Sports crowds to double at NSW stadiums
Crowds for major sports events in NSW are set to double as of October 1, just in time for the 2020 NRL Finals Series and Origin.
Currently, stadiums in New South Wales are allowed to be filled up to 25% of their capacity, but that limit will double as of October, however there will be a cap at some stadiums.
The announcement by the Berejiklian Government means up to 15,000 fans will be permitted into Bankwest Stadium, up to 23,000 at the SCG, while ANZ Stadium, which will host the 2020 NRL Grand Final and Origin II, will be capped at 40,000.
Spectators will be encouraged to wear a mask when they’re not sitting in their seats, but it will not be mandated.
The one person per four square metre rule will also apply, and seat allocation will follow a “checkerboard” approach to reduce the risk of transmission. COVID marshals will also be employed.
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The Events Taskforce is working with NSW Health to assess increasing capacity at McDonald Jones Stadium, WIN Stadium, Ken Rosewall Arena and Panthers Stadium.
It is hoped Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium will be permitted to hold up to 15,000 spectators, while Panthers Stadium is expected to be capped at around 8,000.
GIO Stadium is currently allowed 6,000 fans, including for Saturday’s Super Rugby Final, after the ACT Government this week increased its capacity, however the Canberra Raiders are in talks to increase this further.
Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, which may potentially host Melbourne Storm home finals, has been permitted to fill to half its capacity, meaning 26,000 fans will be able to attend NRL finals and Origin III.
Adelaide Oval will also be able be able to fill to half its capacity, with 27,750 fans able to attend the State of Origin series opener on November 4. The ground is also likely to host AFL Finals for Port Adelaide.
The Gabba, which will host the AFL Grand Final on October 24, has been permitted by the QLD Government to have 30,000 fans in attendance for the historic game.
