SANFL opening round double-header to get a crowd of 5000 following ruling on eased social distancing restrictions

Get excited, SANFL fans – the season is about to start and the Round 1 double-headers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday and Sunday can have a crowd of up to 5000 people.

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The SANFL is bracing for SA’s “footy-starved public” to descend on Adelaide Oval with 5000 fans allowed to attend this weekend’s season launch – and the potential for even more spectators in Round 2.

Premier Steven Marshall announced on Tuesday the SANFL’s request for 5000 spectators per day to watch Saturday and Sunday’s double-header fixtures had been granted.

He also flagged Adelaide Oval could be filled to 50 per cent capacity from next week – permitting a crowd of up to 25,000 – subject to a satisfactory COVID management plan.

SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said there was “more demand than supply” for Round 1 tickets.

“Even on a regular SANFL round we would have more than 10,000 people in attendance,” Parkinson said.

“So to think that it’s Round 1 – at the very end of June – and no one’s really been able to see any footy … there will be a big demand for tickets no doubt.”

The AFL showdown had 2240 people, but the SANFL launch could have twice that many. Picture: Sarah Reed

Season ticket holders and members of the eight SANFL clubs who entered the ballot will find out at 5pm Wednesday if they’ve been successful in securing a ticket to Saturday or Sunday.

Tickets are for the day, meaning spectators can attend one or both matches.

“The restrictions would make it difficult to have 2500 people, take them out and then bring in another 2500 people,” Parkinson said.

“I know there’s a footy-starved public out there, there’s likely to be many people who want to stick around for both games.”

If fewer than 5000 people apply for each day’s ballot, the remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Thursday morning. Two seats and one row will be left vacant between spectators.

Norwood footballer Don Barry in last year’s SANFL season at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed

Norwood chief executive James Fantasia said strong numbers of Redlegs supporters had registered for the ballot.

“We’re incredibly pleased with this result and we’re really hopeful we can reward every member with attending the footy for at least one round, if not two,” Fantasia.

“It also opens up for all the clubs to comfortably and confidently host home matches, which is something we’ve been extremely keen to do.”

The SANFL plans to return to suburban grounds from Round 3.

Easing of restrictions on venue patronage in SA was also welcomed by clubs. The rule of one customer per four square metres will be dropped to two square metres in venues from Monday.

North Adelaide chief executive Greg Edwards hoped this weekend’s matches would be well run so restrictions could be eased further.

“Like all the other clubs, our phones have been running hot with calls from members,” Edwards said.

“If we keep doing things well, we’ll be able to grow more into a normal type season.”

EARLIER

Successful health reviews of a 2240-person pilot Showdown crowd, and announcements that WA is soon allowing 30,000 people at its stadium, prompted SA officials to consider a staged increase for the SANFL double-headers this weekend.

The key number of 5000 has been considered in recent weeks for those games, as part of a plan that would have fan numbers in SA step up over time to eventually reach a 10,000 target set by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Premier Steven Marshall said it was important that moves to increase gatherings be closely monitored and reviewed.

WA plans to allow a 30,000 crowd at Optus Stadium as soon as this weekend, and move to a full house from July 18.

Mr Marshall said: “I think it is unlikely that we would get to numbers like 30,000 at the Adelaide Oval before the end of the season, but there is no doubt that we are lifting the restrictions much faster than anybody envisaged.”

The hotels industry continues to push for further relaxations, after recent openings that have allowed larger groups, when split between rooms and social distancing is enforced.

The Government has separately brought in new rules that allow venues to increase the space they use to host patrons by opening up areas not usually in their licenced space.

“We (the Transition Committee) had a very good discussion surrounding density last week,” Mr Marshall said. “I took some time on the weekend to speak to different venues. I spoke to some country pubs and country cafes.”

The Opposition has accused Mr Marshall of taking too long to help small bars, saying he should deliver financial support if unable to lessen the distancing restrictions.