Warriors are delighted that a crowd of 2,000 will be allowed to attend the Gallagher Premiership match against Bath Rugby at Sixways on Saturday December 5.
Today’s announcement by the Government that Worcestershire will be placed in Tier 2 of the new COVID-19 regulations when lockdown ends next week means that rugby will be played in front of spectators at Sixways for the first time since March 6.
Tier 2 regulations permit crowds for outdoor sporting events of 2,000 or 50 per cent of a stadium capacity whichever is lower.
“While we had hoped that Worcestershire might be placed in Tier 1, which would have allowed us to have a crowd of 4,000, it’s still fantastic news that we will have a 2,000 spectators in for our match against Bath,” said Warriors Managing Director Peter Kelly.
“We will also be making a little bit of history as the first Gallagher Premiership rugby match to be played in front of a non-pilot scheme crowd since March.
“It has been nine long and frustrating months since we last played rugby in front of our supporters and we hope that this is a first positive step back towards normality.
“Clearly, after so long without live rugby, we expect demand to exceed supply for this match and we do not anticipate being able to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend.
“Priority will be given to our Commercial Partners and Season Ticket Holders who have continued to support us during a period when there was little prospect of them being able to watch rugby at Sixways.
“At the moment we are still discussing how tickets will be allocated and we would advise supporters to monitor Warriors’ website and social media channels for the details.
“Season Ticket Holders should be aware that, due to COVID-19 protocols that will be in place, they will not be able to sit in their usual seats.
“We will also be asking spectators to arrive at Sixways in specific time slots and to observe other COVID-19 protocols, including one-way systems, that have been put in place to ensure the safety of all staff and visitors to the stadium.
“We appreciate that this will mean some alteration to normal matchday routines but these measures are necessary to ensure that we can continue to admit spectators during these challenging times.”
Today’s Government announcement means that Warriors Women will also be allowed crowds of up to 2,000 for their Allianz Premier 15s home matches starting with the visit of Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday December 6.