TSL clubs pre-selling tickets to games for the first time in competition history

If you want to attend the opening round of TSL games next week there’s something you may need in advance — and they’re selling like hot cakes.

FOR the first time in Tasmanian football history, clubs are selling tickets to their games in advance to comply with the State Government’s outdoor crowd restrictions of 500 — and one club is already close to a sellout.

Never before have fans had to pre-purchase tickets to home-and-away games but TSL clubs have started ticketing for entry to the first round of matches on Saturday-week.

North Launceston president Thane Brady said his club was close to a lockout for its opening match against North Hobart at UTas Stadium.

As well as general entry, the Northern Bombers are hosting a separate corporate function of up to 250 people, which is not counted in the 500-people limit if controlled by having a separate entry point and guests retained indoors at UTas Stadium’s AFL-standard corporate zone.

• TSL reduces game time for the COVID-19 shortened season
• TSL coaches to decide an increase to a 23-man bench for compacted State League season
• With 500 people allowed at Tasmanian footy games, battling clubs can expect cash to flow

Thane Brady, president of North Launceston Football Club. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Ticketing is the only way we can manage it to be sure we comply with all the restrictions and also treat everyone equally,” Brady said.

“There’s a lot of work happening in the background to try and do that.

“We thought this would be the best way to control it.

“Last night we were nearly at sellout, which shows that people have missed their football.”

Northern Bombers fans pounced on tickets when the sale opened online on Sunday night.

“It shows people are keen to get back to it,” Brady said.

To help football clubs at every level comply with the “500 rule”, AFL Tasmania has issued a Spectator Management Plan featuring advice and guidelines on crowd control.

“Each ground has different challenges,” Brady said.

“At UTas we have the ability to implement social distancing and also have behind-the-glass facilities, which some others may not have.

“Ticketing was the best option given the facilities available to us.

“Corporates will be ticketed differently and once they enter the ground they can’t leave the corporate facility. We have to engage security to ensure people don’t drift from one area to another.

“They will have food and beverage options available in the room, so the old tradition of going to the canteen won’t be available to them.”