As the 17th and 19th of June approach we are all getting excited about the resumption of professional football in the F.A. Premier League (F.A.P.L.), albeit behind closed doors. There have been no new words of caution from the Government, the first 3 rounds of fixtures have been announced, and the broadcasting schedules set with some largesse. Are we all thinking the return of crowds to the stands can not be far away? If so some interesting figures from the English Rugby Football union (R.F.U.) are food for thought, and guarantee indigestion for the Finance Directors at our Clubs!
The R.F.U. owns Twickenham Stadium, the home of English Rugby. It has a capacity of 82,000 and generates about £10 million in revenue each international match day, just over half coming from ticket sales and hospitality. With the present social-distancing (S-D) rules of 2 metres (2m) as suggested by the NHS and PHE (Public Health England) that capacity would be cut to 9,000, that is one-ninth of full! If the S-D distance were relaxed to 1 metre (1m) as suggested by the W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) Twickenham could hold 40,000 fans.The following table shows projected figures for our Clubs based on this and rounded:
Club. Full Capacity. 2m. S-D crowd. 1m. S-D crowd.
Arsenal 60,000 6,600 29,200
Chelsea 40,000 4,400 19,500
Crystal Palace 25,000 2,700 12,200
Tottenham Hotspur 60,000 6,600 29,200
Watford 21,000 2,300 12,200
West Ham United 60,000 6,600 29,200
These figures, alarming as they may seem, are only theoretical projections and must depend on stadium design and what indeed does happen in the Covid-19 epidemic, but is the new “White Hart Lane” in danger of becoming a very expensive white elephant and financial disaster? One immediate thought for all the grounds is that these 1 metre S-D capacities may not be enough for the Season Ticket holders, let alone those in Club Membership schemes who hope for a reasonable chance of getting the occasional ticket. Interestingly in the E.F.L. Championship Clubs have agreed a deal with Sky Sports, who are showing 30 of the remaining 108 matches, in which season ticket holders can view the remaining 78 matches free on iFollow. More food for thought for the F.A.P.L. and our Clubs.
To finish on a happier note congratulations to Chelsea Women’s team who were awarded the W.S.L. (Women’s Super League) title on a points per game basis even though they had 1 point less than runner’s up Manchester City but had played one game less.
Until next time “keep safe” and if you are an essential worker “thank you”, Andrew at PLDs.