Women’s Cricket World Cup organisers have immediately put more tickets on sale as a result of the Government scrapping restrictions on crowd attendances as part of changes to the Covid protection framework.
Crowds will also be back at Super Rugby grounds this weekend after the Government’s decision to remove attendance restrictions for outdoor events, which had been capped at 100 people.
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A section of the crowd at a Women’s Cricket World Cup game in Wellington. More tickets are available now attendance restrictions have been scrapped by the Government.
“From this weekend, sports and outdoor events can resume,’’ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday morning.
The attendance changes will take effect from 11.59pm on Friday and vaccine passes will no longer be mandated from 11.59pm on Monday April 4. Outdoor face mask requirements have also been removed.
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The crowd attendance change will come too late for Moana Pasifika whose Super Rugby Pacific home game against the Hurricanes kicks off at Mt Smart Stadium at 7.05pm on Friday – almost five hours before the restrictions are eased.
But Moana Pasifika officials have no issue with the timing.
“We always intended to stick with our small bubbles of 100 (to a maximum of 900), regardless of any government announcement,’’ a Moana Pasifika spokesperson said. “This is because we are conscious of our Pasifika fan base in South Auckland and note that Covid is still rampant in our communities, who are most vulnerable.”
Ardern said she was sure organisers of sporting events and outdoor concerns would welcome the news.
She said health officials had analysed data and found “there is a difference’’ between indoor and outdoor gatherings.
“While Omicron is transmissible the natural ventilation of an outdoor seating reduces the risk.
“At red [traffic light setting] we want to encourage gatherings and events outdoors as a way we can come together safely.
“And that’s why on the advice of our public health team, we are removing all outdoor gathering limits.’’
Cricket reaction
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A socially distanced crowd at the Women’s Cricket World Cup in Tauranga when numbers were restricted to 10 per cent of the Bay Oval venue capacity.
The Women’s Cricket World Cup was granted an exemption allowing crowds to be capped at 10 per cent of the venue’s capacity. That allowed a crowd of up to 1500 for games at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
Now, there will be no restrictions on crowds for the final fortnight of the World Cup tournament.
More tickets to the showpiece CWC 22 weekend group matches, semifinals and final immediately went on sale after the Government announcement.
“World Cup semis and finals are special occasions that don’t come around too often – this is a great way for cricket whānau in Wellington and Christchurch to get out there, get together and be part of something special, no matter who is playing. We had sold out what we had available under the previous restrictions so it’s great to offer full capacity and meet the demand which I know will be high,” said CWC 22 chief executive Andrea Nelson.
“We saw the strong support from Wellington fans for New Zealand v Australia – and Christchurch fans enjoying the action from afar can now be part of the show starting with New Zealand v Pakistan. The momentum in women’s sport is building – the timing couldn’t be better for Aotearoa sports fans to get along and support the best cricketers in the world playing in our own backyard.”
ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice was also “delighted that we’re able to welcome more fans back into the stadiums’’.
“This has been one of the most competitive World Cups we’ve ever seen in men’s or women’s cricket with close, tightly fought matches and some outstanding performances that have made for compelling viewing.
“We know how much New Zealanders love their sport and they have the world’s best cricketers competing for the title of world champions on their doorstep. We’re looking forward to them joining us for what I know will be a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic event.”
Warriors
The Government’s announcement – and consequent revenue boost – may also encourage some of New Zealand’s professional sports teams based across the Tasman to bring some games home.
Dan Peled/Photosport
Reece Walsh and his Warriors teammates may be able to play in Auckland later this season.
The Warriors have already said they will stick with their plan to base themselves in Redcliffe, northern Brisbane for all of the 2022 NRL season. However, Wednesday’s announcement means that the plan to fly into Auckland for home games can go ahead.
CEO Cameron George recently announced that the scheduled game at Mt Smart Stadium against the Panthers on June 18 would be moved to Redcliffe, because of the uncertainty then around the border at that time.
However, the Warriors will be able play against Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on July 3 and they will also host games against the Storm and Bulldogs later in the season.
Wellington Phoenix
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Gael Sandoval and his Wellington Phoenix teammates could potentially play two games in New Zealand.
The Wellington Phoenix could have the potential to bring two games home. They have four remaining ‘home’ games – including one this Saturday against Perth Glory in Sydney. They may also have to play a second against Melbourne City before April 13 due to City’s Asian Champions League commitments. That leaves two home games that could be potentially played in New Zealand.
Motorsport boost
Clay Cross/Photosport
Shane van Gisbergen (Red Bull Ampol Holden) and his Supercars rivals may now get to race in Auckland in September.
The Auckland Supercars round in September at Pukekohe Pack Raceway will now definitely be able to go ahead.
The New Zealand round of the World Rally Championships, also in September, can be confirmed and a major announcement about the event is expected on Thursday.
World Cups
It is also good news for organisers of the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand from October 8 to November 12.
The Government announcement will also benefit the men’s Softball World Cup to be staged in Auckland from November 26 to December 4.
The news will bring welcome relief to sporting bodies.
Auckland Blues chief executive Andrew Hore expressed frustration in February at “draconian’’ restrictions on crowds at outdoor events, saying then that he hoped Super Rugby crowds could return once the teams returned from their Queenstown bubble.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson will address media about the changes at 3pm on Wednesday in Wellington.
This news is republished from another source. You can check the original article here