How Melbourne’s major events could look after lockdown
Major attractions are still being planned in Melbourne despite the coronavirus pandemic but many will likely have crowd caps and social distancing measures to adhere to. See what could be in store for the Melbourne Cup, Boxing Day Test and the Australian Open.
Victoria
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A crowd of up to 50,000 could attend the Melbourne Cup as Victoria’s major events calendar prepares to kick off after the lockdown.
The state government is working with event groups to ensure major attractions can proceed but many will likely have crowd caps and social distancing measures to adhere to.
It comes as 174 horses have been nominated to run during the racing carnival — including 30 international competitors — however the birdcage and other areas will look very different with experts currently planning how to better utilise the 174 hectares of open space at Flemington.
Organisers of other major events including the Boxing Day Test Match, the NBL and the
Australian Open are also preparing contingency plans for crowds.
Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said while the virus was still a concern the state was looking forward to staging its usual attractions.
“We’re planning for the spring carnival, the Boxing Day Test and the Aussie Open to go ahead as planned and on schedule — but how big a crowd we have at those events depends on how successful we all are at driving down infections,” he said.
“After that, we’ll be working really hard to attract the next tranche of major events to Victoria.”
A VRC spokeswoman said nominations for Melbourne Cup closed this week and six international stables have secured travel exemptions.
“Last year’s winner Vow and Declare is striving to go back-to-back but will face fierce competition from stablemate Russian Camelot, star galloper Verry Eleegant will target her first Lexus Melbourne Cup, fresh from her win in the Winx Stakes, while UK stayer Prince of Arran will be back for his third attempt at the coveted trophy, hoping to go one better than his second placing in 2019,” she said.
“Whilst we are optimistic of welcoming our members and valued corporate partners to the track, we know that this year’s television, radio and digital broadcasts, print and online coverage will take on even greater significance.
“We’re working with our broadcast partner and sponsors to adapt the events and activations racegoers know and love, including the world-famous Birdcage and the iconic Myer Fashions on the Field competition to deliver them in innovative ways that enhance the at-home experience.”
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said he was “optimistic” the tennis would be held in January, bit with physical distancing measures in place resulting in a “reduction from the record 812,174 fans who attended the event this year”.
Meanwhile, NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the season would be delayed until at least December.
“We are currently working with the clubs and players to plan for the forthcoming NBL season including a start date,” he said.
“We are absolutely committed to putting on the best season we can considering the challenging circumstances and will do all we can to play in front of fans.”
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Originally published as How Melbourne’s major events could look after lockdown