Crowd capacity at GMHBA Stadium set to be bolstered under eased restrictions

Not one fan officially passed through the gates for an AFL match at GMHBA stadium in 2020 but thousands are set to watch the Cats take on Essendon at the venue next weekend. Here’s how many fans are expected to be allowed.

AFTER not one fan officially passed through the gates for an AFL match at GMHBA Stadium in 2020, thousands are set to watch the Cats take on Essendon at the ground next Saturday under eased coronavirus restrictions.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced a raft of eased coronavirus restrictions on Friday, allowing for more visitors in the home, reduced mask wearing and increasing the number of workers heading back to the office.

But there was no announcement about crowd capacity at GMHBA Stadium, despite news on major Melbourne venues.

The AFL has welcomed the government’s decision to endorse 50 per cent capacity crowds at the MCG and Marvel Stadium for AFL matches to begin the footy season – the largest crowd capacity allowances at a sporting event in the state since the pandemic first hit last year.

And with the Cats to take on Essendon in an AAMI Community Series match next Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium, a state government spokesman said an announcement on crowd numbers at the 36,000-seat stadium will be made next week.

It’s understood capacity at the Cats home-ground could be at 50 per cent, or up to 18,000 fans, on par with the percentages announced for Marvel and the MCG.

Clubs including Geelong say operating with 50 per cent crowd capacities will see them to lose money over the season, with Cats president Craig Drummond saying it would not lead to a great financial result.

The AFL said ticketing details will be released in coming days, with club members set to be prioritised.

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Geelong Cats CEO Brian Cook on Friday night informed members they will need to plan ahead and redeem their tickets in order to attend the game.

“Using your membership barcode, tickets are redeemable by heading to the ticket agent’s website,” Mr Cook wrote.

“Many of the details are still being worked on with the AFL, venues and government.

“We will communicate via email closer to the season with your membership barcode and all the specific information you need to secure your seat.”

He said members would be able to book tickets in groups of up to six seats, and mobile tickets must be used on game day.

Mr Cook wrote there would be three priority groups: Geelong Social Club & Reserved Seat members; General Admission & AFL Club Support members; and General Public (only available if ticket limits are still available).

“How many tickets are available for each member priority group will depend on the government approved venue capacity and will be subject to availability,” Mr Cook wrote.

“Tickets for each priority group will go on sale at different times and you will have priority to sit in the stand of your reserved seat/ social club membership, however this is a first come, first served basis.

“Unfortunately, due to current social distancing and restrictions on how crowds can gather, reserved seat holders may not be placed in the seat you have become accustomed to over previous seasons as a reserved seat holder but it is expected to be in close proximity.

“Currently, we expect tickets to go on sale the week of/before each game and we will provide regular and consistent emails to assist in providing you all of the information you need to watch our beloved Cats each week.”

The club’s first home game for the season is set for round two against the Brisbane Lions on March 26.

Gerard Griffin, CEO Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, said the trust had worked with the AFL and other AFL venues to complete a submission for the season.

Government documents state arrangements for capacity at seated entertainment venues over 1000 patrons per space are determined on an individual basis under the Public Events Framework.

Capacity at Kardinia Park for AFLW matches has been capped at 8000 people.

Mr Andrews said that from 11.59pm on Friday night Victoria would return to its previous COVIDSafe settings.

Masks will be only be required on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis, in

sensitive settings such as aged care facilities and in some larger retail settings including indoor shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores, indoor markets.

Masks continue to be recommended indoors or outdoors when distancing can’t be maintained.

Victorians will be able to host up to 30 people in their home per day.

Outdoor gatherings in public places increased to 100 people, and public and private sector offices could increase to 75 per cent capacity.

“It’s been a hard slog, but Victorians are doing what they do best as we work to beat this virus: staying the course and looking out for each other,” Mr Andrews said.

– with Jon Ralph

Originally published as Crowd capacity at GMHBA Stadium set to be bolstered under eased restrictions