COVID-19 transition committee in talks to bring back full capacity crowds ahead of Adelaide Oval Showdown in a fortnight

A full house at Adelaide Oval in time for the Showdown is looking more likely as the state coronavirus authorities meet to discuss the option.

Full capacity crowds at Adelaide Oval is “on the table”, the state’s coronavirus authorities have revealed.

The COVID-19 transition committee on Tuesday discussed public gathering restrictions, and other virus rules, at its first meeting in a fortnight.

Boosting crowds to 100 per cent capacity is “on the table”, hours after The Advertiser revealed plans to allow more fans to watch AFL games at Adelaide Oval.

The Crows and Port Adelaide Showdown game – a Power home match – is just over a fortnight away.

The Oval currently has a 40,000 fan cap but has a crowd capacity of more than 53,000 people.

Speaking after the meeting, committee spokesman, acting deputy police commissioner Noel Bamford said talks were not underway to boost capacity.

Further discussions between SA Health, and the Stadium Management Authority, which manages the Oval will occur this week.

He said policing numbers would reflect any crowd numbers.

“Adelaide Oval is covered by a COVID management plan and SA Health administer those plans,” he said.

“They have advised me today that they’re in discussions with the Adelaide Oval, to see whether any changes can be made to those limits.”

Asked what those limits would be, he replied: “That’s really up to Health to decide. But clearly, looking at what’s going on in other jurisdictions, up to 100 per cent is on the table.”

As foreshadowed by the Sunday Mail, Mr Bamford also revealed plans for a dedicated facility for international students was close to being finalised.

Chief public health officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, and her boss, Dr Chris McGowan briefed the committee on current virus levels and state’s slow vaccine rollout details.

She would not comment as she left the meeting flanked by Dr McGowan and also her deputies, Dr Chris Lease and Dr Evan Everest.

It is understood both South Australian AFL clubs have had conversations with relevant authorities around lifting capacity restrictions at the Oval.

Port star Robbie Gray of the Power celebrates his goal during the Power and the Richmond game at Adelaide Oval on April 9. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Sources said a full Oval capacity would result in more fans returning to the footy because it would allow both SA clubs to offer members their original seats at the ground.

They said the Stadium Management Authority, which manages the Oval, could split fans into “pods” as part of its SA Health approved COVID-19 management plan.

Asked on Monday about lifting crowd caps, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he would not “speculate on the outcome” of committee talks.

“But I certainly would expect that we’ll have a conversation about crowd numbers at major gatherings,” said Mr Stevens, who as state co-ordinator authorises new legal directions based largely on committee recommendations.

The largest attendance for an AFL game at the Oval this season has been just under 37,000 fans at Port Adelaide’s thrilling win over Richmond in Round 4.

Football officials hope the MCG will be granted a full house for Anzac Day and spark SA authorities into lifting Oval crowd limits.

Perth Stadium has full capacity.

An SMA spokeswoman last week said it “remains in close consultation with SA Health as crowd restrictions around the country continue to ease”.

The SMA, both Adelaide clubs and SA Health declined to comment before the meeting.

The AFL is surveying patrons’ attitudes to venue safety in the pandemic.

The Match Day Experience survey, sent to fans who attended Sunday’s Adelaide-Fremantle match, also asks what more could be done to ensure fans’ safety, in the light of COVID-19.