After years of anticipation and preparation, the big day has finally arrived for Birmingham. The World Games 2022 begin with tonight’s opening ceremony and continue through Sunday, July 17.

Here’s a quick rundown of things you need to know before attending the Games.

What is The World Games?

The World Games is an extraordinary international sports event held every four years, in the year following each Summer Olympic Games. Over the span of 11 days, more than 30 sports involving more than 3,600 athletes will be played in venues across metro Birmingham. The World Games generates worldwide exposure for participating sports and provides a highly visible stage on which athletes from more than 100 countries compete for gold.

Where can I find a complete list of the events?

A schedule of all sports competitions is available at www.twg2022.com.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for The World Games 2022 sports competitions, as well as the Closing Ceremony presented by Coca-Cola, can be purchased online at https://am.ticketmaster.com/twg2022/.

When do the gates open?

Gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the competition or the start of the session time.

What transportation accommodations are available for people attending The World Games?

Spectators are encouraged to use the free Ride the Line system established to transport them to and between the various World Games venues. Details of the shuttle system can be found online at www.twg2022.com/ride.

What food or beverages are permitted to be brought into the competition areas?

Unopened water bottles will be permitted. Infant food and formula will be permitted, as long as it is in a clear bag. Anyone with dietary restrictions will be allowed a small quantity of food in a clear plastic bag.

Are bags permitted at The Games?

Each fan may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches or a 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). Additionally, fans may carry a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap, that is subject to search.

What happens if I show up to the stadium with an unapproved bag?

Guests carrying unapproved bags will be asked to return them to their vehicles. Empty, nonapproved bags will still not be allowed into the stadium and must be returned to the guest’s vehicle.

Barber Motorsports Park is among the venues for The World Games 2022. The Canopy Piloting and Drone Racing competitions will take place there. (contributed)

What is not allowed at the Games?

• Umbrellas.
• Sealed packages of any kind.
• Briefcases.
• Backpacks.
• Aerosol cans (including suntan lotion).
• Commercial photographic or video cameras or recording devices.
• Tripods or monopods for cameras.
• Hard coolers or similar containers.
• Glass bottles or cans.
• Noise-making devices.
• Computers, laptops, iPads or Kindles.
• Food (except for medical dietary or infant purposes).
• Beverages (excluding 20-ounce or smaller sealed plastic water bottles).
• Weapons (regardless of permit).
• Pets (unless a service animal).

What concessions are available?

Concessions will be available at every venue. Specific menu items will be determined on a venue-by-venue basis.

Protective Stadium in Birmingham will be the venue for The World Games 2022’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies. (contributed)

Can I leave the venue and re-enter?

No. Each ticket allows one single entry to a venue.

Do you have ADA or handicap seating?

Each venue will have ADA and handicap seating. For general admission events, a section will be reserved for handicap seating. At reserved-seat venues, there are specific assigned seats or areas for handicap seating.

Is there a way for those who can’t attend to see the Opening Ceremony?

WIAT CBS-42 will broadcast The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremony presented by Alabama Power tonight without commercial interruption. CBS-42 will also present a one-hour preview show, beginning at 7 p.m. The Opening Ceremony from Protective Stadium is scheduled to run until 10 p.m. It is expected to be a sellout.

“This will kick off Alabama’s biggest sports party, and it’s gratifying to know local residents who can’t be inside Protective Stadium can still see this amazing show,” The World Games CEO Nick Sellers said. “The world’s eyes turn to Birmingham, and the Opening Ceremony will showcase the city and state of Alabama in epic fashion.”

Website

twg2022.com

A version of this story previously was published by The Birmingham Times. Additional spectator information can be found at https://twg2022.com/visit/.