Millions of pounds were spent on the event, but following Tuesday's announcement that the city council is now effectively bankrupt, questions are being asked about whether it should have gone ahead.
"The Games brought a lot of exposure to Birmingham, but now we have that exposure and it's bankrupt, with building sites everywhere. It's a bit depressing, but it is what it is," said Glenn Kennedy, 35, who lives in Digbeth and works for a pub company.
He was walking past the Council House building in Victoria Square, where a number of boards proclaim the benefits of the Commonwealth Games legacy under the tagline "Be Bold Birmingham".
"It does look a bit sad having all the Commonwealth Games stuff sat next to a building site and a bankrupt council building," he said.
Most people in Birmingham still looked back fondly on the event, and thought it had given the city a much-needed boost. "It was a great atmosphere, especially coming out of Covid, it was some excitement which I think everyone needed," said 30-year-old Anita Kaur.
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