Utilita Arena evacuated after fire breaks out as UK Athletics Indoor Championships is delayed
THE UK Athletics Indoor Championship was delayed after the Utilita Arena was dramatically evacuated due to a fire.
Fire service crews were called out to the venue in Birmingham.
It is believed the cause of the fire was a cooker catching alight in a nearby flat.
The start of the event was delayed by one hour which meant things did not get underway until 12:25pm.
UK Athletics shared an update on X which read: “The start of the 2025 Microplus UK Athletics Indoor Championships has been delayed by one hour, following an incident that required the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham this morning, Saturday 22 February.
“A one hour delay to the timetable has been agreed in order to athletes, officials and spectators adequate time to prepare for the day’s events.
“Saturday’s timetable of events is now expected start at 12:25.
“Spectators will experience a delay to the opening of the arena, and should keep across UK Athletics channels for further information.
“There is currently no expected delay to Sunday’s timetable.
“Further information will be released on UK Athletics channels in due course.”
Olympic bronze medallist and commentator Katharine Merry revealed she was delayed entering the venue as a result of the nearby fire.
She tweeted: “Not made it into the Utilita Arena yet. It’s been fully evacuated due to a fire. Fire brigade here and smoke coming from the top floor.”