Golf’s prestigious Open Championship and rugby league’s Challenge Cup final are poised to become the next pilot events for the return of crowds to sporting events. Following the extension of national coronavirus restrictions until July 19, these two iconic occasions will join Wimbledon, the climax of football’s European Championship, and the British Grand Prix in hosting more than 10,000 spectators. As previously reported by Telegraph Sport, Wimbledon and the last four games of Euro 2020 will be operating at 50% capacity, with Centre Court accommodating a full audience for the men’s and women’s singles finals. However, the delay to ‘freedom day’ has dashed hopes of sell-out crowds at other summer events, including the European Championship final, which will be capped at around 50% capacity. The last four Euro 2020 knockout matches at Wembley and the start of Wimbledon will take place at half capacity as part of a new wave of crowd pilots. Centre Court will not be subject to social-distancing rules during the second week of Wimbledon, allowing for 15,000 spectators at the women’s and men’s singles finals on July 10 and 11. The last four Euro 2020 matches at Wembley will have crowds of around 40,000 each, with little expectation of an increase. The British Grand Prix on July 19 has also been granted pilot status, with the possibility of filling its grandstands still under consideration. Any event not granted pilot status will be limited to a capacity of 10,000 or 25%, whichever is lower. The government has confirmed that lateral-flow testing will continue to be part of its Events Research Programme. Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, expressed his desire to gather further evidence on how to safely open up large events. The expansion of trials for the NHS App and lateral flow testing will allow for bigger crowds at limited major events throughout the summer. Wimbledon has welcomed the news, confirming that the event will operate at 50% capacity at the start and gradually increase to full capacity by the finals weekend. The details of the participation in the Event Research Programme, including Covid-status certification requirements for spectators, will be finalized in due course.
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