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CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 9:31 am
by josie andrews
Rugby League fans will return to the Betfred Super League in England on Wednesday September 30 after the Government granted permission for four fixtures to be staged as pilot events.

Attendances of 1,000 will be permitted at the games, which include the traditional derby fixture between Wigan Warriors and St Helens at the DW Stadium – their first meeting of the 2020 season, which will also be broadcast live by Sky Sports.

The other three fixtures granted pilot event status are: Castleford Tigers versus Hull FC; Huddersfield Giants versus Hull KR; and Leeds Rhinos versus Catalans Dragons.

Further details of the arrangements for all four fixtures will be provided by the relevant clubs.

Sports pilots are not able to take place in areas with high coronavirus incidence rates. For this reason the Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves fixture, also scheduled for September 30, has not joined the approved list for spectators in the pilot programme.

Nigel Huddleston MP, Sports Minister, said: “We recognise that many RFL clubs are operating on very tight financial margins and the professional game is facing unprecedented pressure but we are doing all we can to help.

"On top of the recent £16 million emergency support we have provided to safeguard the immediate future of the sport, I am pleased that we are working closely with the RFL to run a number of capped, covid secure, and socially distanced pilots during the remainder of September. This will help us continue to build the evidence base to assess how fans can return in greater numbers, as soon as it is safe to do so."

Ralph Rimmer, RFL CEO, said: “The return of crowds is vital to sports including Rugby League. Pilot events are steps in the right direction, demonstrating that socially distanced crowds can be managed, and we are delighted that Rugby League will add to this learning across the sports sector.

“We continue to work closely with Government, with other sports, and with local authority partners. Betfred Super League clubs have worked exceptionally hard and all are ready to host socially distanced crowds.

“Speaking with the Secretary of State yesterday, I joined other sports CEOs and Chairs to stress that sport is ready and now needs a clear roadmap for the return of at first limited then larger crowds which allows for flexibility where required. Government understands that this is crucial to club finances and to jobs.

“We know the presence of fans in the ground for these four Betfred Super League fixtures will be a major boost to all involved – especially the players, who thrive on the atmosphere provided by Rugby League’s passionate supporters.

“We are also delighted that Sky Sports will be able to televise the first meeting of the season between Wigan and St Helens, with the added bonus of a crowd.”

Robert Elstone, Executive Chairman, Super League said: “It is crucial that crowds are allowed back into Super League venues as soon as it is safe, so we welcome the Government’s decision to include our matches on September 30 in the programme of pilot events.

“Matchday revenue is essential to the business models of our clubs and the introduction of up to 1,000 spectators will help us to form a better understanding of how and when we can introduce larger crowds. Pilot events have worked well in other sports and Super League venues are well-equipped to host their own.”

https://www.superleague.co.uk/article/1 ... per-league

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 9:33 am
by josie andrews
How are they going to allocate tickets?

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 10:06 am
by Jonathon Kerr (JK)
I know it’s a step in right direction, but really, how much revenue can you make from 1000 fans. It must be cheaper for us to continue playing at neutral venues.


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Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 10:07 am
by EDINBURGH-WARRIOR
Whatever way they do it there will be a lot of unhappy punters.

Que social media meltdown

Regards EW

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 10:20 am
by AndyNick
I would hope that they do a ballot of season ticket holders but I suspect they will have a commitment to corporate ticket holders and they will get first dibs. Anything left after that will go to Season ticket holders.

However they do it there's going to be disappointed people but its a step in the right direction.

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 10:50 am
by fozzieskem
I’m off to Scotland on the 1st so not really worried one way or the other about the game but what kind of message is this sending out though?

Liverpool and Merseyside are circling a lockdown so ther goes St. Helens home games potentially Salford is ready a no go area so if just seems odd to me,but then again let’s be fair all the way through the government hasn’t sent a clear message out so why start now.

As for the tickets surely it has to be season ticket holders? But then you’ve got 9000 annoyed it’s not them..no I wouldn’t like to be the bloke who announces the ticket plans as their social media will be red hot

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 11:15 am
by CheshireWarrior
Surely it will be a case of random selection or 'drawing out of hat'......without any bias? Would be helpful to have a more specific update from the club on how they intend to conduct this.

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 1:02 pm
by morley pie eater
Not only will it upset season ticket holders who miss out, but I don't see how the club will make money from someone who already has a season ticket?

I'm waiting for Meds to suggest an auction, or allow armchair supporters like me and him a chance for their once a year visit.

Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 1:23 pm
by Jonathon Kerr (JK)
Does anybody have a season ticket anymore? I was under the impression that the Season Ticket options (refund or donation) covered all potential future games so that any match tickets would need to be purchased.


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Re: CROWDS SET TO RETURN TO SUPER LEAGUE

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 1:24 pm
by moto748
I don't see the point of 1000 fans. Daft tokenism, and won't make the club any money to help on the financial side. The only purpose would be, so the commentary can witter on about how great it is to have fans back in the stadium.