Spectator limit for Ashes Test match at Adelaide Oval, but no other venue
Thousands are set to miss out on the Second Ashes Test after Adelaide Oval limited spectator numbers, despite a double-vax rule – while every other state will allow a full crowd.
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Adelaide Oval is set to become the only stadium in the country to restrict the number of visitors allowed at the Ashes Test this cricket season, despite enforcing a double vaccination mandate for all patrons.
Adelaide Oval chief executive Andrew Daniels on Thursday announced crowds of up to 35,000 – just 65 per cent of total capacity – would be able to attend this summer’s cricket events, including the Second Test on December 16.
He also announced all visitors must show proof of full vaccination prior to entry, as of November 23, when the state is due to hit 80 per cent and the borders fly open.
“I hope and expect that once we get to over 90 per cent there will be a further relaxation in the rules and a further improvement in capacity,” Mr Daniels told The Advertiser.
The capacity limit has infuriated former SA cricketer K.G. Cunningham, who said the decision was “very, very disappointing and surprising”.
“I am bemused at that, to be quite frank (and) I can’t find any logic in it,” Mr Cunningham said.
“I know we have handled the pandemic fantastically, but I just think this is taking it too far.
“If the MCG can have full capacity, why can we only have 35,000 at the Adelaide Oval (even) when everyone is double dosed?”
The Stadium Management Authority said the 35,000 limit “aligns with the state’s vaccination rate and with SA Health advice”.
“Hosting major events at 100 per cent capacity is something we have been working towards since the pandemic began,” a spokeswoman said.
“We will continue to rely on the guidance of SA Health, ensuring we maintain the safest possible environment for our staff and patrons.”
The Gabba in Brisbane has been cleared to host a full-capacity crowd for the First Test between Australia and England starting on December 8. This is despite having a lower vaccination rate – 71.6 per cent compared with SA’s 75.2 per cent.
On Thursday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the MCG would be opened up to full capacity for the iconic Boxing Day Test, raising the prospect of a sellout crowd of 100,000.
The SCG has also been approved for 100 per cent capacity.
Under current rules, Perth’s Optus Stadium is allowed to host a full crowd, but a state government spokesman said on Thursday a final decision on the capacity for the Fifth Test will be made next month. The stadium hosted a full crowd for the AFL Grand Final in September.
Australian Hotels Association boss Ian Horne was also disappointed with the crowd cap, which he said would significantly disadvantage SA, as Adelaide Oval was a major driver of economic activity in the city.
“The fact that everyone needs to be double vaccinated seems to be the right opportunity to allow 100 per cent,” Mr Horne said.
“The broader community were led to be that when people get double vaccinated they would be rewarded – you couldn’t imagine a safer place (than the Oval) as everyone is double vaccinated.”
Cricket Australia is understood to not be displeased by Adelaide Oval’s 35,000 limit, which will apply to all cricket matches this season, including Adelaide Strikers BBL fixtures and the T20 International between Australia and Sri Lanka in February.
Last year’s Test between Australia and India had an attendance cap of 27,000, but that figure was never reached, with Day One hosting the largest attendance of the match of 17,442.
Just one month ago, the South Australian Cricket Association, with a membership base of 28,000, announced it was hoping to secure a full house of 53,000 fans for the Second Test.
Acting SACA chief executive Jodie Newton on Thursday spruiked the limit as an “increase of approximately 10,000 over last summer”.
Adelaide Oval patrons will still be required to wear a mask at all times other than when eating or drinking.
The vaccination mandate sparked a flood of similar rules across other major venues, including the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Coopers Stadium and Zoos SA all enforcing a double-vax policy.
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