Spectators will be allowed to return to sporting events in England

[The Buzz]

A maximum of 4,000 fans will be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas when the four-week lockdown in England ends on 2 December. Indoor venues in tiers one and two can have a maximum of 1,000 spectators, with capacity across indoor and outdoor venues limited to 50%.

Football across England's top four divisions has been played behind closed doors since its return in June, following the initial lockdown.

From BBC:

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This is a big step forward for sport.

"Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority, so I'm pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier, in recognition of the significant health benefits.

"I'm also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest-risk areas first.

"I'm confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in."

Read more here: https://www.bbc.com/sport/55010011

[newcustomeroffer]

If conducted in a safe and sensible fashion, this has got to be a good initial move to try to help those sports and clubs less reliant on TV revenue to survive until the summer. Frpm an industry perspective we need them to survive.

Challenge will be how the select few spectators are chosen for each match, for instance in football most clubs from the 3rd tier upwards in England will generally have more season ticket holders than the maximum allowed at each match, so there'll have to be some kind of rotation process to give everybody a chance of attending at some point. Nevertheless, a welcome chance to see some live sport and breathe some atmosphere back into games.

[Brand_24]

Great move for sport.

[Cash Bonus]

This is terrific. We've waited way too long for something like this to happen. It's about time people can have more freedom to interact with one another. It's still important for them to follow health guidelines and not become complacent about it. But, I'm uncertain if things will ever be 100% again. It's really doubtful.

[newcustomeroffer]

It's still important for them to follow health guidelines and not become complacent about it.

Let's hope the first few sets of fans don't ruin it for everyone else though - judging by some of the 'social distancing' going on at some of the weekend's matches, there are some awfully big families/bubbles attending matches together.