It has been 5 days since the kick off of the 2021 edition of the Euro football tournament and this has given live football fans a reason to cheer. The tournament spells the return of live spectators to major sporting events. Here’s a look at how the organisers are pulling it off.
- It is the first major sporting event hosted by cities in 11 countries.
- Hosting the tournament in multiple countries has allowed fans to be closer to the action without having to travel to one particular destination.
- This has spread the cost of hosting the event over different economies while allowing them a shot in the arm because of local tourism spend.
- Fixtures had to be planned carefully to prevent players from having to travel extensively.
- Bio-secure bubbles in all 11 cities had to be created.
- All but one stadium is operating at a reduced seating capacity ranging from 22-50%.
- Teams of 26 players were allowed to be registered instead of the usual 23 in case of any COVID infection.
- Press conferences are conducted via online mediums.
- Fans accessing stadiums must have had a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination.
This is a great experiment on how a large-scale sporting event can be safely managed in this pandemic and the future because it allows for maximum participation and attendance. And for some of us who have already planned events using the Spoke-and-Hub method, where one main event is connected with smaller satelite events held elsewhere, the EURO 2020 is quite similar but to the tune of US$400 million. Faint!
For a more detailed read visit: https://www.firstpost.com/sports/euro-2020-explainer-challenges-of-11-country-event-covid-19-protocols-and-a-look-at-co-hosting-9706601.html
