Ticketing details have been revealed for the 2020-21 Carabao Cup final, which is being used as a test event under the UK Government’s Events Research Programme (ERP), with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City allocated 2,000 tickets each.
The game between the two Premier League clubs at London’s 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium forms part of the ERP aimed at getting fans back safely as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually eased.
Eight thousand spectators will be allowed for the match, which had initially been due to take place on February 28 but will now be held on April 25 to allow more fans to attend.
The window for season ticket holders to apply for tickets closes tomorrow (Wednesday). City will make tickets available to supporters registered on its 2019-20 League Cup Scheme and the sales window will open at 9am on April 15.
In order to attend the Carabao Cup final and participate in the UK Government’s ERP, fans must complete a consent form, which will be sent to all those successful in applying for a ticket.
Fans under the age of 18 will not be able to purchase a ticket or attend the fixture due to the ERP’s protocols.
In addition, attendees must undertake a lateral flow COVID-19 test 24 hours prior to attending the match and bring proof of a negative result to gain entry to the stadium. Participants are also requested to undertake a PCR COVID-19 home test prior to the event and again five days after the event.
“It is the responsibility of our supporters to decide whether or not it is appropriate to attend this fixture,” Spurs said in a statement. “This decision should be based upon your own health status and susceptibility to infection, and that of members of your family, social bubble or, where applicable, your support bubble, together with an assessment of your own attitude to the potential risks.”
Tickets will be available in two price categories costing either £50 or £40.
Fans traveling from Greater Manchester or the surrounding area will be required to select a predetermined method of transport – either train, coach or car. At the point of ticket purchase, supporters must select – and if applicable purchase – their preferred mode of transport, subject to availability.
Other test events involved in the pilot programme include the EFL Cup Final on April 25, which is to have 8,000 supporters, while the FA Cup semi-final on April 18 will host an audience of 4,000.
Researchers at the ERP test events will gather evidence associated with different settings and approaches to managing and mitigating COVID-19 transmission risk.
The pilots will explore how different approaches to social distancing, ventilation and test-on-entry protocols could ease opening and maximise participation. COVID-status certification will also be trialled as part of the pilot programme.
Researchers will also be at the venues to monitor crowd movements at the pilots and look at how attendees behave in these environments, as well as consider the economic impact of any mitigation measures trialled, such as changes to the layout.
Image: Nicholas Gemini / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Edited for size
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