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 28 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 roadmap, which allows the return of a limited number of spectators at indoor sporting events.
Friends, family and supporters of the VNSL franchises will be able to buy tickets from 12pm on Friday 21 May, with England Netball members also being able to take advantage of an exclusive pre-sale window from 2pm on Friday 21 May. Tickets will go on general sale from Monday 24 May at 12pm.
Full day tickets will be on offer as opposed to individual game tickets in line with maximum daily venue numbers and to ensure spectators can enjoy more games for their money.
Separate plans for the Semi Final and Grand Final on 26 and 27 June are being worked on to coincide with the move to step four of the Government’s roadmap, which is planned for 21 June.
As part of the first stage of welcoming fans back to live sports venues, COVID protocols will be in place for all the indoor matches. This includes fans being unable to exit and re-enter the Copper Box Arena between games, masks being worn at all times and no shouting or cheering. Fans will be asked to bring their own food and drink for the duration of their time in venue as there will be no catering facilities on site.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly with it being the first time that fans can watch some of the UK’s biggest netball stars and all the VNSL clubs, plus newcomers Leeds Rhinos, in action live since April 2020.
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.”
England Netball and VNSL club members will be emailed directly with a link to priority tickets on 21 May. Fans will only be able to purchase a maximum of six tickets each to conform with COVID guidelines. Full ticketing information and FAQs can be found here.
To see the fixtures and which teams will be facing off during each round, head to the VNSL website to find out more.
