The third Test between Australia and India, scheduled to take place in Sydney, will see a crowd capacity of 25%. The decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of the people who will attend the Test starting from January 7. Cricket Australia and Venues NSW are working together on the plan after being advised by the NSW Government.
The match will now be re-ticketed and will have a revised socially distanced seating plan. A full refund will be provided to all purchased ticket holders, including all associated costs such as ticket insurance.
An exclusive window will be provided to ticket holders to repurchase tickets via Ticketek from 5pm on January 4 through to 12pm on January 5. All remaining public tickets will be released at 12pm on January 5.
Cricket Australia’s interim CEO, Nick Hockley, highlighted that the safety of fans, staff, players, broadcast partners, and match officials will always be their topmost priority as the board continues to follow the advice of NSW Health.
“In response to the public health situation in NSW, we are working closely with Venues NSW and NSW Health to put appropriate biosecurity measures in place for our staff, players, match officials, broadcasters and fans to ensure we play the third Test at the SCG safely,” Hockley said.
“Reducing the capacity of the venue is crucial in achieving social distancing requirements, and we sincerely thank ticketholders for their patience, as we process refunds today, reconfigure the SCG seating plan to deliver these social distancing measures and go back on sale.”
“Tickets will be back on sale exclusively to those who have already bought a seat at 5pm AEDT on January 4, with remaining tickets released at midday AEDT on January 5.”
“To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer of cricket thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols, the cooperation and support of public health officials and the hard work of so many people behind the scenes. ” Hockley said.
To ensure the safety of the fans attending the New Year’s Test, the Sydney Cricket Ground has taken significant measures said Tony Shepherd, Venues NSW Chair.
“There are extensive protocols being enacted for the upcoming Test, including increased cleaning, customer service and security staff, along with dedicated social distancing marshals,” Sheppard said.
“The SCG is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government which allows exhaustive record keeping and QR code check-in protocols that will ensure the safety of ours fans.”
“We have a very safe stadium and will be doing everything we can to deliver this event safely, as we have at our venues in NSW for the entire year,” he said.