NSW Government to allow crowd numbers to double at sporting venues

September 18, 2020

Events / Government / Safety / Sport / Venues /

In advance of the 2020 NRL Finals and State of Origin Series, the NSW Government is to allow crowd numbers for major sports events to double as of 1st October.

NSW stadiums are currently only allowed to be filled up to 25% of their capacity, but that limit will double as of October - although there will be a cap at some venues.

The announcement by the NSW Government means up to 15,000 fans will be permitted into Bankwest Stadium, up to 23,000 at the SCG, while ANZ Stadium, which will host the 2020 NRL Grand Final and the second clash in the 2020 State of Origin series, will be capped at 40,000.

COVIDSafe plans at each venue will encourage spectators to wear a mask when they’re not sitting in their seats, but it will not be mandated.

The one person per four square metre rule will also apply, and seat allocation will follow a ‘checkerboard’ approach to reduce the risk of transmission. COVID marshals will also be employed.

The Events Taskforce is working with NSW Health to assess increasing capacity at McDonald Jones Stadium, WIN Stadium, Ken Rosewall Arena and Panthers Stadium.

It is hoped Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium will be permitted to hold up to 15,000 spectators, while Panthers Stadium is expected to be capped at around 8,000.

Canberra’s GIO Stadium is currently allowed 6,000 fans, including for Saturday’s Super Rugby Final, after the ACT Government this week increased its capacity.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, which may potentially host Melbourne Storm home finals, has been permitted to fill to half its capacity, meaning 26,000 fans will be able to attend NRL finals and the third match in the State of Origin series.

Adelaide Oval will also be able be able to fill to half its capacity, with 27,750 fans able to attend the State of Origin series opener on 4th November. The ground is also likely to host AFL Finals for Port Adelaide.

The Gabba, which will host the AFL Grand Final on 24th October, has been permitted by the Queensland Government to have 30,000 fans in attendance for the historic game.

Image: Sydney's ANZ Stadium will be able to host up to 40,000 fans for 2020 NRL Grand Final and State of Origin II.

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