Footy fans would have to undergo temperature checks and flu symptom screenings before they could watch live games
A big call looms on footy crowds later this year. But what has to happen before fans will be let into stadiums around the country? And who will be the first fans in the queue when gates are opened?
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Footy fans would be temperature-checked and screened for flu-like symptoms before they would be permitted into AFL venues to watch live games this season.
The testing measures are a key plank in the AFL’s hopes to open the gates at stadiums including the MCG and Marvel Stadium to tens of thousands of fans in time for finals this year.
Patrons may also wear masks as an added protection measure and would certainly be required to adhere to staggered entry and exit times and remain in any sectioned-off areas.
Food and beverage options would almost certainly be limited to help keep fans in their prescribed seats which would be safely spaced to help combat the risk of contracting COVID-19 at an AFL venue.
Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans said the league was investigating whether fans would undergo testing “out of the price of the ticket” which could mean “that we can get more people into the ground”.
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“I know we have to progress cautiously to make sure we are completely in-step with government, but the way things have moved over the last fortnight, I don’t think we should close-off the thought there could be ways to have crowds in the future,” Evans told the Herald Sun.
“Whether that means partially-filled stadiums, or certain sections of certain bays, they are the things we can look into.”
But debate raged on Monday about who would be given first access to a capped number of tickets between AFL, MCC and rank-and-file club members.
A finals-style ballot system would almost certainly be adopted to ensure regular club members would have a way to secure tickets.
The Herald Sun revealed stadiums were developing safe seating plans to accommodate up to 30,000 fans for an October 24 Grand Final.
Evans said the AFL and stadium management “would take a couple of plans” to government officials “sometime mid-season” for approval.
League broadcasting boss Travis Auld said the AFL would welcome fans back at venues as soon as it had the necessary clearance from authorities.
Currently, fans won’t be allowed to attend games when the season resumes on Thursday, June 11.
“If that changes, we’ll be the first to embrace that,” Auld said.
“And whether it’s in (a) sense where we can fill stadiums or there’s something in between that and what we’re used to … we’re not sure yet.
“Any opportunity to have fans attend games – and I’m sure clubs would love to find a way to reward members or fans if they’re in smaller groups, we’ll certainly embrace.”
The decision will hinge on COVID-19 cases continuing to drop around the country as authorities continue to ease restrictions.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the State Government would continue to prioritise the public’s health in any decision on footy crowds.
“The government has made it clear that decisions on crowds at sporting events will be made later in the year, subject to health advice and the trajectory of infection numbers,” Pakula said.
“We understand the desire of Victorians to once again attend sporting events, but it’s too early to make decisions about whether that will be possible in 2020.”
The NRL wants to welcome back fans from July 1 and said sponsors could be let in to venues even earlier as rugby prepares to resume on Thursday night.
AFL venues are also assessing capacity to entertain corporate partners in catered suites but they are also banned under current rules.
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The league will continue to follow the lead of the state government when it comes to crowds at professional sport, and will not push to move itself ahead of any restrictions.
As the official venue operator on match days, any functions to be held at the ground must be ticked off by the league. Under current guidelines, no such event would be approved.
Fans remain the focus for the league, which has an eye to ensuring that loyalty is rewarded with AFL and club members will be the first to gain access once crowds are permitted back at games, before any prospect of corporate hospitality is explored.
Fans at AFL games would be urged to use prescribed toilet facilities to help limit the prospect of over-crowding in areas.
