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 Professional sports stadiums in Japan have been limited to 50%
capacity as part of efforts to curb the spread of the novel
coronavirus, with the vast majority of games going ahead without
issue.
Economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who heads
Japan's COVID-19 fight, told reporters late on Thursday that if the
"experiment" was a success all professional stadiums would be
allowed to boost capacity.
The Yokohama Baystars, who play at the 34,000-capacity Yokohama
Stadium, which will also be used during the Olympics, confirmed in a
statement that three games would be played at the venue with
capacity set at around 80%.
On Thursday at the Tokyo Dome, where the Yomiuri Giants hosted
Hiroshima Carp, 19,000 fans attended the game with full coronavirus
countermeasures on display.
As well as having their temperature checked upon entry and
disinfectant being available throughout the venue, which can host up
to 45,000, all fans had to give their contact details to staff in
case of an outbreak.
Giants fans have even changed their most popular chant to involve
less yelling and vigorous movement that may spread the virus, while
there was no sign of the ‘uriko’ beer vendors who are usually
bringing drinks to fans in their seats.
"After being able to accept spectators, we have done various anti-coronavirus
measures that we hadn’t done before,” Masatoshi Yamada, an official
from the Giants’ promotional department, told Reuters.
"We have proposed a new cheering style, which is to cheer without
shouting, as well as disinfection of seats and distribution of
alcohol wipes."
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'SENSE OF SAFETY'
Yamada said that Tokyo 2020 officials had visited and seen the countermeasures
for themselves.
"We hope it can be one future reference for the success of the Tokyo Olympics
next year," he said.
Fans said they felt safe with the additional measures in place and were thrilled
to be back watching their beloved team.
"If one’s mask is not in a proper position, security staff immediately
approaches that person and asks them to wear it properly," said Yoshiko Matsuo,
who attended the game with her daughter.
"Also, there are alcohol disinfection kits everywhere. So, I think we can come
to the stadium with a sense of safety."
Tokyo Games organisers, who have yet to decide whether to allow spectators into
venues during the Olympics, told Reuters they would assess the impact of the
countermeasures on show at the Dome.
"It is encouraging to see sport putting a smile on people's faces every day,"
Tokyo 2020 told Reuters via email.
"We see this as a valuable opportunity to gain expertise on COVID-19
countermeasures and are exchanging information with parties involved."
Over seven million tickets have already been sold for the Games.
(Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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