Showdown 48: How coronavirus rules will work for crowd
Can you still sit with your mates, are flags still allowed and do you need a coronavirus test to secure a ticket? Here’s the rules the lucky few in the Showdown audience will have to live with.
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Thousands of Port Adelaide fans have stampeded online to secure an elusive seat to this weekend’s historic Showdown at Adelaide Oval.
In an AFL first, the State Government on Tuesday relaxed coronavirus restrictions to allow a crowd of 2240 into the game.
As hosts of Showdown 48, Port Adelaide, in its famous prison-bar guernsey to celebrate its 150th anniversary, will have access to 1475 tickets.
The Crows will have 475 tickets, which is in addition to 50 Adelaide Oval members and 240 corporate partners, who will sit in glass boxes. After the Power’s ballot closed at 5pm, almost 18,000 ticket registrations were received from its more than 28,000 eligible 11-game members.
Port Adelaide members who are successful will then be removed from the ballot to allow others to access games when their team returns from its quarantine hub on the Gold Coast in a month’s time.
In a letter to members last night, Port chief executive Keith Thomas said he hoped the “significance of this moment hasn’t been lost on anyone”.
“It was always going to be a ticket worth having … (on Tuesday) its value went through the roof,” he said.
“We now face the task of deciding who will get the opportunity to attend this historic match. It’s not an easy task.”
The Crows were unable to provide any data, as the club’s ballot closes at 1pm today. All winners will be notified by close of business today. But, for those who miss out, 300 Crows members will be able to watch the game at the Gepps Cross drive-in theatre.
Social-distancing regulations of 1.5m mean fans will sit in every fourth seat and be seated in every alternate row
So what happens at the Oval?
How many fans will be allowed into the ground?
The State Government has authorised a total of 2240 spectators. Social distancing of 1.5m will ensure by patrons sitting in every fourth seat (leaving three vacant seats between) and in alternate rows. There will be 700 patrons seated in the western stand – split in two 350 batches in the Sir Edwin Smith and Chappell stands. A further 1000 patrons will be seated in the Riverbank Stand and then 300 patrons in level 3 of the Eastern Stand. A further 12 function rooms holding 20 patrons will also be used.
Why can’t we sit near the ground?
To ensure appropriate distancing is maintained between patrons and players and to avoid footballs being handled by patrons during the game.
Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before I attend or have the safe APP on my phone?
Testing is not required however patrons are strongly encouraged to download the COVID-Safe app to their phone before arriving at the game. If patrons are feeling unwell or are displaying any flu-like symptoms, they should not attend the game.
Can I sit with my friends and family? Do I need to line up early to secure the best seat?
All tickets will be allocated to a specific reserved seat 1.5 metres apart. The respective club will allocate the seat to each member.
What time will I need to arrive and then leave the game?
The South and North gates will open at 5.30pm and patrons have a responsibility to ensure they social distance as they enter/exit the ground. Patrons will be reminded through PA announcements and event day staff to maintain social distancing when arriving for the game. To avoid unnecessary queuing and ensure everyone will be inside the ground before the first bounce fans are being asked to not leave their arrival to the last minute. Patrons will be reminded through PA announcements and event staff to maintain social distancing when leaving the ground.
I am feeling unwell, should I attend?
If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, please stay at home.
What preventive measures will be required at the game?
■ Tickets will be mobile tickets to ensure we have the contact details of all people who are in the stadium.
■ Every second turnstile will be used.
■ Patrons will be seated 1.5 metres apart in alternate rows.
■ Signage will be in place around the stadium to remind people of social distancing measures
■ Additional cleaning, hygiene and waste management measures will be implemented
■ Patrons are encouraged to minimise the number and size of bags they bring to make it quicker for security to conduct bag checks
■ Food and beverages to be consumed in allocated seats. There will not be any
designated areas for people to gather.
■ Payment will be accepted by card only (including carparking).
Can I bring in my own food?
All normal conditions of entry will apply. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages but no glass.
How do I buy food, drink and alcohol in the stadium?
An appropriate number of retail outlets will be open for the size and location of the crowd. These outlets will have a limited range of food and drinks (including alcoholic) on offer.
Will I need to line up for the toilet?
Toilets will be managed to limit the number of people in a bathroom at any one time.
Can I bring a flag or banner?
Normal conditions of entry, allowing for flags and banners, apply. Oversized banners or flags, that are considered the Stadium Management Authority as capable of causing a nuisance, are banned.
How do I leave my contact details?
Patrons contact details will be collected through the ticketing process.
Can you take a baby or child?
Every patron entering the venue will require a ticket.
Source: Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority