Getting the crowds back in

[Golden Dr Otto]

The plan is for it to happen from October on a 25-40% capacity depending on stadium dynamics. Pilots in September games.

That may be the plan. But then my office here planned to go back to work when numbers were relatively low after lockdown was lifted.

Planning with hope doesn’t create the reality you desire.

I just don’t think it’s remotely likely to happen once the second wave kicks in. And I will put very big money sadly on the UK facing a significant second wave. The post lockdown approach and attitude in the UK is no different to the USA which has utterly failed.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Does anyone have an idea if pre-season games will be scheduled?

 

[PottersRightBoot]

That may be the plan. But then my office here planned to go back to work when numbers were relatively low after lockdown was lifted.

Planning with hope doesn’t create the reality you desire.

I just don’t think it’s remotely likely to happen once the second wave kicks in. And I will put very big money sadly on the UK facing a significant second wave. The post lockdown approach and attitude in the UK is no different to the USA which has utterly failed.

Don’t agree, the post lockdown approach here has been very different.

 

[Golden Dr Otto]

Don’t agree, the post lockdown approach here has been very different.

Clarify what you consider to be the differences

 

[Scotchegg]

Does anyone have an idea if pre-season games will be scheduled?

I think plans are already in place to play against local teams, probably with Oxford footing the bill for testing and all at the training ground. All other games will also be behind closed doors once everyone is back. Without crowds it is likely that we'll have more games but maybe with teams around the Championship rather than the odd PL game where their kids will play.

 

[Cx]

I think plans are already in place to play against local teams, probably with Oxford footing the bill for testing and all at the training ground. All other games will also be behind closed doors once everyone is back. Without crowds it is likely that we'll have more games but maybe with teams around the Championship rather than the odd PL game where their kids will play.

I believe it costs roughly £4,500 a week for testing, so playing local teams at our training ground and covering the costs actually makes a lot of sense. It's not ideal, of course, but what is.

Hopefully we'll get to watch at least one or two games on ifollow though. As much as I resent paying for such a mediocre service, I miss watching my club more.

 

[Ox4Eva]

The French were allowing 5 thousand into some friendlies this week, but of course it was far bigger stadiums.

If it happens, I can see it being a 5 or 6 thousand capacity for us.

 

[Cx]

The French were allowing 5 thousand into some friendlies this week, but of course it was far bigger stadiums.

If it happens, I can see it being a 5 or 6 thousand capacity for us.

I imagine it will be phased, increasing numbers over time, and start with fewer fans than 5-6k simply because you can't social distance under current rules (1 metre+) with that many fans in the ground. Simply not possible.

 

[Essexyellows]

Sussex CC are letting a thousand fans back in as a first step.
Capacity is 6,000 but over a larger "spread" than a football stadium.

 

[Ox4Eva]

I imagine it will be phased, increasing numbers over time, and start with fewer fans than 5-6k simply because you can't social distance under current rules (1 metre+) with that many fans in the ground. Simply not possible.

You are probably right, if a phased return does happen I wonder if that would include any away fans?

 

[Cx]

You are probably right, if a phased return does happen I wonder if that would include any away fans?

As much as fans enjoy away days, a club's priority should always be their primary audience in my opinion, so I don't think it should include away fans.

Whether it does though, will presumably either be an EFL directive or clubs will have to vote to reach an overall consensus. At least until restrictions are lifted further.

 

[Steve Gilbert]

You are probably right, if a phased return does happen I wonder if that would include any away fans?

I can’t see away fans being allowed back until November or later.

 

[nick68]

With most stadiums being all-seater it does make distancing a little easier, will be interesting how those clubs with terracing ensure things are safe.

 

[Fat bloke]

I think the only place that could have 100% would be Swindon's ground due to the fact 6 fingered / toed brigade are known that covid doesn't effect mutants too mi ómuch ? Only possibly extra growths but not contagious to outsiders?

 

[Northstandboy]

1000 fans will be at Old Trafford today! Be interesting to see what happens.

 

[Essexyellows]

1000 fans will be at Old Trafford today! Be interesting to see what happens.

Its the Oval not OT..............

See post #129

Opening one stand with full facilities to see how it works. Like football could in the Tinpot Trophy as suggested ....

 

[Deanroger]

There is going to be a very cheap saliva test available soon from a UK pharmaceutical company. This test will give a highly accurate result in minutes and will probably be the key to getting large crowds back into sports venues.

 

[behindthegoal]

That may be the plan. But then my office here planned to go back to work when numbers were relatively low after lockdown was lifted.

Planning with hope doesn’t create the reality you desire.

I just don’t think it’s remotely likely to happen once the second wave kicks in. And I will put very big money sadly on the UK facing a significant second wave. The post lockdown approach and attitude in the UK is no different to the USA which has utterly failed.

Clarify to how the UK is no different to USA.

 

[Golden Dr Otto]

Clarify to how the UK is no different to USA.

Schools, bars, restaurants and non essential shops here in Texas were all closed.

Once the death rate was at 15-20 persons a day for 30 million people a staged process was introduced which slowly opened things up over the course of a number of weeks.

Major testing stations implemented in ubiquity.

Limitations on number of people that can congregate together.

County’s operating drive through distributing significant amounts of sanitizer, cleaning items and ppe for free to thousands of locals being manufactured en masse at breweries and distilleries.

Siginificant changes to shop infrastructures on reopening such as Perspex protection at checkouts and guidance on one way aisles and distance separation markers at checkouts.

Face masks mandated here in Houston and 99% of the population are following that regardless of if they agree. Shops fined if they admit people without.

So your turn. I’m sure I’ve missed some bits but tell me why you think the UK won’t end up with a second wave like the USA or Spain or multiple other countries. Strikes me as the same mindset that watched Italy collapsing as if it couldn’t possibly happen in the UK. It’s a very contagious virus. And the UK still has enough numbers out there that it can’t be tracked or controlled effectively especially given the silent transmission of asymptomatic carriers.

Tell me the significant differences in the UK?

 

[PottersRightBoot]

Define second wave. The figures in Spain are tiny.

Re U.K. differences. Local lockdown management. It’s working well.
Lifting of lockdown here has been slow and measured. After chaotic first six weeks.