More than 10,000 ticket holders for Sunday night’s NRL grand final will be locked out of Suncorp Stadium, after the Queensland government introduced capacity limits for the match.
The state has recorded six new COVID-19 cases, prompting a tightening of restrictions from 4pm today.
Included in those restrictions is a 75 per cent capacity limit for sporting events, including the grand final between Penrith and Souths.
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“It’s going to be unfortunate for people, and it is sad, but this is the health advice,” said Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The premier said the grand final would have no bearing on any decision regarding a lockdown for all of the Brisbane area, if that’s what chief health officer Jeannette Young recommends.
“None, absolutely none,” she said.
“Let me make it very clear, the health of Queenslanders comes first, and as soon as Dr Young says we need to move into a lockdown, we will.”
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The NRL has confirmed the final 25 per cent of fans who purchased tickets will be the ones to miss out.
“We had two allocations of grand final tickets. The first was to the general public and the second was aimed at fans of both grand final teams,” CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“The fairest way to determine who can attend the game is by prioritising the first 75 per cent to purchase tickets in each allocation. Any fan who no longer wants to attend will also be able to access a refund.”
“I want to acknowledge fans who will now miss out on attending the grand final. I know you had been counting down the days to a once in a lifetime experience and this will be difficult news to take, but this decision is out of our hands.”
The NRL has already flagged Townsville as the backup venue should Brisbane be locked down, but that option may be off the table following confirmation that region will also be subject to restrictions, including the 75 per cent capacity limit.
An airline worker who has tested positive to COVID-19 visited Townsville, prompting the Queensland government to include the area in the latest restrictions.
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