Spanish stadiums will be able to increase capacity to 60% after COVID-19 vaccination across the population reached the milestone of 70%.
Outdoor venues, such as La Liga football stadiums, can go up to 60% during September from the 40% limit that was introduced at the start of August. Indoor venues will increase to 40% from the previous limit of 30%. In both indoor and outdoor arenas, operators must guarantee a minimum interpersonal distance of 1.5m.
Minister of Health Carolina Darias said the easing of capacity restrictions was linked to vaccination uptake.
The changes, which will be in place from September 1-30, were announced by the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS), which oversees health services throughout the country. It said the rules were minimum requirements with authorities able to add other measures based on the evolution of the pandemic and the impact of vaccination campaigns.
Those attending sporting fixtures must continue to wear masks, with compliance to be monitored.
Restrictions on the sale of food and beverages on match days remain in force, with the consumption of tobacco and related products also banned. Indoor arenas have also been recommended to continue providing permanent natural ventilation where possible to reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 infection.
CISNS said a new evaluation of the situation will be carried out in the last week of September.
Since the start of the La Liga season in mid-August, FC Barcelona has welcomed crowds of 20,384 and 26,543 for its two home games despite being able to host up to 29,800. The club received just 15,820 requests for tickets from its 83,000 season ticket holders for the visit of Real Sociedad on the opening weekend.
Real Madrid will host its first home game of the season on September 12 after opening the campaign with three away fixtures.
Image: Bruno Barreto on Unsplash
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