Two men’s county cricket matches will be among the first set of sporting events to welcome back specatators in a bid to stress-test government guidance in preparation for the full, socially-distanced return of sporting events from October.
The two-day friendly between Surrey and Middlesex at The Oval on July 26-27 is suggested as one candidate for the two games. The World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible from July 31 and Glorious Goodwood horse racing festival from August 1 are the two other sports suggested, with the mooted London derby before both of those.
Precautions will include strict limits on the number of tickets sold, measures to support spectators to not take public transport, staggered entry times, extra hygiene facilities. Screens will be used to separate people when buying food or merchandise. There may also be screening of spectators when entering the venue, with thermometers already in place at The Oval to check the temperature of everyone entering and exiting.
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“For months millions of us have felt the void of being unable to go to the match to support our team or attend a top-class sporting event,” said sport minister Nigel Huddleston. “So I am pleased that we are now able to move forward with a plan to help venues safely reopen their doors to fans.
“I recognise that not every sport, team or club has the benefit of huge commercial revenue, and it is often their dedicated fans that are the lifeblood which helps keep them going. By working closely with sports and medical experts, these pilots will help ensure the safe return of fans to stadia.
[breakout id=”0″][/breakout] “Although it will remain some time before venues are full to capacity, this is a major step in the right direction for the resumption of live spectator sport across the country.”
