The future of sport as we know it hinges on getting fans back into stadia. This is especially true in Ireland where the IRFU, FAI and GAA rely to a very high level on the income generated by matchday ticketing and revenue.
Each week we will take a look at developments around the world on where sporting organisations, public health authorities and governments are moving in the return to stadia.
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INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE TO COMPLETE AFTER COVID PAUSE
The Indian Premier League cricket tournament is likely to resume to completion in the weeks between India’s Test Match series with England and the start of the Twenty20 World Cup on October 18th.
The value of the tournament in terms of media rights and sponsorship is up there as one of the highest of any sporting tournament and the financial loss from abandoning the remaining 31 games would be too much to bear for organisers.
The tournament will though relocate to the United Arab Emirates, with Covid still casting a long shadow over India, and with the World Cup then itself scheduled to take place there in October and November.
There are reports that the UAE is also being held in reserve as a backup venue for the tournament.
Ireland get the tournament underway on 18th October with their opening match against Sri Lanka.
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NEW YORK MARATHON RETURNING WITH REDUCED FIELD
The iconic New York City Marathon will return on its scheduled date of November 7th but with a staggered start and a reduction to 33,000 participants, some 60 per cent of what it would normally attract.
The US is quickly easing restrictions with very few masks visible in large crowds following the US PGA Golf Championship at the weekend.
This will make the Marathon more likely to increase rather than reduce the number taking part as the months progress.
As things stand at the moment runners will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test prior to joining the start line.
Last year’s race did not take place with those who had registered and paid being given the option of their money back or a complimentary entry in this year’s race or next year’s.
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BELLWEATHER WEEK FOR RETURN OF SPECTATORS IN IRELAND
The Irish Government is expected to confirm a loosening of restrictions and a number of test events in an announcement this coming Friday.
The feeling is that larger grounds will be able to admit spectators up to an initial five per cent of their capacity, which would be a little over 4,000 at Croke Park, a little over 2,500 at the Aviva Stadium and around 2,000 at Pairc Uí Chaoimh.
The numbers are expected to rise through the summer and the big winners could be the events taking place from September including the All Ireland Ladies Football Final, the Guinness Autumn Series of Rugby internationals in November, and the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Portugal at the same stadium, also in November.
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NORTHERN IRELAND RETURN THIS WEEKEND
Meanwhile, things are moving faster in Northern Ireland with 500 fans are to be allowed to attend Ulster Rugby’s fixture this weekend against Scarlets in the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup.
A ballot of #TogetherUlster members is currently underway for 24 hours and those who succeed will have until Wednesday to confirm their attendance and pay the €20 ticket price.
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