4000 spectator limit for 2020 Bathurst 1000
Supercars has confirmed that up to 4000 spectators per day will be allowed through the gates for the 2020 Bathurst 1000 weekend, while the popular camp sites will be closed.
As part of a COVID-19 safe plan approved by NSW Health, the 4000 per day spectator allowance will only include reserved seating from Murray's Corner to Hell Corner.
That means no access to the general admission areas at the top of Mount Panorama.
In 2019 more than 201,000 fans came through the gates over the four days, marking the fifth-straight year over 200,000.
The popular camp sites will also be closed this year, while paddock access won't be allowed and there will be no autograph sessions.
The announcement follows news that the New South Wales government will increase crowd limits in stadiums from 25 per cent to 50 per cent from October 1, although strict zoning to ensure social distancing will be in place – something not possible with unseated, general admission areas.
People who had already bought tickets or camp sites for the 2020 Bathurst 1000 will have a 24-hour pre-sale window to access the new allowance, which kicks off at 12pm next Tuesday.
Existing ticket holders also have the option of rolling their tickets over to 2021 or getting a refund through Ticketek.
“Whilst we are disappointed that we can’t have a full crowd at Bathurst, we’re delighted to offer a limited attendance," said Supercars CEO Sean Seamer.
"A race track like Mount Panorama is not as easy as a stadium to prepare in a COVID-19 compliant way due to the lack of dedicated seating.
“We thank the NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council for their ongoing support of the event and for working with us on a plan that will allow fans the opportunity to see a new King of the Mountain and championship winner crowned on October 18.
“We understand a number of fans will be disappointed that camping and normal ticketing opportunities are not available this year, however the safety of everyone attending the event is our main concern at all times.”
While the limited crowd number will come as a major blow to Bathurst and its hospitality industry, mayor Bobby Bourke welcomed the fact the event will proceed at all.
“Council is pleased that the 2020 event is able to proceed and while it will look very different to previous years with limited crowd numbers, we appreciate the work that has gone into planning for a COVID-safe event by Supercars and the various government agencies," he said.
“The Bathurst 1000 is an iconic event worldwide and to be able to proceed in 2020 is a credit to all involved.
“We look forward to welcoming the teams and a small number of fans to Bathurst for the event and sharing the excitement of the event with thousands of others who will be joining us from their lounge rooms.”
The 2020 Bathurst 1000 will run from October 15-18.
Ticketing details for the 2020 Bathurst 1000
- Up to 4000 reserved seating tickets will be available per day
- Reserved seating at bottom of Mountain Panorama
- No public camping
- No access to paddock area/back of garages throughout the event for patrons
- No autograph sessions with drivers
- No access to top of Mountain Panorama
- All existing ticket holders will be given two options – roll tickets over to 2021 or access a refund through Ticketek
- Existing ticket holders will be offered an exclusive pre-sale window to purchase reserved seating tickets to the newly-designated areas: Tuesday 22nd September from 12pm AEST
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About this article
| Series | Supercars |
| Event | Bathurst |
| Author | Andrew van Leeuwen |
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