up and know the amazing effect they can have and the positive impact they can bring to a host city,” he said.
“It is fantastic to be part of Birmingham’s Bid and with the role of the Commonwealth likely to become more important for Britain going forward, we will do all we can to bring the games here.”