Bathurst 1000: Camping banned as this year’s entire event will be reserved seating only
The annual Bathurst 1000 pilgrimage usually pulls in over 200,000 people. But thanks to COVID, only eight per cent of that number are allowed to attend this year. How can you still snap up a ticket? Find out here.
V8
Don't miss out on the headlines from V8. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Camping will be banned at this year’s Bathurst 1000 in a major coronavirus-caused blow to Australia’s greatest car race.
In a move that will stop tens of thousands of racegoers from making the annual pilgrimage to Mount Panorama, all Bathurst camp grounds will be closed for the first time in the event‘s history.
News Corp Australia can reveal that the NSW Government will allow just 4000 people into each day, with most of Mount Panorama to be closed for the four-day event.
Watch the V8 Supercar season LIVE & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
It is understood the entire event will be ‘reserved seating only’ with a limited number of public viewing areas to be set up near the start-line straight.
“Whilst we are disappointed that we can’t have a full crowd at Bathurst, we’re delighted to offer even limited attendance,” said Supercars CEO Sean Seamer.
“A racetrack like Mount Panorama is not as easy as a stadium to prepare in a COVID-19 compliant way due to the lack of dedicated seating.
“We thank the NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council for their ongoing support of the event and for working with us on a plan that will allow fans the opportunity to see a new king of the mountain and championship winner crowned on October 18.
“We understand a number of fans will be disappointed that camping and normal ticketing opportunities are not available this year, however the safety of everyone attending the event is our main concern at all times.”
It is understood tickets will go on sale as soon as next week with pre-existing ticket holders to be given priority, which could include a pre-sale.
The crowd limitations will come as a huge disappointment to race fans with a combined four-day crowd of more than 200,000 turning up to see Scott McLaughlin win last year’s Bathurst 1000.
The Bathurst region will also be hurt by the decision with local business to miss out on the tourism trade.
Bathurst 1000 camper Matt Anderson was shocked to learn the crowd would be limited to just 4000 fans a day.
“That’s a real shame,” Anderson said.
“We have been going for 15 year and we were planning on being there this year. It is a bummer because we have 30 blokes ready to go and had four camp sites and a 90 square metre marquee booked and paid for.
“I understand why they have done it but waiting on a call for so long has been frustrating.”
“That sounds a bit wrong given they are talking about 50 per cent crowds at the footy,” Anderson said.
“4000 people at Bathurst is nothing. It might as well be nothing.”
The Supercars season will end following the event with COVID slashing the season.
Originally published as Bathurst 1000: Camping banned as this year’s entire event will be reserved seating only