Adelaide Oval has revealed what going to the footy will look like in 2021

Adelaide Oval can have crowds of 40,000 for Crows and Power games as organisers try to get the footy (almost) back to normal.

Brodie and Sophie with Adelaide Crows player David Mackay and Port Adelaide footballer Ollie Wines at Adelaide Oval ahead of the 2021 season. Picture James Elsby

Fans will have to wear a mask while entering, exiting and moving around Adelaide Oval when footy returns, while patrons will be split up into “pods” of 120 people.

With the AFL season just around the corner, Adelaide Oval has revealed what its COVID-19 management plan will look like with 40,000 fans now able to attend.

This will include;

FANS being seated in pods of 120 people, with each pod separated by two rows of seats or an aisle,

MASK must be worn when entering, exiting and moving around the stadium but can be removed when fans get in their seats,

ALL patrons will need to complete a QR code check-in, or use the handwritten sign-in sheets at the gates, and

THE northern mound will be set up with standing pods.

The Oval has also kept the price reduction it implemented last year across its best-selling food and beverage items while Adelaide and Port Adelaide have held its 2021 memberships at last year’s prices.

Adelaide Oval chief executive Andrew Daniels said they were looking forward to having 40,000 fans back at the venue.

SMA CEO Andrew Daniels and Executive General Manager Matthew Richardson show off the different pod system used in last year’s finals. Picture: Sarah Reed

“We have put an enormous amount of work into doing everything we can to make coming to the footy this season as accessible as possible and a simply great experience,” he said.

“The support by South Australians in following the Covid restrictions and the advice from SA Health has played a vital role in how well our State has navigated the pandemic and I hope and expect that fans will see that following these simple steps will ensure that we can all safely enjoy the football this year.”

Port Adelaide vice-captain Ollie Wines said the whole team was excited about playing in front of its members and supporters again.

“We just can’t wait to run onto Adelaide Oval in front of our passionate and loyal fans. That first Never Tear Us Apart moment at our first home game back at Adelaide Oval will be unbelievable,” he said.

Adelaide Crows player David Mackay said he was looking forward to the atmosphere at the iconic venue.

“There is nothing better than the support from our fans, particularly when it’s big crowds at Adelaide Oval,” he said.

Originally published as Adelaide Oval has revealed what going to the footy will look like in 2021