"Proper framework is in place"
Fortuna Prepares for Partial Spectator Attendance with Safety Measures
Local authorities and clubs associated with Fortuna have been considering the potential implementation of partial spectator attendance at sports stadiums as a balance between fan access and safety measures.
Fortuna Sittard Stadion currently operates with a reduced capacity of around 3,000 spectators, despite plans to increase capacity to 14,000 in the future. This reduction in capacity is likely influenced by safety or health considerations.
The focus of Fortuna's preparations is on creating a safe and manageable environment for spectators. The club's administration is lean, and the salary structure has been key to Fortuna's survival during the Corona crisis. The club's financial situation remains healthy, particularly in terms of costs.
The club's preparations for potential spectator attendance are based on its financial stability and adaptability. Clubs believe they are well-prepared for the implementation of spectator attendance, and discussions are ongoing with local authorities about possible implementations.
The concepts involve methods for spectators' arrival and departure, as well as the distance between spectators in the stadium. These measures typically include reduced capacity attendance to enable physical distancing, possible use of seat spacing and zoning within the stadium, enhanced sanitation and crowd flow management to minimize contact, and monitoring and enforcing health guidelines such as mask-wearing or vaccination/testing mandates.
By the start of the season, a partial admission of 20 percent of the stadium's capacity is now possible. Clubs are working closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with safety measures. The contracts in Fortuna were structured to remain affordable after a potential relegation to the second league.
Fortuna is prepared for any imaginable development regarding spectator attendance. The club's squad fits both sporting and economic aspects in the second league. The club aims to be as flexible as possible in its solutions for spectator attendance, and it continues to discuss various adaptive instruments with the supervisory board.
The club's focus remains on maintaining a healthy financial situation. Political authorities initially stated that spectators would not be allowed until the end of October, but it appears that plans are being made to allow for partial attendance.
These types of measures have been common considerations worldwide amid ongoing attention to crowd safety and public health, especially since recent years’ experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. German and European clubs have been grappling with safety measures and partial attendance strategies, aiming to balance fan engagement with health safety.
In summary, the potential implementations for spectator attendance at Fortuna's stadiums likely revolve around partial admission with controlled capacity limits and adherence to safety protocols, aimed at gradually restoring fan presence while prioritizing health and safety considerations.
European leagues, such as German and Fortuna, are exploring strategies for controlled spectator attendance in sports stadiums, balancing fan engagement with safety measures. Fortuna Sittard, for instance, has been preparing for a partial admission of 20 percent of its stadium's capacity, abiding by safety protocols like reduced capacity, seat spacing, enhanced sanitation, masks, and potential vaccination/testing mandates.
