Category: The World Games
World Games Human Exploitation Task Force Announces Arrests
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations says 34 arrests were made for commercial sex and six arrests for human trafficking during The World Games, which ended Sunday in Birmingham. Read more.
Pictures From The World Games So Far
The World Comes to Birmingham
Thousands of athletes from around the world have gathered in Birmingham to compete in The World Games. The 11-day competition is a chance for non-Olympic sports to shine. Read more.
World Games Kicks Off in Birmingham
As The World Games begin, residents around event venues already have been dealing with detours and road closures.
If acquiring residents’ passes and plotting new routes already has you frazzled, recite this mantra: $265 million … $265 million. That’s the economic impact the games is predicted to generate throughout the Birmingham metro.
Here is information and on the venues and road closings around them. Read more.
Jefferson County Health Providers ‘Well Equipped’ for The World Games
Officials plan to treat as many people as possible at on site medical tents. They say the biggest concern is heat-related illness. Read more.
Woodfin Says People Without Homes Won’t Be Moved From Public Spaces for The World Games
World Games officials clarified that anyone will be able to walk through and access public areas around venues like Railroad Park, Linn Park, Protective Stadium and the new City Walk, despite those sites being behind security parameters. Read more.
Sheriff Requests More Money for World Games Security
Learning that his department has a much bigger task than anticipated with The World Games, Sheriff Mark Pettway today sought $1.2 million from the Jefferson County Commission.
“We’ve had some other departments to pull out, which increased our involvement within The World Games,” Pettway said. “We are here. We’re local. We want to make sure that when everybody comes here, that everybody is safe. Read more.
Sleeping shelters for homeless people will be built for the World Games. What happens next?
Security Measures for The World Games Will Muck Up Downtown but Will Not Close It
UPDATED to include plans for city hall — With all the activity in downtown Birmingham scheduled during The World Games, some have wondered whether they’ll be able to get to government offices and other places they need to go.
The answer for the most part is yes, but it’s going to take some planning.
For instance, the Jefferson County Courthouse on Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard will be open during the Games, which takes place July 7-17.
“People will be able to get to the courthouse and the courthouse will be open,” Jefferson County Public Information Officer Helen Hays said. “It’s just not going to be easy. With security for the World Games, they’re blocking off certain streets around downtown. There will be barriers, but pedestrians will be able to walk past those barriers,” she said.
Across Linn Park, Birmingham City Hall will be open, but the city also is temporarily opening a satellite office during the games to handle some finance functions and permit applications.
The downtown branch of the Birmingham Public Library, which is across Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard from the courthouse, will be open during The Games. But the Avondale branch will be closed. Read more and see maps of road closures near the venues.
