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.

 

FUEL THE FUTURE: THE REBOOT

Later today Sport for Business member Fuel is bringing together global leaders from across the areas of entertainment, corporate business, sport and public health to tackle the critical questions facing their industries.

The virtual event, Fuel the Future: The Reboot, will kick off at 12.30 pm and it is free to attend for all of us.

Hosted by Fuel Directors Brian McDermott and Jamie Deasy, and with a special live performance by Irish singing sensation Lyra, the event will aim to address the lack of clarity around the roadmap back to festivals, live and sporting events.

Fuel have put together an accomplished panel of experts to share their fascinating insights and predictions for their respective industries:

Managing Director of Festival Republic (Electric Picnic) Melvin Benn
World Rugby Council Member, Specialist in Performance and Wellbeing Su Carty
General Practitioner and Clinical Lecturer Dr Sumi Dunne
Economist, Author and Broadcaster David McWilliams

You can register here.

TOKYO GYMNASTICS EVENT CANCELLED

The International Gymnastics Federation has cancelled an Olympic test event due to be held in Tokyo on May 4th.

Travel restrictions and the fact that it was no longer to carry qualification status for the games were given as the reasons for the postponement.

Similar All-Round events planned for Britain and Germany had already been called off.

A national gymnastics event for local gymnasts will take place instead so that the venue and procedures can be checked ahead of the Olympic Games at the same venue.

CANCELLATION CONFIRMED FOR WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP

It was reported here last week as almost certainly going to be the case and now World Rugby has confirmed that the Women’s Rugby World Cup scheduled for New Zealand in September will be pushed back by 12 months.

That itself will ease pressure on the qualification process of which Ireland is a part and which has still to be confirmed.

A lack of certainty about the ability to complete that, as well as no guarantees over the capacity of stadia to hold fans were given as the main reasons in a report to the World Rugby Council that was confirmed at a virtual meeting yesterday.

“The top players in the women’s game should be guaranteed the stage that they deserve, with the opportunity for their family and friends to be able to attend, and also the wider national and international rugby family,” said World Rugby Chair Bill Beaumont.

“Postponement by a year should enable us to enjoy the benefits of the global vaccination programme, easing the burden on international travel requirements and within New Zealand itself.”

RETURN TO STADIA EVENT PLANNED FOR LATE APRIL

Sport for Business will host an online session for Members and guests towards the end of April looking at the different approaches to allowing fans back into grounds across Europe and around the world and also exploring where Ireland is at that point in the easing of restrictions.

Watch out for details over the coming weeks but please feel free to get in touch if you would like to be involved in this event.

Sport for Business Partners