Yahoo Finance Harlequins given green light to host 3,500 spectators for visit of Bath in crowd-return pilot
A crowd of 3,500 will be allowed into the Twickenham Stoop to watch Harlequins host Bath on Sept 5.
The Premiership fixture, a pilot event approved in principle by the Government, would be the first rugby union match to welcome spectators since lockdown commenced in March.
Harlequins confirmed on Thursday evening that only 2019-20 season ticket members would be able to apply for two bands of tickets.
Seats in the East and West Stands of the Twickenham Stoop, a venue with a capacity of 14,816 when fully-operational, will cost £50.
Those in the North and South Stands are cheaper at £30, with under-16s able to attend for £10.
These prices are in line with typical match-day prices and supporters who donated the value of their missed 2019-20 matches or their season ticket to the club over lockdown will not be charged.
Tickets will be distributed after a ballot on Sept 1 but, in order to reduce travel and “support the safe delivery of the event”, none of them will be made available to Bath fans.
In accordance with government guidelines, season ticket members will be able to apply in groups up to a maximum of six people spread across two households.
Harlequins have warned that “not all bars and catering services will be operational” and “a reduced match-day entertainment programme will exist”.
Face coverings will need to be worn by those at the stadium and temperature checks will be carried out on entry. Social-distancing will be in place in all seating areas.
“A huge amount of work has been done across the club to ensure operationally and medically that we deliver our match day events to the highest standard, meeting the stringent guidelines,” said Harlequins chief executive Laurie Dalrymple on Wednesday.
“Our successful hosting of both Harlequins and London Irish matches at The Stoop since rugby’s return have been a great test, but having supporters in the stadium is what everyone has been striving for.”
