England Netball is preparing for the return of spectators to the Copper Box Arena in London for the remaining games of the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season. From 28th May, up to 1,000 fans per day will have the opportunity to secure tickets to watch the remaining rounds (17, 18, 19 and 20) of the most exciting, fast paced and thrilling VNSL season to date. The news comes after the Government recently confirmed the country’s move to step three of the COVID-19 roadmap, which allows the return of a limited number of spectators at indoor sporting events.
Priority Ticket Access With Manchester Thunder Membership
Manchester Thunder members will have a priority window to secure their tickets from Friday 21st May before they go on general sale on Monday 24th May. Full day tickets will be on offer as opposed to individual game tickets, which will see fans enjoy multiple games per day, in line with maximum daily venue numbers as per Government guidelines.
Fans will be able to purchase a maximum of six tickets each to conform with COVID-19 guidelines.
If you are not yet a Thunder member, there is still time to sign up and take advantage of the priority ticket access and become part of the #thunderfamily by clicking here.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly with fans being able to watch some of netball’s biggest homegrown and international stars take to the court live in the VNSL since April 2020.
Separate plans for the Semi Final and Grand Final on 26th and 27th June are being worked on to coincide with the move to step four of the Government’s roadmap, which is planned for 21st June.
Thunder members will be emailed directly with a link to priority ticket access on Friday 21st May.
COVID-19 Protocols In The Venue
As part of the first stage of welcoming fans back to live sports venues, COVID-19 protocols will be in place for all matches. This includes:
- A ticket purchased is for the entire day, not one ticket per match
- Re-admission throughout the day is currently not permitted – once you have entered the venue, you’re there for the day
- COVID-19 screening upon arrival
- A one-way system in place to move spectators around the Copper Box Arena
- Masks to be worn at all times in the venue (if someone is mask exempt, they will need to bring their proof with them on the day)
- Fans to bring their own food and drink for the duration of their time in venue as there will be no catering facilities on site – drinking water is available in the venue
- A socially distanced seating plan in operation
- Merchandise will not be available to purchase
- Spectators cannot scream/shout/cheer and must adhere to a code of conduct
To see the remaining Manchester Thunder fixtures for 2021, head on over to our match centre, or to see all the teams that will be facing off during each round, head to the VNSL website.
Debbie Hallas, Managing Director of Manchester Thunder said, “We are delighted that netball can now safely return fans to live events. As a club with arguably the best fans and support in the league, we will strive to show our support to the players and staff on court with our presence during the final rounds. We are grateful to the Vitality Netball Superleague for making this happen and hope when the finals weekend comes around we will be able to welcome event more fans.”
Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball, said: “The return of fans is an exciting moment for clubs, athletes, coaches, volunteers and everyone who has been working hard behind the scenes to deliver the 2021 season so far. As we take our first step in welcoming fans back to elite netball it is important to note that player, team, staff and spectator safety remains our priority and as such strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place during the ticket purchasing stage and whilst in venue to help keep everyone involved safe.
“The VNSL season has been a spectacular one to date, with world class competition and talent on court week in week out, and whilst we’ve enjoyed having more eyes on the game than ever before with Sky Sports streaming all of the action live this season, it’ll be so special to see fans back in venue supporting our VNSL clubs and athletes.
“Getting to this stage of the season during such unprecedented and challenging times for our sport is testament to the huge efforts behind the scenes to help deliver the 2021 season and I want to thank everyone who has played a part to date in making this happen, as well as the amazing Netball Family for their continued patience, support and dedication.”