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Portugal hosts first concert post-lockdown

Lionsgate has announced a reopening date for its theme park in China, as Portugal hosts its first concert since lockdown and the NRL announces fans will be allowed in catered areas…

Portugal

Portugal’s first concert since lockdown measures were enforced in the country saw its more than 2,000 tickets sell out in 11 minutes.

The country’s phased reopening meant shopping centres, cinemas and concert halls were able to reopen again on Monday.

The 5,000-capacity Campo Pequeno venue in Lisbon hosted the first event with a performance by Bruno Nogueira (pictured) and Manuela Azevedo.

Around 2,200 tickets were sold at €5 each, which led to a second performance being added the night after. The same number of tickets were sold for the second show, though tickets were sold at €10 instead, which would mean a ticket gross of €33,000 for both nights.

Fans were required to wear facemasks and keep a distance while queuing to get into the venue, which opened different doors for different categories of tickets to reduce traffic.

Once in the venue, attendees were encouraged to remain in their seats until the end of the show to allow staff to orchestrate a staggered exit.

Campo Pequeno has since announced another concert by Portuguese artist Dino D’Santiago on June 6.

NRL

The National Rugby League (NRL) has today said it will become the first Australian professional sports code to welcome fans back into its stadia after receiving clearance from the New South Wales (NSW) Government.

The NRL, which restarted its 2020 Premiership season on May 28, said it has gained permission for fans to attend games at NSW stadia such as Bankwest Stadium, confined to catered areas such as corporate boxes at a ratio of one person every four square metres.

The NRL will submit a biosecurity plan to the NSW Government early next week, with a view to fans being reintroduced for the fifth round of games next weekend. Up to 50 people will be permitted in one corporate box if strict distancing rules are met.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys told NRL.com that a similar proposal will be put to Queensland and Victoria’s governments if the NSW effort proves successful. He added: “We are going to be treated the same as the pubs and clubs.

“We’re very pleased the (NSW) government have corrected the anomaly, because this was allowed in pubs, clubs and racecourses but not sports stadiums. It’s a good start and our next step once we’ve done that correctly is to try to convince the government to allow us to have spectators in seated areas from July 1 or shortly afterwards.

“In the last seven days, there’s been no community infection (in NSW) whatsoever. So if the infection rate continues at zero or close to it, then there’s no reason why we couldn’t start on July 1 to seat crowds with the proper biosecurity measures.”

Lionsgate

Lionsgate Entertainment World, a film-themed vertical indoor experience centre in China, has announced a reopening date of June 24 while operating at 50 per cent capacity.

The theme park, which briefly opened in 2019 before COVID-19 forced it to close, features immersive attractions based on Lionsgate movie franchises The Hunger Games, The Twilight Saga and Now You See Me.

The firm said that in addition to limiting capacity, other health and safety measures will be implemented, including a “one guest one disinfection” policy for every VR headset, table, countertop, and ride being disinfected following every use. In addition, cashless/digital payments will be used for attendees buying tickets, merchandise and food.

Jenefer Brown, executive vice president and head of Lionsgate Global Live, Interactive and Location-Based Entertainment, said: “We’re pleased to welcome our cast members and guests back to Lionsgate Entertainment World and glad we can accommodate the tremendous pent up demand for this type of experience.

“The health and safety of our employees and theme park guests is paramount. We’ve worked carefully and thoughtfully to implement appropriate measures and procedures to ensure our guests will once again enjoy all of the Lionsgate movie adventures the park brings to life.”

Image: José Goulão