Up To 10,000 Fans Permitted At Outdoor Sports Venues From May 17th
It has been confirmed by the Prime Minister that up to 10,000 fans will be permitted at outdoor sports venues in England from May 17th.
It is now established that this will include the final two rounds of this season’s Premier League matches with stadiums set to open to home fans only at reduced capacity. This leaves the final two rounds of matches being played on 18th‑19th May and 23rd May.
All teams have a home game in either the penultimate or final round of matches.
Premier League’s chief executive Richard Masters has made it clear that it will be brilliant to see the fans back and their presence will be fantastic at the finale of the season.
The last time fans attended top flight games was in December 2020, and then it was only up to 2,000 fans allowed at a number of Premier League matches, then lockdown happened.
Snooker was fortunate to be part of the government’s pilot scheme becoming the first sport to welcome back a capacity crowd of 980 fans attending the final day of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible last week.
The Carabao Cup final at Wembley was another such pilot event held to test the safe return of spectators when Manchester City and Tottenham each hosted 2,000 fans.
In this next stage of the government’s roadmap up to 10,000 fans or 25% capacity, whichever figure is lower, will be allowed at larger outdoor venues, while at smaller outdoor venues, the limit will be capped at 4,000 or 50% capacity.
At indoor venues, the cap will be 1,000 or 50%, whichever is lowest.
Up to 4,000 racegoers will be permitted to return to racecourses while owners will be allowed to see their horses and meet with trainers and jockeys in the parade ring.
David Armstrong, chief executive of the Racecourse Association (RCA), said it was a ‘hugely important milestone’ in British racing's recovery.
In rugby union, Monday's fixtures between Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints as well as Bristol Bears and Gloucester will welcome back fans while spectators will be allowed to return to cricket grounds for the round of County Championship matches that begins on 19th and 20th May.
Organisers of Wimbledon said last month they hoped to welcome fans at a minimum of 25% capacity at the tennis Grand Slam this summer.
The government hopes to increase the number of spectators allowed at venues from June 21st, when restrictions in England are expected to be further lifted.
The pilot events continue this weekend when 21,000 fans are expected to attend Saturday's FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City where The Duke of Cambridge, the FA's president, will attend the game and present the trophy to the winners.
