Easing of COVID-19 sporting crowd restrictions will hinge on trial run success

A successful trial of increased capacity at a local sports ground on Saturday could be the blueprint for easing COVID-19 restrictions across all industries in Tasmania.

• Trial run on larger crowds
• Junior gun returns to Demons

A SUCCESSFUL trial of increased capacity at North Hobart Oval on Saturday could be the blueprint for easing COVID-19 restrictions across all industries in Tasmania.

In the first sign of Public Health officials and the Tasmanian Government looking to allow more freedom for residents, 1250 ticketed spectators will be allowed into the spiritual home of Tasmanian football for the TSL clash between the Demons and North Launceston.

North Hobart Oval will be used as a pilot venue for an easing of crowd restrictions from 500 to 1250. President Craig Martin. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

North Hobart president Craig Martin, who has been lobbying for the lifting of crowd restrictions — currently capped at 500 per venue — for several weeks, has put together a 12-page COVID plan.

It will see the famous venue run at a 25 per cent of capacity in specifically designated areas, with Martin urging anyone who attends to follow protocols in hopes the trial will be implemented into other stadiums in coming weeks.

“Please work with us to do the right thing, do social distancing, don’t stand up and drink in wet areas, don’t mingle, and if we all work together, this could be the template for the future as far as stadiums in the state goes,” Martin said.

Volunteers Paul Curtain. Rick Tipping and Neville Howlett. North Hobart Oval will be used as a pilot venue for an easing of crowd restrictions from 500 to 1250. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“I think we could get between 600-800 [people]. I think that is a good number to pilot this, it means we can monitor everything closely.

“There is a certain number of seats that are available for patrons in each of the seated areas.

“Each of the stands and the terraces and the seating areas on the Rydges Hotel wing, a quarter of what would be normal capacity are available.”

The increase also comes as the Demons hold a brief public memorial for football legend John Leedham, who played for both clubs, who died in late May.

“That will be at 1.45pm before the senior game,” Martin said. “There will be some speeches and the players and umpires will line up for a minutes applause to the great JL.”

Sports Minister Jane Howlett. North Hobart Oval will be used as a pilot venue for an easing of crowd restrictions from 500 to 1250. President Craig Martin. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Sport and Recreation Minister Jane Howlett said if there were no complications from the trial, other sporting clubs around the state could follow suit and open the gates to more spectators.

“Public Health will analyse the trial after this weekend and that will determine whether other venues can increase capacity as well.

“It is great news for football fans right across Tassie and if this trial is successful, it will be a great financial boost for all clubs leading up to finals.”

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