Military could be asked to assist Birmingham 2022 stewards after queuing delays

Army personnel could be asked to provide extra assistance after scanning problems and stewarding issues led to long queues on the opening day of competition at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Members of the military are part of the Games delivery operation and were on duty at the opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium on Thursday night, but the PA news agency understands consideration is being given to asking them to offer further support than originally planned to stewards after some chaotic scenes on the first day of action.

Organisers announced earlier on Friday that 1.3 million tickets had been sold, which means Birmingham will break the attendance record for a Commonwealth Games held in the UK set at the Glasgow Games in 2014.

However, there were some early difficulties to report as lines of spectators were still stuck outside the Birmingham Arena 15 minutes after the gymnastics evening session had begun at 5.30pm on Friday.

Police and volunteer staff on site confirmed there had been an issue with the machines scanning tickets and the long queues did at least appear to be moving by 5.45pm.

PA understands there have also been issues caused by stewards whose first language is not English, and by spectators attempting to bring large bags and even suitcases into the venues with them.

The Games official information channel on Twitter, @GetSet2022, had warned spectators of “minor delays” at the gymnastics but spectators stood outside were hearing from friends inside that the gymnasts had already started their second rotation.

Earlier in the day, the same Twitter account reported problems with scanners at the rugby sevens venue in Coventry.

Spectators replying to that tweet described the organisation at the site