GROS ISLET, St Lucia – Fans in the region will return to cricket for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when 400 full vaccinated spectators are allowed for each day of the second Test against South Africa starting at the Daren Sammy National Stadium on Friday.
The move is part of a pilot project initiated by the St Lucia government, in collaboration with Cricket West Indies and the St Lucia Cricket Association, and marks a major milestone for the sport which has been played behind closed doors over the last year-and-a-half, in keeping with the bio-secure bubbles created for each series.
However, fans attending, must be over 18-years-old and must have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on or before June 4. While admission will be free, persons will need to present valid proof of vaccination along with photo identification before receiving their ticket for entry.
“The Government of St. Lucia has initiated this pilot project which will allow for the safe return of fans to watch international cricket for the first time in the West Indies since the start of the pandemic,” said CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave.
“We are happy to support the initiative by welcoming supporters into the stands for free to see their favourite West Indies team in action.
“A lot of detailed planning has gone into making this a reality and we thank the Government of St Lucia, the health officials, as well as the SLNCA who, together with CWI have worked tirelessly to ensure we can accommodate those fans fortunate enough to benefit from this opportunity.”
Only the Johnson Charles Stand will be utilised, with fans mandated to remain masked and socially distanced at all times throughout the day.
Vendors will not be allowed in the venue and therefore fans will be allowed to bring their food and non-alcoholic drinks. Fans who leave will not be allowed re-entry.
Sri Lanka’s tour of the Caribbean earlier this year was the first international series hosted since the pandemic emerged in the region last year March, but was played without fans as part of the now familiar bio-secure arrangements.
The first Test last weekend was also played without fans.
As of Thursday, St Lucia had recorded 5 188 cases of COVID-19 since the outbreak began, but currently has only 74 active cases. The country has recorded 80 deaths.
Nearly 21 000 people have been fully vaccinated while nearly 30 000 have received the first dose of the vaccine.
COVID-19 Test match Entry protocols
*Fans must bring their vaccination certificate to be validated by Ministry of Health officials, along with personal photo ID to receive a free match ticket.
*Ticket office location is at the East Gate.
*Tickets will be available, subject to the validation of individual’s fully vaccinated status, until 7pm today, and then from 4pm to 6pm on Friday, June 18.
*Fans will only be able to get tickets for themselves. Friends or family members will need to come to the ticket office separately for validation and to access tickets.
*Tickets to be issued on a first come first served basis until they have been exhausted – no additional tickets will be made available.
*Fans will need to present their ID, ticket and vaccination documentation to be allowed entry.
*Tickets are not transferable to other match days or to other individuals
*Fans will need to wear face masks at all times and socially distance in the stadium.
*Fans will be accommodated in the Johnson Charles Stand only.
*No re-entry allowed if fans leave the venue.
*Under-18s will not allowed entry.
*Additionally, with vendors not available in the stadium, fans will be able to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. The following list of restrictions must be adhered to for entry into the ground on match day:
*Fans can bring in coolers, of a size that can fit under a seat for food and drink (12x12x12).
*Any ice in coolers must remain bagged to allow security inspection of coolers.
*Glass bottles of any kind are not allowed.
*Alcohol of any kind is not allowed.
*No knives, sharp metal objects.