Amazing footage shows parachute display team swooping into Alexander Stadium at 80mph

Amazing birds-eye video show the descent over the Perry Barr area of the city

Incredible vertigo-inducing footage shows the British Army parachute display team swooping into the Commonwealth Games stadium at 80mph.

The Red Devils jumped into Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium unveiling a giant Union Jack as part of the closing ceremony of the Military Games on Wednesday (20/4).

Amazing birds-eye video show the descent over the Perry Barr area of the city - before the jumpers came into accurately land on an X in the middle of the arena.

Members of the British Army parachute display team swooped into the Commonwealth Games stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham.Members of the British Army parachute display team swooped into the Commonwealth Games stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham.
Members of the British Army parachute display team swooped into the Commonwealth Games stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham.

The UK Midlands Army Athletics Championships were staged at the stadium to put it through its paces ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

Around 1,000 spectators watched on at the first athletics event held at the venue since its £72 million redevelopment

Colonel Paul “Shove” Gilby, Commander Army West Midlands, said: “It’s a great honour for our service personnel to be the first people using this track.

“Only a few weeks ago it was covered in diggers. It’s awesome and what a legacy for the Midlands.”

Members of the British Army parachute display team swooped into the Commonwealth Games stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham.Members of the British Army parachute display team swooped into the Commonwealth Games stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham.
Members of the British Army parachute display team swooped into the Commonwealth Games stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham.

Craig Cooper, Birmingham City Council’s Programme Director for the Commonwealth Games, said: “Hosting the UK Midlands Army Athletics Championships at the redeveloped Alexander Stadium is a proud moment for Birmingham City Council.

“The stadium is truly world-class. I would like to thank the contractors, the project team and everyone involved in making this a reality.

“Hosting the Army Athletics Championships at the Alexander Stadium is just the start of an incredible summer of sport in Birmingham with the Commonwealth Games arriving in July and August.”

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