The Bend Motorsport park is likely to host 10,000 fans per day for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship
The biggest gathering of people since coronavirus swept into SA will converge on Tailem Bend this month with supercars fans already responding in force.
SA News
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South Australia will experience one of the biggest gatherings of people since the COVID-19 crisis began with 40,000 likely for four days of V8 race action at The Bend this month.
And race fans have responded, with 2000 tickets already sold after going on sale on Tuesday.
The Advertiser revealed on Sunday two rounds of the premier Australian motorsport series the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship would be held at The Bend over four days, September 19, 20, 26 and 27.
After inspecting the 2000 acre — 8m square metre — site yesterday The Bend announced SA Health authorities are expected to approve 10,000 spectators per day.
The figure is considered likely, as it is what The Bend have asked for, and far less than the 25,000 approved for the much smaller Adelaide Oval.
And in other good news for fans, tickets went on sale at 2pm Tuesday, starting at $49, around half the price of normal.
The format will be one race on each Saturday and two on each Sunday.
Spokesman for The Bend Motorsport Park Michael Rossi said it would be a “challenge” to attract 40,000 fans during lockdown rules which would prohibit almost all fans from interstate who normally attend the event.
The inaugural event drew a crowd of 41,250 in 2018, but over three days not four, and 35,100 in 2029, before the August 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are extremely happy if we have a safe allocation of 10,000 race fans per day, excluding staff and teams, and it will be a challenge to attract those numbers. But tickets have been priced very competitively,’’ Mr Rossi said.
Mr Rossi said health experts were convinced by the huge size of the site, and other ideas which would make the events COVID-safe.
General admission prices start at $49. Children 12 and under are free as long as they are accompanied by an adult ticket holder. They will require a $0 upsell ticket, please add this to your order. Concessions – officially issued student, senior and pensioners cards accepted. Companion cards accepted.
There will be Holden and Ford tribute days on alternate weekends and for $89 owners will get general admission and special vehicle entry.
Fans will not be allowed to stay at the 100-bedroom Rydges hotel at the site this year, which is reserved for race teams.
Park ‘n’ View will be situated in areas north of Turn 1 grandstand, end of Pit Straight run-off and on the viewing mound for Turns 4 and 5. Park ‘n’ View starts at $79 plus general admission tickets.
Undercover grandstands are available on Turn 1 and Pit Straight. Turns 17 and 18 will not be available for this event.
Children aged between 4 and 12 (inclusive) will require a child ticket. Children 3 years and under are free but must not occupy a separate seat. They need to occupy the same seat as their parent or guardian. Grandstand tickets start at $149 for an adult for the weekend.
Corporate hospitality suites are available.
