JESSICA Ennis-Hill and Jamie Vardy are among the sporting stars who will make their way to Birmingham this winter to collect gongs at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The star-studded event will broadcast live on BBC One and hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan on December 18.
It promises to bring a host of A-list celebrities into the region and is the first time it has been hosted in the city since 2010.
Director of BBC Academy and BBC Birmingham, Joe Godwin said, “From the Ashes at Edgbaston to the Ryder Cup at the Belfry and athletics at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham is no stranger to hosting world class sporting events and we’re honoured to be rolling out the red carpet for BBC Sports Personality of The Year.
“The city has a zealous population of sports-mad fans and is home to many sporting greats so we’re looking forward to giving the event the celebration it deserves.”
Created by Television Executive, Paul Fox, Sports Personality of the Year, the first awards were held in 1954.
Since then, the annual awards have become a highlight of the sporting calendar.
The highest accolade of the night Sports Personality of the Year will be judged by a public vote prior to the event.
Last year saw Davis Cup winner and former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray pick up the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award watched at SSE Arena in Belfast by nearly 10 million viewers.
Managing Director for the Genting Arena, Phil Mead said: “Birmingham is a city with a rich sporting heritage which makes us extremely proud to be hosting the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards at the Genting Arena.
“We look forward to welcoming such a prestigious event back to Birmingham for the fourth time.”
Tickets will go on sale later this year.
